National Wear Red Day raises awareness of heart disease risks

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Friday, Feb. 2 is observed National Wear Red Day, focusing on increasing awareness about cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. One goal of the day is to reduce the stigma associated with performing CPR on women, to ensure more lives are saved as a whole.

Scott Kasten, Battalion Chief of Operations at Oak Creek Fire Department, joined us on Friday to explain the significance of the day and provide a hands-only CPR demonstration to emphasize the importance of immediate response in cardiac emergencies.

Kasten highlighted that despite statistics showing women are less likely to receive bystander CPR, education and awareness can help overcome that. He also discussed the American Heart Association's year-round efforts to educate the public on heart health and the essential role of quick action during a cardiac emergency.

More information about staying educated and healthy can be found by visiting the AHA online.