‘Wear Red Day’ Launches Heart Month

Led by NHLBI director Dr. Gary Gibbons and staff, NIH got in the mood to move on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. Spreading the message to “Move with Heart” for at least 150 minutes a week, a crowd enthusiastically joined in a grand line-dancing effort in the Clinical Research Center’s atrium as part of NHLBI’s campaign for American Heart Month.

During February and throughout the year, NHLBI encourages all Americans to increase their physical activity. Research shows that being physically active can help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. The institute sent out a call on social media for others to share in the day, “Sporting red for National #WearRedDay?...Submit your video pledge to move more for your heart health today! http://www.movewithheartpledge.com/.”

On Twitter, Gibbons was shown pedaling a stationary bike, vowing, “My pledge is to move more for a healthier heart by having more meetings on the move!” He challenged NIH director Dr. Francis Collins, “Now it’s your turn to take the pledge...@NIHDirector!”

Rising to the occasion, Collins tweeted a video of himself and his wife Diane Baker moving a monster tire, “I accept your challenge, Gary, and pledge to move more for my heart health. I challenge @Surgeon_General to do the same...”

The nation’s doctor, Surgeon General Jerome Adams, responded by posting a video of himself going for a layup on the basketball court. “...I pass the ball to @SGottliebFDA...The ball is in your court!”

Off the main campus, at an annual NHLBI Division of Cardiovascular Sciences Wear Red Day potluck lunch, staff shared red-colored foods to highlight the day. The luncheon took place at the Rockledge II Bldg.