Samford University's is recognizing the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Movement throughout the month of February, with activities coordinated by Samford's Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing. The movement seeks to promote awareness about the effects of heart disease, especially among women, and raise funds for research and treatment of heart disease.

"Heart disease is the number one cause of death among women," said Nena F. Sanders, Ida V. Moffett School of Nursing dean. "One out of three women will die from some form of heart disease."

The month-long series of events kicks on Feb. 1 with National Wear Red Day. The School of Nursing has partnered with St. Vincent's Health Systems to provide free on-campus blood pressure and heart screenings during National Wear Red Day. The School of Nursing also plans to hold another blood pressure screening in the library in February, Sanders said.

Throughout the month of February, several Samford departments and organizations will recognize the Go Red movement. Samford Athletics will sponsor a "red-out" basketball game Feb. 23, and the University Library is hosting a display about heart disease and women's heart health.

"More women die from heart disease than from all cancers combined," Sanders said. "This is a month long effort to bring awareness to everyone about heart disease, especially women."

Bo Morris is a senior journalism and mass communication major and a news and feature writer in the Office of Marketing and Communication.