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

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

Megan Lozito of the American Heart Association, +1-214-706-1359,
Megan.Lozito@heart.org; or Carey Uxa, Edelman, +1-312-240-3392,
Carey.Uxa@edelman.com, for the American Heart Association. Note: Vendor or
solicitation calls will not be returned