February marks the 50th anniversary of American Heart Month, which President Lyndon B. Johnson first declared in 1964 due to the “staggering physical and economic loss” associated with cardiovascular diseases.

 

While significant progress has been made in the fight against cardiovascular diseases, thanks in large part to cutting-edge research funded by the American Heart Association, heart disease remains the No. 1 killer of Americans today, just as it was in LBJ’s time.

 

As the nation will be reminded again this month of the need to exercise and eat healthy, the nutrition experts at Healthy Dining are prepared to offer practical advice to help on-the-go Americans find and choose dietitian-recommended options when eating out. Healthy Dining has partnered with the American Heart Association to address the importance of making healthier and more-informed choices when ordering at restaurants.

 

Anita Jones-Mueller, MPH, founder and president of San Diego-based Healthy Dining, is available for interviews to discuss the growing selection of healthy dining options now offered by restaurants across the nation. The company’s mobile web site arms users with the most comprehensive database of healthier meals handpicked by registered dietitians based on qualifying nutrition criteria (calories, fat, etc.) that emphasize lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.

 

More than 4,000 menu items served at more than 60,000 participating restaurants across the nation can currently be found on the site, and more are added weekly. A Kids LiveWell feature likewise provides a growing selection of healthful options for younger eaters.