The Cougar's Byte

Issue date: 2/2/10 Section: Campus News

The color red symbolizes passion, warmth, and love. It can also represent anger, danger, and intensity. Friday, February 5, 2010, is National Wear Red Day. The red dress has become a symbol for women's heart disease. Everyone is encouraged to participate by wearing red attire to support awareness of heart disease. According to The American Heart Association at americanheart.org, heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country; one in four women dies of heart disease. Heart disease is caused by cigarette smoke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Diabetes also contributes to this deathly disease.

Heart disease is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. It can lead to a heart attack and death. Symptoms include chest pains and difficulty exercising. Shortness of breath and headaches can also be a symptom of not getting enough oxygen to the heart. But sometimes, there are no symptoms at all. There are other effects that heart disease can have, including strokes and paralysis. Treatment and diagnosis may vary, but if anyone is experiencing symptoms of heart disease, she or he should speak to a doctor. A doctor can diagnose and treat the patient according to the individual's needs.

This is a very serious condition, which can be prevented by reducing stress levels. While this may be easier said than done, it is each person's responsibilities to ensure that they get plenty of sleep, eat right, and exercise often. The heart also symbolizes passion, so one should be careful and take care of it. Prevention and awareness are vital to combating this disease.

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