Calls for Lower Sodium Food Grow

Consumers Union Urges FDA to Limit Sodium Levels in Food

Washington, D.C. – When it comes to sodium levels in food, consumers are asking the food industry for just a pinch. Nearly 7,000 consumers joined Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy division of Consumer Reports, in a recent petition supporting regulatory efforts to set national, industry-wide targets to reduce sodium in processed and restaurant foods. [Read more]

American Heart Month reminds us what we can do to beat the No. 1 killer

Nashville, TN – Today is the start of American Heart Month and it’s a good time to look at the statistics – and how we can improve them.

Cardiovascular disease is still the No. 1 killer of men and women, killing about 800,000 Americans each year, and nearly 20,000 right here in Tennessee. That’s more than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. [Read more]

Resolve to Quit Smoking for Better Health

Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine Offers FREE Support to Residents Who Want to Quit

Nashville, TN – Start the new year by making healthy lifestyle changes such as eating better, getting more physical activity and quitting smoking. While quitting can be difficult, it can be done, especially with the help of professional support. Tennesseans have a greater chance of quitting for good and keeping their New Year’s resolution with help from the Tennessee Tobacco QuitLine, a free coaching service available to all adult Tennesseans who wish to stop using tobacco.

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health and the health of your family, and we’re eager to support any Tennessean who wants to take up this challenge,” Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH, said. “Research shows smokers who use counseling as part of their quit program have a better chance of quitting. We encourage all Tennesseans ready to start a tobacco-free life to take full advantage of the free resources the QuitLine provides.” [Read more]

Middle-age blood pressure changes affect lifetime heart disease, stroke risk

Dallas, TX – An increase or decrease in your blood pressure during middle age can significantly impact your lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to research in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Researchers found people who maintained or reduced their blood pressure to normal levels by age 55 had the lowest lifetime risk for CVD (between 22 percent to 41 percent risk). In contrast, those who had already developed high blood pressure by age 55 had a higher lifetime risk (between 42 percent to 69 percent risk). [Read more]

Losing Weight

What is healthy weight loss?

Washington, D.C. – It’s natural for anyone trying to lose weight to want to lose it very quickly. But evidence shows that people who lose weight gradually and steadily (about 1 to 2 pounds per week) are more successful at keeping weight off. Healthy weight loss isn’t just about a “diet” or “program”. It’s about an ongoing lifestyle that includes long-term changes in daily eating and exercise habits.

To lose weight, you must use up more calories than you take in. Since one pound equals 3,500 calories, you need to reduce your caloric intake by 500—1000 calories per day to lose about 1 to 2 pounds per week.^{1 [Read more]}

Start Eating Healthy Day on November 2nd reminds you to be smart before you bite

Nashville, TN – Coming at just the right time after the Halloween supersized sugar rush and before the holiday (overeating) season kicks in, Start Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 2nd encourages everyone to be smart before you bite and make those healthy eating choices that will help your health. [Read more]

Elizabeth Banks directs and stars in first-ever Go Red For Women film for American Heart Association

‘Just a Little Heart Attack’
American Heart Association short film fights heart disease in women with humor, pointed message

Dallas, TX – Emmy-nominated actress Elizabeth Banks directs and stars in the first-ever Go Red For Women short film “Just a Little Heart Attack,” inspired by the real-life stories of women who have been affected by heart disease.

The entertaining, yet poignant film, which can be viewed below, provides a powerful wake-up call to women across America to understand their risk for heart disease and empower them to put their health first.

[Read more]

ShopSmart Cuts the Fat with Smart Food Swaps

15 Foods to Reduce Fat Intake and Help Prevent Health Problems

Yonkers, NY – Fats can be sneaky – they lurk in lots of everyday, packaged food items and can put people at risk for heart disease and other health issues. The October 2011 issue of ShopSmart magazine, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, found 15 popular packaged goods that are surprisingly high in fat and suggests low-fat swaps for each. [Read more]

How Old is your Heart and Who can you Trust to Fix It?

Consumer Reports Health investigation finds rush to Overtest and Overtreat; Disturbing Overuse of Angioplasty

Yonkers, NY – An investigation by Consumer Reports Health reveals that the practice of healing hearts has become a money-making machine that too often favors profits over science. The report shines a light on excessive testing and overtreatment, taking special note of the overuse of angioplasty.

To help consumers make informed decisions about their cardiac care, Consumer Reports Health is providing several consumer tools including Ratings for 323 surgical groups that perform heart bypass surgery in the U.S., Ratings for heart screenings, and a heart-risk calculator. [Read more]

Rate of stroke increasing among women during, soon after pregnancy

Dallas, TX – The stroke rate for pregnant women and those who recently gave birth increased alarmingly over the past dozen years, according to research reported in Stroke: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Researchers gathered data from a large national database of 5 to 8 million discharges from 1,000 hospitals and compared the rates of strokes from 1994-95 to 2006-07 in women who were pregnant, delivering a baby and who had recently had a baby. [Read more]

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