Don’t Just Wear Red, Eat More Red Too On Feb. 1

Registered Dietitians Encourage All CT Residents to Participate

Hartford, CT (January 30, 2013) - One in four U.S. women will die from heart disease this year, making it the number one killer of women in the country. The Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is doing its part to create awareness by encouraging participation in the American Heart Association's National Wear Red Day on Feb. 1. However, in addition to wearing red, they are encouraging us to eat more red, too.

Red fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients and phytochemicals (plant chemicals that fight to protect your health) that help reduce the risk for heart disease. One particular phytochemical, lycopene, can be found in tomatoes and tomato products like tomato sauce and tomato juice, red peppers, grapefruit, and watermelon. Other phytochemicals like beta-carotene, resveratrol, and anthocyanins are in heart healthy foods like red grapes, beets, pomegranates, red apples, radishes, strawberries, raspberries, papaya and cherries.

“On February 1^st and the whole month of February, we are focusing on informing women about the ways they can improve their heart health,” said May Harter RD, MS, CD-N, President of the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “On a daily basis across the state, registered dietitians and diet technicians provide medical nutrition therapy and nutrition education to women by assessing their personal medical history, diet and weight history, and exercise habits.”

This year marks the 10^th Anniversary of the National Wear Red Day, which was launched by the American Heart Association to bring attention to cardiovascular disease. The Go Red for Women campaign was established to educate women on heart disease, help women come together to show their support and increase funding for heart disease research and treatments for those in need.

The Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics members are food and nutrition experts who educate on heart health as well as other medical conditions. Registered dietitians and dietetic technicians offer science based information and motivating advice to help women (and men) better understand that small changes in food choices and eating habits and increases in physical activity can add up to long term health benefits.

Women can improve their heart health by 1) quitting smoking; 2) knowing their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers so they can better control them; 3) making dietary changes like eating more fruits and vegetables; reducing portions on their plates, increasing fiber- rich foods, eating and drinking less fatty and sugary foods; and 4) increasing physical activity.

Registered dietitians can help women prevent and treat heart disease by working on tailored nutrition plans to:

• Reduce saturated fat, trans fats, sodium, cholesterol, calorie and total fat intake
• Lose weight at a healthy rate and maintain it
• Increase fiber intake
• Read food labels, plan meals, food shop and cook healthier

On Feb. 1, please join the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as we not only wear red and but also eat red foods to bring attention to heart disease in women!

About the Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Connecticut Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics serves as the leading advocate of the dietetic profession in Connecticut, serving the public through promotion of optimal nutrition, health, and well-being. Our membership includes Registered Dietitians, Registered Dietetic Technicians, students, and retirees of the profession. Chartered by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, they are committed to serving the public in the state of Connecticut, while supporting activities at the national and international level. For more information visit the website at www.eatrightct.org.