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Do Your Part to Fight Heart Disease

Do Your Part to Fight Heart Disease

Published 01-15-07

Submitted by General Mills

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 9, 2007--Although most women do not consider themselves at risk for heart disease, the reality is that almost eight times more women die of heart disease than breast cancer, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. While results from a recent American Heart Association survey show that awareness of heart disease as women's number one killer is at an all time high, (from 34 percent in 2000 to 55 percent in 2005) statistics reveal that most women still fail to make the connection between the risk factors and developing heart disease.

Cheerios(R) is proud to partner with NHLBI and WomenHeart through The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness and provide education about the risk of heart disease in women. The partnership includes commitment from the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts(TM) campaign to raise up to $500,000 for WomenHeart, the only national patient advocacy organization that represents eight million American women living with heart disease.

The Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts program has been established to help raise awareness and provide education about the risk of heart disease in women. Starting in January 2007, Cheerios will donate $1 to WomenHeart (up to $500,000, $200,000 guaranteed) for every code entered by consumers at www.cheerioshelpinghearts.com by January 30, 2008. Consumers can find Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts codes inside specially marked Cheerios boxes.

In addition, Cheerios is honored to have multi-Grammy winner and country singer Lee Ann Womack and leading actress Phylicia Rashad, two dedicated celebrities, participating in the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts program on behalf of The Heart Truth to raise awareness about this important issue.

"Heart disease among women is a serious health issue that plagues our nation," said Lee Ann Womack, country singer and spokeswoman for Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts program. "I am so honored to be part of a program that will truly make a difference by providing crucial health information to women and raise money for heart disease research, education and treatment."

As part of the Circle of Helping Hearts program, Cheerios will also be distributing a national Public Service Announcement, a Radio News Release, and conducting a Satellite Media Tour. All three elements will feature Ms. Womack and will educate viewers and listeners on the prevalence of heart disease in America and how to prevent this epidemic from growing.

"At General Mills, we are committed to issues that affect women across the country, especially one as serious as heart health," said Katie Lay, Cheerios Marketing. "We hope that the Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts program will go a long way to help raise awareness and provide education about the risk of heart disease in women."

According to the NHLBI, just by leading a healthy lifestyle - such as maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, exercising regularly and eating right - Americans can lower their risk of heart disease by as much as 82 percent. But, regrettably, WomenHeart reports that only three percent of American women take these steps toward prevention.

Taking simple steps each day, such as choosing foods that are part of a heart-healthy diet and getting the recommended amount of physical activity, is a great way to care for your heart. For more information on Cheerios Circle of Helping Hearts program visit www.cheerioshelpinghearts.com.

About General Mills

General Mills is a leading global manufacturer and marketer ofconsumer foods products, with annual worldwide net sales of $12.5 billion. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Bugles and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands, more than 30 of which generate annual retail sales in excess of $100 million. Included in the U.S. portfolio are some of the nation's most popular brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts, Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills is also a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business.

Copyright Business Wire 2007

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General Mills

General Mills

About General Mills

General Mills is one of the world’s leading food companies, operating in more than 100 countries around the world. Its brands include Cheerios, Fiber One, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Yoplait, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., USA, General Mills had fiscal 2015 worldwide sales of US $18.8 billion.

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