Heart disease in women Center 2000: A Makeover That Lasts American Heart Association: Fighting Heart Disease and Stroke
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Twelve Weeks To A Healthier You!

Debbie Allen Encourages Women to Increase their Physical Activity through the American Heart Association's National Program

DALLAS, TX (April 1, 2000) - No time to exercise? Eating on the run? The American Heart Association is launching a national program called Heart disease in women Center to help women literally get on the move. Heart disease in women Center is a 12-week program that helps women increase their daily physical activity level in practical and innovative ways. Debbie Allen, choreographer, actress and director, will help rally women across the country, age 25 and above, to join this free program this spring. Open enrollment begins in April 2000.

Developed by both the American Heart Association and the Cooper Institute in Dallas, Heart disease in women Center focuses on three areas - physical activity, nutrition and weight management. Participants will not only lower their risks of cardiovascular disease by increasing their physical activity, but will also enjoy the benefits of a healthier life - including increased strength, more energy and reduced stress.

Scientific studies have shown that even moderate physical activity, when performed daily, can have long-term health benefits. Exercise can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and help control blood cholesterol levels, diabetes and obesity.

Heart disease in women Center is funded by the Aetna Foundation and Aetna U.S. Healthcare, sponsor of the National Women's Heart Disease and Stroke Campaign, and Healthy Choice, program sponsor of Heart disease in women Center.

Allen, who has a personal connection to heart disease having lost many family members to this serious health problem, is helping to lead this movement. "Due to my personal experience with the devastating toll of heart disease, I encourage my family to eat right and exercise," Allen explains. "I know first-hand how hard it is to juggle family and a busy career, so I'm encouraging women, like myself, to take time for themselves in order to live healthier, longer lives," she adds.

How Can Women Join Heart disease in women Center?

Women can participate in Heart disease in women Center in one of two ways - via the print or online version.

* Online Version
If a participant has regular access to the Internet and an e-mail address, she can participate in the program wherever she is - at work, home or even on vacation. The virtual version of Heart disease in women Center is designed to fit an individual's lifestyle and schedule. It's simple, fun and easy to use. For those interested in the program's online version, they can sign up at choosetomove.org. Once the registration form is completed, they can view their own online diary of the program. Open enrollment for the online version begins on April 1 and continues throughout the summer.

* Print Version
If a woman is interested in the print version of the program, she can call 1-888-MY HEART. She will automatically receive a brochure and registration material. After returning the registration form to the American Heart Association, she will then receive the Heart disease in women Center handbook. Open enrollment for the print version begins on April 1 and ends on August 31, so early registration is recommended.

"Many times, the mind is the largest obstacle in physical activity. Through Heart disease in women Center, we're hoping to change women's attitudes about fitness and good health," says Rose Marie Robertson, M.D., and President-Elect of the American Heart Association. As Professor Vice-Chair in the Department of Medicine at Vanderbilt University, Robertson adds "Women will not only lower their risks of heart disease by increasing their physical activity but also enjoy the benefits of a healthier life."

Through Heart disease in women Center, women start out by setting physical activity goals that are right for them by practicing the tips and activities offered in the program. Over a 12-week period, they will gradually build up to 30 minutes per day on most days of the week. In addition, the program provides women with easy healthy eating and weight management tips that will make them feel and look better.

"Healthy Choice became involved with the Heart disease in women Center program because it shares our mission for helping consumers incorporate sensible nutrition into their daily lives," said Tim McMahon, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for ConAgra, Inc. "By providing valuable educational tools and nutrition tips, Healthy Choice can help the women participating in the program take important steps toward positive lifestyle changes."

Below are a few ideas of what you'll find in the Heart disease in women Center handbook:

  • Walk the dog twice a day. If you don't have a dog, borrow your neighbor's.
  • Keep low-fat snacks such as dried fruit, crackers and yogurt at the office or in the kitchen.
  • Ride your bike to work (if you can do it safely).
  • Look for frozen meals and other food products low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
  • Travel in walking shoes so you can use layovers to walk through the airport.
  • Look at the food label to choose heart-healthy foods.
  • Conduct a meeting with a co-worker while walking.
  • Use a nonstick pan when cooking.
  • Take up folk, African, Samba, line, tap, swing dancing or any kind of dancing.
  • Use vegetable oil, cooking spray or a small amount of liquid vegetable oil instead of lard, butter, shortening or other fats that are solid at room temperature.
  • Use your child's practice times to walk around the playing field or gymnasium.

"Aetna is proud of its partnership with the American Heart Association and this program to encourage women to increase their physical activity," says Marilda Gandara Alfonso, President of the Aetna Foundation. "Heart disease in women Center is an important component of our efforts to increase awareness about cardiovascular disease."

All women who register for Heart disease in women Center will automatically be enrolled in the American Heart Association's National Women's Heart Disease and Stroke Campaign, which provides women with information and event happenings throughout the year about heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association spent about $327 million during fiscal year 1998-99 on research support, public and professional education, and community programs. With more than four million volunteers, the American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, which annually kill more than 953,000 Americans.

To get more information about Heart disease in women Center, visit choosetomove.org or call 1-888-MY HEART.

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©2000, American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.

The information in the American Heart Association (AHA) Web site is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment, and the AHA recommends consultation with your doctor or healthcare professional.