Jenny Craig Supports American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life.™ Initiative With Mariah Carey

CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Jenny Craig, one of the world's leading authorities on weight management, announced today its support of the American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative by launching a multi-faceted program entitled My Heart. My Life. My Jenny with global superstar Mariah Carey, best-selling female artist of all time, in the month of February during American Heart Month. 

Most people don't realize that weight impacts their heart health and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact risk factors including, blood pressure and cholesterol management, blood sugar levels, and BMI.  Current research shows that less than 1 percent of Americans are in "ideal heart health."  Jenny is supporting the American Heart Association's mission to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent by 2020.

Therefore, in collaboration with the American Heart Association, Jenny's My Heart. My Life. My Jenny initiative is focused on educating the public regarding the significant health risks associated with weight-related diseases, including heart disease and stroke.  Through marketing campaigns, PSAs, community programs, education and online activations, the brand will encourage the public to eat better, move more and live a healthier life.  

One way that Jenny will lead the charge is through supporting nearly 350 American Heart Association Heart Walks throughout 2012, including onsite sponsorship activation in 15 major markets.  Through engagement with its 567 U.S. centres, Jenny will bring its simple, clinically proven approach to weight loss to motivate the public to participate in Heart Walks throughout the country with free training plans at www.jennycraig.com.   On site at 15 different Heart Walks, Jenny will have consultants on-hand, offer fun activities, healthy recipes and sampling of healthy snacks, and occasionally, appearances by additional brand ambassadors Valerie Bertinelli, Nicole Sullivan and Ross Mathews.   The brand will also promote the American Heart Association's Life's Simple 7™ goals and the My Life Check™ assessment onsite which is a simple questionnaire that evaluates your heart health and potential risk for heart disease.   

Jenny Brand Ambassador Mariah Carey, who lost 30 pounds* on Jenny following the birth of her twins is passionate about Jenny's relationship with the American Heart Association, and feels like it was a match made in heaven.  Carey will film and produce a new PSA for the American Heart Association that will debut in February.

"I'm so honored to be a part of this.  It's more than just about losing weight—it's about raising consciousness. I was very surprised to learn that every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack, but it doesn't have to be this way. By living just a little healthier, you can make a difference," said Carey.

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association's premiere event that brings communities together to raise funds and celebrate progress in the fight against this country's No. 1 and No. 4 killers, heart diseases and stroke.  This year, more than one million walkers will participate in nearly 350 events.

"Jenny is more committed than ever to combating the obesity epidemic, and with it the overwhelming health issues caused by weight-related diseases," said Dana Fiser, Global CEO of Jenny.  "And that's why our relationship with the American Heart Association and involvement in the My Heart. My Life. healthy living initiative and their Heart Walks is such a perfect fit.  It is our hope that our lead in this effort inspires people everywhere to get healthier and reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke."

Also in support of American Heart Month, Jenny will go red for the entire month of February.  This means Jenny's signature blue logo will live in red on its website, print and digital properties, reminding everyone of the importance of living a healthy life for a healthy heart. 

Jenny will host onsite activation in the following Heart Walk cities, featuring participation in select markets by a number of its celebrity Brand Ambassadors:

*American Heart Association Cardiovascular Health Consumer Survey. American Heart Association. November 2009.
**Jenny Craig clients, on average, lose 1-2 pounds per week.

About Jenny

With Jenny what you see is what you get – and that's a commitment to healthy, happy success.  We're here for you, not for us, and we're here every inch of the way.

Jenny's program is designed to help you manage your weight by creating a healthy relationship with food, building a fun, active lifestyle and developing a balanced approach to living.  Our mantra is:  Eat Well.  Move More.  Live Life.

With Jenny's one-on-one consultation paired with its clinically proven, healthy lifestyle plan, you can't go wrong.  Jenny's nutritionists work with food scientists to create more than 80 delicious Jenny's Cuisine™ menu items. No counting calories, weighing food or measuring portions.  Losing weight doesn't have to be a struggle.  Jenny makes it fun.  Jenny's program is also available in-centre and our at-home program, Jenny At Home for easy access, whenever, wherever! 

Jenny Craig, based in Carlsbad, CA, is one of the world's largest weight management companies, with more than 700 company-owned and franchised Centres in the United States, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Puerto Rico.

About Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey is the biggest selling female artist of all time, selling more than 200 million records worldwide. Carey has more #1 singles than any solo artist in history, and rivals the Beatles' all-time record of 20 #1 singles.  

An accomplished actress as well, Carey appeared as a social worker in Precious, the 2009 movie adaptation of the 1996 novel "Push" by Sapphire. The film won several awards, including two Academy Awards, five Independent Spirit Awards, and one Golden Globe.  Carey works with a number of charities, including Camp Mariah – The Fresh Air Fund, the Save the Music Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John Aids Foundation, among many others.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.

For More Information

My Life Check:  www.mylifecheck.org

SOURCE Jenny Craig