Feb. 3, 2012 will mark the seventh annual American Heart Association National Wear Red Day for Women to raise awareness that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 health threat facing women today.

Unfortunately, most people still do not know that heart disease and stroke are the leading causes of death for women. These two diseases kill more than 480,000 women in the United States every year; more than the next five causes of death combined, including all cancers.

On Long Island, more than 5,600 women die of heart disease and stroke each year.

One of the components of Go Red for Women will be National “Wear Red Day for Women” on Feb. 3, 2012. On Friday, Feb. 3, wear something red - a red dress, tie, jacket, scarf, hat, blouse or shirt.

Go Red For Women and show your commitment to reducing risk, improving health and saving women’s lives. Some of the activities planned for this year can be viewed on their website www.americanheart.org and www.goredforwomen.org.