Why is PSG wearing red today?
Posted on February 2, 2021
Heart disease is a leading cause of death among Americans, especially women.[1] National Wear Red Day® is observed on the first Friday of February to raise awareness of heart disease in women. Pharmaceutical Strategies Group (PSG) has a robust roster of women in leadership roles and in the spirit of women supporting women, they have dressed in red and provided tips highlighting opportunities for heart disease prevention.
Spotlight on Tara Higgins, PharmD
Wear Red Day is especially near and dear to one of our pharmacist’s hearts. (Pun intended.) Tara Higgins, PharmD, has a long legacy of involvement with Wear Red Day and the American Heart Association (AHA).
“Cardiovascular disease presents differently in women,” said Tara. “It is not just a ‘man’s disease.’ It is important to highlight how heart conditions affect women and show stories of women impacted by heart conditions and how they are living with them.”
The focus on prevention and what women can do to prevent their risks for heart conditions such as high blood pressure makes Wear Red Day particularly valuable. Tara underscored the importance of embracing accessible tips, like those identified by her colleagues.
“Keeping active, making healthy food choices, reducing and managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting salt intake are actions that people can take to reduce their risks and help control their heart conditions,” added Tara.
Tara’s involvement with the AHA spanned over 20 years. In fact, she is a second-generation AHA volunteer because her grandmother worked with the AHA Vermont chapter.
“It started with the annual Southeastern New England Heart Walk, which I participated in on an annual basis and was a top-tiered fundraiser for several years. I have participated for over 15 years in the annual Go Red for Women luncheon.”
“The stories are an inspiration to tackle heart conditions through treatment, research, and prevention. I am so impressed with the research funded by the American Heart Association. I have had the opportunity to speak to the scientists that are involved with this vitally important research.”
Tara is currently a member of the Executive Leadership Team for Go Red for Women in Rhode Island and works with other local women to promote the AHA’s work and raise awareness.
Any regular readers of our PSG insights know that Tara is an experienced advocate with a prolific career in the diabetes space. Since diabetes is a cardiovascular disease, her work with the AHA intersects with her passion and work with diabetes.
There are 34.2 million Americans with diabetes and 88 million with pre-diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).[2] Diabetes is a top category of spend for most plan sponsors. Learn more insights from Tara in Let’s Talk Diabetes and how PSG innovations revolutionize diabetes management.
[1] National Wear Red Day (nih.gov)
[2] Diabetes Quick Facts | Basics | Diabetes | CDC
