The employees of Coastal Electric Cooperative wore red Feb. 10 in support of Go Red for Women, the national program of the American Heart Association to raise awareness for heart disease in women.

Why Go Red? According to the association, heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year, killing approximately one woman every 80 seconds. It estimates that 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented with education and action.

The employees also participated in a company-wide health screening in the morning that included blood-pressure checks, cholesterol and blood-sugar screenings.

Go Red stands for:
Get your numbers: Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose.
Own your lifestyle: Stop smoking, lose weight, be physically active and eat healthy.
Raise your voice: Advocate for more women-related research and education.
Educate your family: Make healthy food choices for you and your family. Teach kids the importance of staying active.
Donate: Show your support with a donation of time or money.

To learn more about Go Red for Women, watch a video that could save your life at www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtgEOKZbJLw.