FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Stan H. Samples
National Coordinator
(404) 252-3663

CARDIOLOGIST TAKE THE STAGE
TO FIGHT HEART DISEASE

Los Angeles (October 6, 2004) -- Renowned cardiologist Dr. Debra Judelson recently spoke to the media about "Open The Door To A Healthy Heart," a national consumer education campaign to raise awareness about America's No. 1 health problem - heart disease -- and how to prevent it through simple dietary changes.

At the recent briefing, Dr. Judelson, past president of the American Medical Women's Association, performed “surgery” on a typical American household refrigerator, giving it a heart-healthy makeover for life. Judelson also noted how eating heart healthy can help lower cholesterol

The impact of the message is sobering: Heart disease takes an American life every 33 seconds and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. "Many don't realize that heart disease actually affects women more than men. It's the number one cause of death in women," said Dr. Judelson. Prevention can start as early as childhood, when eating patterns are being formed.
Dr. Judelson commented: “Former President Clinton has noted that genetics and lifestyle played a role in his heart disease. News stories after his surgery reported that men everywhere were flocking to their doctors to get a heart check up. Women should be doing the same thing. They should be asking for the same tests the men get. “

Research shows that, while one out of every two deaths from heart disease are women. Only one out of every 10 women know that, heart disease is the primary cause of death, more than the next seven causes combined(including cancer).

The latest research from the American Heart Association shows that ten percent of our children have borderline high or higher cholesterol levels –- and half of all adults have high cholesterol. "Remember, taking a look inside your fridge is like taking a look inside your heart," said Dr. Judelson.

Dr. Judelson pointed out simple, effective dietary choices that can be made right away, without making drastic changes in the diet, including lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products, soft trans-fat-free margarine, whole grain breads, fresh fruits and vegetables and other items low in total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol. Dr. Judelson also talked about the signs and symptoms of heart disease among women -- which are usually much different than those experienced by men.

For more information on how to do a fridge makeover, on how far simple substitutions can go in the quest for a healthy heart, a kids' contest, and for more information on how to prevent heart disease, visit www.healthyfridge.org.

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