Free Program Helps Women Adopt Heart-Healthy Habits For Life, In Just 12 Weeks

The American Heart Association has launched a 12-week program to help women get --and stay-- healthy and happy. The program, called Choose To Move, is a free guide for women who want to lower their risk for heart disease and stroke, the first and third leading causes of death for women, and a problem that is more common in women with thyroid conditions. By adding exercise and making simple dietary changes, women can reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke, plus have more energy and vitality to juggle life's demands.

Developed by the Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research in Dallas, the program is available on-line or by mail and offers women a free handbook to learn how to build healthy habits into their existing routines without spending a lot of extra time or money.

For example, tips include:

• To increase strength and muscle tone, engage in everyday activities such as walking to the store and carrying groceries, climbing steep stairs, and squatting and stretching far when mopping, dusting and sweeping.
• Eat smart snacks, even on the run, by bringing along healthy, convenient foods, such as a one-ounce handful of almonds. At just 160 calories, almonds are packed with protein and vitamin E. Other smart on-the-go choices include a piece of fruit or a container of low-fat yogurt. Research shows that choosing foods that are low in saturated fats and cholesterol is an effective way to reduce both total and LDL, or bad, cholesterol.

The program is for any woman who feels tired, low on energy and thinks it's difficult, time-consuming or expensive to get into better shape, according to Rita Redberg, M.D., M.S.C., F.A.C.C., professor of medicine in the cardiology division at the University of California-San Francisco National Center of Excellence in Women's Health, and American Heart Association volunteer.

Says Redberg, "At the end of 12 weeks, most will have the skills and confidence to continue on their own, with more energy and a better life."

Women who register will receive:

• An easy-to-follow handbook to increase physical activity
• Nutrition tips and recipes for healthful eating
• Weight management tips, including success stories and information through newsletters
• Relevant facts on heart disease and stroke

To register, visit www.american heart.org/choosetomove or call 1-888-MY-HEART.