Progresso Kicks Off the Heart Project in Support Of Mayo Clinic During Heart Health Month

MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Heart disease affects all of us, either directly or indirectly. It is the leading cause of death in the United States. In an effort to make a positive difference in women's heart health, Progresso Heart Healthy soup is launching "The Heart Project," in support of Mayo Clinic. The Heart Project is designed to inspire people to learn the facts, take action regarding their heart health, and spread the word with others during February for heart health month.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65484-general-mills-progresso-heart-project-mayo-clinic-heart-health-month 

The Heart Project site—www.theheartproject.com—hosted by Progresso with content from Mayo Clinic, will encourage people to take the Heart Health Quiz. The quiz offers tools and information to educate them on the disease while sharing tips and ideas to help lower one's risk of heart disease. Those who take the quiz are encouraged to share the information with a friend or loved one and start a conversation about heart disease. 

"Heart disease is the nation's number one cause of death for both men and women," said Dr. Sharon Mulvagh, director of the Women's Heart Clinic at Mayo Clinic. "What's most astonishing is that almost 80 percent of heart disease is preventable, and even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Making a difference in your heart health is easier and more enjoyable than you may think."

Facts*

• Heart disease kills more people every year than all forms of cancer combined
• Only 3 percent of Americans practice all four primary behaviors recommended for heart health; not smoking, healthy weight, diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and exercising regularly
• 64 percent of women who've had a heart attack showed no symptoms of heart disease before the attack
• More than six hundred thousand Americans die from heart disease each year; and 1.2 million Americans suffer from heart attacks
• One in three adults is diagnosed with heart disease

Mayo Clinic recommends an easy formula for improving heart health: Eat 5, Move 10, Sleep 8. By eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, moving at least 10 extra minutes a day, and trying to get a solid 8 hours of sleep, a person can start to significantly improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.

"Progresso and Mayo Clinic are working together to make a positive difference in women's heart health, by driving awareness, education and action," said John Weston, Chief Marketing Officer at Mayo Clinic. "We are proud to have two Minnesota companies work together to support such an important cause."

Additionally, Progresso Heart Healthy soups will be making a donation to Mayo Clinic for activities that include heart health programs for women.

"At Progresso, we understand the importance of heart health in America," said Myer Joy, Vice President of Marketing, Progresso. "Our consumers are making choices to manage their lives and are looking for inherently heart healthy meal solutions that also include bold, flavorful foods. That's one of the reasons our chefs created this line of 10 Heart Healthy soups to preserve great taste while easily fitting into a heart-healthy, balanced diet."

About Mayo Clinic
Celebrating 150 years of serving humanity in 2014, Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit 150years.mayoclinic.org, MayoClinic.org or http://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/.

Mayo Clinic's heart program is one of the largest, most integrated programs in the world. With more than 300 specialists working together to treat virtually every heart condition and disease, the depth and breadth of its practice is what positions Mayo Clinic to be consistently ranked as one of the nation's top heart programs by US News and World Report.

About Progresso Heart Healthy Soup
Crafted for taste, Progresso Heart Healthy soups are made from authentic recipes using only the highest quality ingredients. Founded as an Italian import company by Vincent Taormina over 100 years ago, Progresso has grown to become the most popular brand of ready-to-serve soup in the United States. Progresso is a member of the family of brands within General Mills (NYSE: GIS), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.  

*Source: Mayo Clinic Healthy Heart for Life!

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65484-general-mills-progresso-heart-project-mayo-clinic-heart-health-month

SOURCE General Mills