Video: American Heart Month Casts Spotlight on Healthy Heart Habits

CAMP HILL, Pa., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Cardiovascular disease- the number one killer of women-claims twice as many lives than all cancers combined, including breast cancer. American Heart Month is dedicated to sharing information about heart disease and stroke, as well as raising funds for research and education.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/riteaid/31306/

To promote heart health, Rite Aid, through partnerships with the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women movement and fitness guru Billy Blanks(R), is offering the Rite Aid Heart Guide and Amped Moves, a brochure featuring cardio exercises for any fitness level, age and ability, both available free at your local Rite Aid store. The Rite Aid Heart Guide may also be downloaded at www.riteaid.com.

"The tragedy is that a heart healthy lifestyle can help prevent heart disease, but we aren't accepting that responsibility for ourselves," says Sarah Matunis, Rite Aid pharmacist. "Rite Aid is committed to helping customers learn their risk factors and offer advice for how customers can prevent heart disease."

You Can Control the Risk Heart disease prevention starts with knowing the risk factors:

Smoking and secondhand smoke

Cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. Tens of thousands of nonsmokers die every year from coronary heart disease due to secondhand smoke.

If you smoke, quit. While this is hard to do, Rite Aid pharmacists can show you the available resources and help find a product that's right for you.

High cholesterol

As blood cholesterol levels increase, so does the risk for heart disease. Cholesterol levels can be affected by diet, heredity and age. Know your numbers.

While you can't control who your parents are or your age, you can control what you eat. Reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet and adopt a more active lifestyle.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure increases the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and weaken over time. Checking your blood pressure is important because it has no obvious symptoms.

Reduce your salt intake and become more physically active. Take blood pressure medications exactly as directed.

Physical Inactivity

Physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation and helps control your weight. Just 30 minutes of moderate activity each day helps protect heart health.

"Any exercise is key to a healthy heart, no matter what your fitness level," says Billy Blanks. "Amped Moves and the Rite Aid Heart Guide are designed to help Americans lead healthier lives by increasing their daily cardio activity."

Diabetes

Heart disease is the leading cause of diabetes related death. Manage diabetes and take steps to reduce other risk factors for heart disease.

Excess weight, obesity and heart disease

Obesity is an epidemic in America for both adults and children. Obesity places you at risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. A low-sugar, low-fat diet, combined with regular exercise, is key to a healthy heart.

"If you have a heart condition, always consult with your Rite Aid pharmacist or physician before selecting an over-the-counter (OTC) product for other conditions, such as cold, flu or pain," says Matunis.

About Rite Aid

Rite Aid Corporation offers free information, answers and guidance on health and wellness topics including allergy awareness, skin care, pain management, diabetes and heart health. Rite Aid is one of the nation's leading drugstore chains with more than 5,000 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Rite Aid, including corporate background and press releases, is available through the company's website at http://www.riteaid.com/.

Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/riteaid/31306 Rite Aid

CONTACT: Justin Falce of MARC USA PR, +1-412-562-2079, jfalce@marcusa.com ,
for Rite Aid

Web site: http://www.riteaid.com//