Hey Operation Flourish Fam!
Tomorrow is Friday, February 7, 2025, and it is National Wear Red Day. This is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart (pun intended!). This day, which is part of American Heart Month, is dedicated to raising awareness about women's heart health, and it's a campaign spearheaded by the American Heart Association that I'm passionate about supporting.
Why am I passionate about this cause?
Because this isn't just a general health concern for me – it's deeply personal. My story with heart health began before I even took my first breath. When my mom was pregnant with me, I had four holes in my heart. My mom shared with me the incredible and terrifying experience she went through while pregnant. Every time something touched her stomach; my tiny heart would stop beating. Thankfully, two of the holes closed before I was born, and the other two healed by the time I was two.
But my heart journey didn't end there. As a young teenager, I was diagnosed with sinus bradycardia. My heart rate was consistently in the low thirties – dangerously low. Since then, I've been on a mission to strengthen my heart, working hard to ensure it pumps efficiently. Even with all that effort, my heart rate often hovers only in the 50s. I'm acutely aware that there might come a day when I'll need medication or even a pacemaker.
Why am I sharing my story?
I'm sharing this deeply personal part of my history not for sympathy, but to illustrate why Go Red for Women isn't just a campaign I support in name only – it's a cause that resonates with every beat of my (sometimes sluggish!) heart. It's a reminder that heart health isn't just an "old person's" issue or a "man's" issue. It affects everyone, including young women like me.
What's so important about this day?
National Wear Red Day is so much more than just a fashion statement. It's a powerful symbol of solidarity, a call to action, and a reminder that we need to prioritize our heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, and often, the symptoms are different than what men experience. We need to be informed, proactive, and advocate for ourselves and the women we love.
How can you get involved and make a difference?
Here are a few ideas:
Wear Red: The most visible way to show your support! Rock your favorite red dress, shirt, or accessories on February 7th.
Donate: Contribute to the American Heart Association to fund vital research and educational programs.
Spread the Word: Share information about Go Red for Women on social media using the hashtag #GoRedForWomen. Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the importance of heart health.
Know Your Numbers: Get regular checkups and understand your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors.
Make Healthy Choices: Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Heart Healthy Recipe:
To commemorate this day, I want to share a simple and delicious recipe that's good for your heart and your taste buds:
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad:
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1 cucumber, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, diced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
Whisk together dressing ingredients and pour over salad.
Toss to combine.
As we reflect on today, let's make 2025 the year we prioritize our heart health. Join me in making a donation at https://wearredday2025.funraise.org/fundraiser/kayla-myers-my-heart-story and by wearing red today and making a difference in the lives of women everywhere!
Remember, every beat counts.
Cheerfully yours,
Kayla Myers
#GoRedForWomen #WearRedDay #AmericanHeartAssociation #HeartHealth #WomensHealth #MyHeartStory #HeartDiseaseAwareness #HeartHealthMatters #HealthyLifestyle #AmericanHeartMonth #ChooseHealth #OperationFlourish
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