Want a longer life? Start! Eating Healthy on Nov. 3

October 24, 2010
By: Stacy Sawyer

The American Heart Association has issued its call for companies and individuals to participate in Start! Eating Healthy Day on Wednesday, November 3rd.

The association's annual event is aiming to raise awareness for the importance of good nutrition and making the best eating decisions to reduce a person's risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Area business owners are encouraged to help the fight against heart disease and rally their workforce by hosting a Start! Eating Healthy Day activity.


Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of Americans, but it is also a largely preventable disease. By committing to live healthy every day, it's possible to reduce risks.

Start! Eating Healthy Day activities for companies can range from simply tossing out unhealthy snacks and swapping them for healthier ones, to organizing a pot luck during the lunch hour. Companies can take the time to focus on wellness and help take a giant step towards healthier nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Work-site wellness programs are a proven strategy to prevent the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, according to a statement published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

"Most company leaders know that creating and encouraging this environment isn't always easy and can't be done alone. This is where the American Heart Association's Start! campaign can help," says Jennifer Hancock, Corporate Events Director. "The American Heart Association is dedicated to helping adults get and stay healthy in the workplace, at home and everywhere in between."

"Start! gives Dow Corning a creative way to make positive strides to better the health of our employees," said Paul Schulte, US Benefits Manager of Dow Corning Corporation. "The program reinforces Dow Corning's goals to increase company-wide wellness and productivity, and to contribute to the overall health of our employees and their families."

To learn more about Michigan's Start! Eating Healthy Day, companies can contact the AHA office at (517) 349-3102 or 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Stacy Sawyer
Communications Director -- American Heart Association
989-225-7513 (cell)
517-349-3240 (fax)

I invite your questions and feedback.

Individuals can participate in the event by learning healthy eating tips and downloading the American Heart Association's nutrition resources at www.americanheart.org.