MATTAWA - The Wear Red Day Heart Health Screenings Event will be held at various Columbia Basin Health Association Clinics (CBHA) on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013

"Heart Disease kills more women than all cancers combined," said CBHA physician, Dr. Rebecca Locke. "Heart disease was long thought to be a man's disease," she said. In actuality, heart disease is the number one killer of both women and men according to the American Cancer Society.

The American Health Association launched its "Wear Red Day" campaign ten years ago to raise awareness about heart disease in women.

A "Wear Red Day" event will be held at all CBHA clinics on Friday, February 1.

The event will run from 10 am to 4 pm at the Wahluke Family Clinic.

Events will also be at will be at Othello Family Clinic, 14th Avenue Medical Center and Connell Family Clinic from 9 am to 4 pm.

Professional staff will help participants complete a free Heart Health Risk Assessment.

"There are certain risk factors that can help determine if a woman is at risk of developing heart disease," Dr. Locke said. "If a participant's scores are low on the assessment, clinic staff will help them set up an appointment with a medical provider."

Blood pressures will also be taken and participants of the free assessment can be entered to win a great heart health related door prize.

There are a number of risk factors or habits that make a person more likely to develop heart disease. Factors that can be controlled include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol & triglyceride levels, diabetes, pre diabetes and physical inactivity.

Factors not within a woman's control are family history, age 55 or older and a history of preeclampsia.

Many women are not aware that they are at risk for heart disease. This screening event is designed to increase awareness.

National Wear Red Day is a day when Americans nationwide wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Everyone is invited to join in wearing red on February 1 to raise awareness of women's heart disease.