Today is Wear Red and Give Day, a national moment to pause, reflect, and take action in support of women’s heart health. This day means more to me than I ever expected it would.
Before the age of 50, I suffered a heart attack.
I was busy, deeply engaged in my work, and accustomed to operating under constant pressure.
Like many women, I assumed stress and fatigue were simply part of life and part of leadership, and I pushed through.
What I learned is something I feel strongly about sharing. Heart disease does not always present the way we expect it to, especially in women.
The Signs Are Not Always Obvious
Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women, yet many women do not know they are at risk. Symptoms can be subtle and are often dismissed as stress or exhaustion. They may include:
Persistent fatigue
Shortness of breath
Nausea or indigestion like discomfort
Pain in the jaw, neck, back, or shoulders
Lightheadedness or dizziness
A deep sense that something just is not right
Finally listening to my body and acting when something felt off saved my life. I share this not to alarm, but to encourage awareness and early action.
Stress Is Not a Badge of Honor
In public service and municipal leadership, stress is often normalized. Deadlines are real. Expectations are high. Communities depend on us. But chronic stress takes a real toll on our bodies, particularly our hearts.
Managing stress does not mean stepping away from responsibility. It means recognizing limits, prioritizing health, and building sustainable ways to lead and serve. We owe that not only to ourselves, but to the people who rely on us.
Wear Red and Give Day
Today is Wear Red and Give Day, a National Day of Action to support women’s heart health through the American Heart Association.
These contributions fund critical research into how women’s hearts function differently, expand education and awareness programs, and help empower women to recognize symptoms early and take control of their health.
As you reflect on today, I encourage you to ask yourself. Who will you wear red for
A mother. A sister. A daughter. A colleague. A friend. Or yourself.
At Capital Strategic Solutions, we spend our time helping communities strengthen systems, organizations, and leadership. My experience reinforced something I believe deeply. Strong
communities depend on healthy people.
Today, wear red with purpose. Share the message. Give if you are able. Most importantly, listen to your body and take care of your heart. It matters more than you know.
About Capital Strategic Solutions
CSS is a certified woman-owned, disadvantaged business enterprise of municipal experts delivering creative, cost-effective solutions that maximize success and minimize risk. With deep local government expertise, we craft tailored strategies to meet each community’s unique needs.
Our capabilities span public administration, municipal finance, human resources, policy development, emergency management, public safety, public works, water operations, interim municipal services, public relations, community engagement, project management, grant writing, and onsite support. We partner with clients to define clear goals, overcome challenges, and implement human-centered plans that drive performance and transform communities.