Michigan, are you up for the "America Goes Red Challenge?"

Go Red For Women celebrates American Heart Month and 10 years of fighting heart disease

DETROIT, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To help raise awareness of America's number one killer of women, the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women movement is urging Americans to participate in the "America Goes Red Challenge." In February, the movement will celebrate American Heart Month in addition to Go Red For Women's 10^th anniversary of National Wear Red Day.

The "America Goes Red Challenge" kicks off Feb. 1^st on National Wear Red Day. Cities, businesses, organizations, hospitals and citizens are encouraged to "go red." For the first time, the Association is asking home owners to participate in the challenge. Suggestions include:

• Decorate homes, churches, hospitals and businesses with red decorations
  • Use red lighting, wreaths or ribbons
  • Cover mailbox in red paint or fabric
  • Illuminate pathways and door frames with red luminaries
• Display the iconic red dress on windows or in store fronts
• Wear an article of red clothing or the Go Red For Women red dress pin

"As a heart attack survivor, I urge women to take part in this movement in order to become knowledgeable about something that is bigger than all of us--heart disease," said Janine Krolikowski, heart attack survivor and Go Red For Women spokesperson. "It is time to listen to our bodies, be aware of the symptoms and live healthier lives."

All month long the movement motivates those affected by heart disease to share their story to inspire others to join the movement. Aside from "going red," people can participate in the celebration by attending the Go Red For Women Luncheon in their local communities or participating in events.

The Go Red For Women movement strives to  improve the heart health and awareness in women. The goal is to measurably improve heart health, increase and deepen consumer engagement, improve public awareness about women and heart disease and raise funds for the mission. As a result of the movement, more than 627,000 women's lives have been saved, 65 percent of American women are now aware that heart disease is their number one killer.  Go Red For Women wants American's to make the fight against heart disease their personal mission.

For more information about Go Red For Women visit www.goredforwomen.org. Nationally, Go Red For Women is sponsored by Macy's and Merck. Also, subscribe to our YouTube page: youtube.com/GoRedForWomen, find us on Facebook at Go Red For Women, follow us on Twitter @GoRedForWomen and tweet #WearRedDay.

About Go Red For Women 
Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association's solution to save women's lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co., Inc.

SOURCE American Heart Association