Heart Healthy Tips from Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

American Heart Month Starts February 1

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J., Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- While American Heart Month kicks off its 46th year on Feb. 1, obesity rates continue to rise among children and adults with heart disease claiming nearly 700,000 lives in 2008. The facts about heart disease are sobering:

    --  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that heart
        disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S. It represents nearly
        30% of all U.S. deaths per year.

    

    --  A recent study from the American Heart Association indicated that
        children who are obese or have high cholesterol show early warning signs
        of heart disease.

    

    --  According to the American Heart Association, there are 72 million adults
        within the U.S., aged 20 and older, who have high blood pressure.

    

Dr. Peter Praeger - attending heart surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey and founder of Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, the maker of heart-friendly frozen food products - has seen first-hand the results of negligent cardiovascular health practices. To help guide patients and consumers in making sensible choices that can lead to improved heart health, Dr. Praeger offers the following tips:

    --  Get your blood pressure and cholesterol screened starting at the age of
        14. This will identify potential heart-related problems early in life
        when corrective actions can be more effective.

    

    --  When purchasing vegetables, keep in mind that the more colorful the
        vegetable, the more heart-protective antioxidants they typically
        contain. Dark green vegetables pack the most punch in this area.

    

    --  Focus on eating sensibly most of the time, but don't deprive yourself of
        all the foods you enjoy.

    

    --  Eat more fiber. Eating fiber from fruits, vegetables and grains may help
        lower your chances of getting heart disease.

    

    --  Try to avoid foods high in trans fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and
        sodium.

    

    --  Make sure your grocery list includes foods that are all-natural and
        preservative-free, such as Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods products.

    

    --  The key to being healthy is eating in moderation and getting proper
        exercise. Keep this in mind when setting healthy living goals.

    

    --  Walk two miles per day to keep your heart healthy.

    

    --  Make simple changes in your lifestyle to become more active, such as
        taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

    

For more information about Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, visit www.drpraegers.com.

About Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

Founded in 1994, Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods is one of the leading makers of kosher, all-natural frozen foods. The company's health-conscious line of products includes veggie burgers, home-style pancakes, breaded fish items, pizza bagels, kid's Littles, appetizer Bites, and more. The company is headquartered in Elmwood Park, NJ. For more information, visit www.drpraegers.com.

Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods

CONTACT: Larry Praeger of Dr. Praeger's Sensible Foods, +1-201-703-1300,
or larry@drpraegers.com ; or Danielle Rumore, +1-212-931-6157,
rumore@peppercom.com ; or Sarah Coniski, +1-212-931-6154,
sconiski@peppercom.com , both of Peppercom

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