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WASHINGTON, April 13, 2010 -- Consumer spending on food consumed outside the home has expanded over the years, which is both a convenience and a conundrum. It is likely that dietary choices made outside of the home environment have contributed to the problem of overweight and obesity for millions of Americans.


For the consumer who wishes to make an informed decision regarding food consumption, caloric content information of prepared foods has not been previously readily available. To address this problem, it is now more important than ever that we provide consumers with the nutrition information needed to select better menu options. The good news is that the new health reform bill includes a provision that will require calorie labeling on chain restaurant menus, menu boards and drive-through displays. It also requires these establishments to provide additional nutrition information in the restaurant upon request. The availability of this information restores the freedom of choice for Americans who are following a heart healthy diet plan.

The American Heart Association (AHA) strongly believes the new legislation is a huge win for Americans, because educated consumers, armed with the right nutrition information, are better prepared to make informed dining decisions. In fact, some studies have shown that nutrition information on menus makes a significant impact on food purchases by prompting customers to choose lower calorie food and beverage selections and spurring the industry to create healthier menu offerings. In order to take full advantage of these measures, AHA supports further consumer education to help people know their energy needs and understand healthy food and beverage serving sizes. The association emphasizes a comprehensive set of strategies, including menu labeling, to address the importance of healthy eating in all environments and regular physical activity to improve cardiovascular health.

AHA commends Congress and the Administration for adopting public policy that will provide essential nutrition information in restaurants. We remain deeply committed to working with lawmakers and our partners to implement the new menu labeling provision, supporting state and local level policies to help improve industry standards and educate consumers regarding the best ways to use the new information that menu labeling will make available.

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Welcome to the online home for American Heart Association advocacy in the Great Rivers Affiliate! The Great Rivers Affiliate includes Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

We update regularly about our ongoing legislative issues (for example: tobacco prevention and cessation, childhood obesity, nutrition, stroke and STEMI systems of care, etc). We hope this blog proves to be a resource to keep our amazing advocates up-to-date with our fast-paced legislative happenings!

You don't have to be a doctor to save lives - just an advocate with the American Heart Association and its division the American Stroke Association. In just a few moments, you can make a huge difference. All you have to do is respond to the issues and action alerts that you feel are important.

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