It’s heart month—important in our industry when heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. The team at Salon Nadwa in Farmington Hills, MI, designed this look specifically for Valentine’s Day, but it’s a great reminder throughout the month to raise awareness for heart health. Cardiovascular health is typically achieved through eating well, exercising and not smoking, but many congenital factors also contribute to the health of an individual’s heart.

The American Heart Association teamed up with the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute in 2003 to launch National Heart Month along with National Wear Red Day, which this year took place on February 3. Red was chosen not only because it reflects the heart’s color but also because red clothing helps us to stand out and feel powerful and confident. According to the American Heart Association, women in the U.S. have made a lot of progress in these past 14 years:

• Nearly 90% of women have made at least one healthy behavior change.

• More than one-third of women have lost weight.

• More than 50% of women have increased their exercise.

• 6 out of 10 women have changed their diets.

• More than 40% of women have checked their cholesterol levels.

• One third of women have talked with their doctors about developing heart health plans.

• Today, nearly 300 fewer women die from heart disease and stroke each day.