While the Red Dress Dash is a little silly, the heart of its message is serious.
The event raises awareness about heart disease, how to prevent it, the warning signs, and what to do once you're diagnosed, a message the American Heart Association said is important since cardiovascular disease kills one in three women every single year.
"It's a fun way to raise awareness," said Vicky Franck, the executive director for the Heart and Vascular Services Department for Shawnee Mission Health. "You will have men and women dressed up in red dresses and probably some high heels and we will have awards for the best dress diva - and that may go to a male."
The Red Dress Dash kicks off Friday, Feb. 3 at 5:00 p.m. and continues until 9:00 p.m. The actual dash happens at 6:15 p.m.
If you need to get your heart checked, North Kansas City Hospital hosts 'Test Your Ticker' heart health fairs during the month of February.
WHAT: Receive a full lipid profile along with a check of your height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood pressure and blood sugar level.
WHEN/WHERE:
Feb. 4, 7:30-11 a.m.
ZONA ROSA (The Grove)
Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
HARLEY & HEARTS
WORTH HARLEY-DAVIDSON
Feb. 16, 7:30-11:30 a.m.
GLADSTONE COMMUNITY CENTER
Feb. 23, 7:30-11 a.m.
YMCA PLATTE CITY
HOW: The event is free, but you registration is required.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
