Go Red For Women(R) Launches 12-Week Program to Improve Heart Health and Save Lives

American Heart Association’s Go Red BetterU Transforms Total Health Through Free Online Makeover

DALLAS, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Although largely preventable, heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of women in the U.S. That’s why the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women(R) is inviting women across the country to listen to their hearts and turn their personal choices into life-saving action — to choose to be a BetterU! Go Red BetterU is not about fad diets and new exercise trends, but rather a program that focuses on skills and information that help today’s busy women lead their own lives, only better.

Actress Jennie Garth will help launch Go Red BetterU, a free, 12-week online makeover, at GoRedForWomen.org. “After watching my father suffer with heart disease for more than 25 years and learning of my own heart condition, I want to be a better me and help other women be better, too,” said Jennie Garth, Go Red For Women spokesperson. “Go Red BetterU gives women the power and knowledge to make simple choices everyday that can improve their health and the health of their families.”

Fewer than half of American women maintain a healthy weight, keep a heart healthy diet and get regular physical activity. Furthermore, millions of women struggle to get motivated to begin a health regimen, feeling they are too tired or just don’t have time. Powered by the American Heart Association’s research, Go Red BetterU provides guidance to help women transform their overall health through small, simple choices. Go Red BetterU gives women the choice to achieve a noticeably better state of well-being and heart health in just 12 weeks.

Small Choices Can Go a Long Way

“Research shows the combined effect of small lifestyle choices, such as smoking cessation, increase in exercise and replacing high-fat foods with fruit and vegetables can significantly reduce risk for heart disease and impact longevity,” said Jennifer H. Mieres, M.D., Go Red For Women spokeswoman and director of Nuclear Cardiology at New York University. “Cardiovascular disease kills more than 450,000 women each year — about one every minute — but it is largely preventable if women choose to act to beat heart disease.”

The Support Women Need to Succeed

One in three women has some form of cardiovascular disease. To support and connect the thousands of women committed to making healthier choices every day, Go Red BetterU is available at GoRedForWomen.org. Research shows that women who use online aids and tools are more likely to achieve their health and weight loss goals. To provide that needed support, Go Red BetterU includes the Go Red BetterMe Coaching Tool to keep participants on track. With daily reminders and tips, interactive videos from real women, and links to journals and goals, this online companion helps women to meet their long and short term personal goals. Additionally, the tool is downloadable to computer desktops, blogs, or even iGoogle personalized home pages for easy access.

For more information about Go Red For Women, the Go Red BetterU program or to download the Go Red BetterMe Coaching Tool, please visit GoRedForWomen.org.

Go Red For Women is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc. The Go Red BetterMe Coaching Tool is nationally supported by Ocean Spray.

About Go Red For Women

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s solution to save women’s lives. With one out of three women still dying from heart disease, we are committed to fighting this No. 1 killer that is largely preventable. GoRedForWomen.org, a premiere source of information and education, connects millions of women of all ages and gives them tangible resources to turn personal choices into life-saving actions. We encourage women and the men who love them to embrace the cause. For more information please visit GoRedForWomen.org or call 1-888-MY-HEART (1-888-694-3278). The movement is nationally sponsored by Macy’s and Merck & Co., Inc.

About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

Consumer Inquiries:

The American Heart Association

1-800-AHA-USA1; or visit americanheart.org

SOURCE American Heart Association