Wear Red Day kicks off American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and Friday, Feb. 3, is National Wear Red Day, both drawing attention to cardiovascular disease and the efforts to stop America's number one killer.

Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease. Since 2004, February also has been the signature month for the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women campaign and the message that heart disease is not only a man's problem.

The facts are clear. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined.  Unfortunately, heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood.

Join the conversation about heart health and learn more about how to protect your heart at www.GoRedForWomen.org. And on Feb. 3, join the mission to fight heart disease in women by choosing to Go Red.

Celebrate American Heart Month here in Eastern Iowa

All month: A photo gallery of American Heart Association Go Red For Women Survivors will be on display at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids.

Thursday, Feb. 2: Circle of Red - SOLD OUT, Mercy Health Plaza, 5264 Council St., NE, Cedar Rapids

Friday, Feb. 3:  Wear Red Day, Individuals across the state will wear red to raise awareness of women's No. 1 killer – heart disease.  Get free resources at www.WearRedDay.org.

Sunday, Feb. 5:  38th annual Don Roberts Square Dance, Knights of Columbus Hall, 5650 Kacena Ave., Marion. From 1 to 4 p.m. Public is welcome.

Sunday, Feb. 12:  Go Red UI Women's Basketball Game, See Chelsea Russell, Iowa's Golden Girl, during the halftime show.  Wear red and enjoy a great family-friendly event.

Saturday, Feb. 25:  Cedar Rapids Heart Ball, presented by Crystal Group, Cedar Rapids Country Club, 550 27th St. Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids. The American Heart Association's 20th Annual Heart Ball-Jazz in the Vineyard will feature silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment.  For more information contact Jennifer McLeod, (800) 691-6027 x7345, Jennifer.McLeod@heart.org.

Friday, March 30:  Johnson County Heart of Gold Gala, presented by Mercy Iowa City and the University of Iowa Heart and Vascular Center, Kinnick Press Box Lounge, Iowa City. The Johnson County Heart of Gold Gala will feature silent and live auctions, dinner and entertainment.  For more information contact Michelle Catlett, (800) 691-6027 x7346, Michelle.Catlett@heart.org.