The three-year public education campaign kicks off with a series of public service announcements produced by Publicis New York with support from The Advertising Council. The multimedia campaign is targeted primarily to women ages 30 to 50 (considered the primary health-influencers), and urges Americans to protect yourself from yourself, by making healthier everyday choices. The campaign features television and radio ads in both English and Spanish, and print ads that will appear in magazines and newspapers across the country.

A free educational brochure has been developed to give the public information they need to help protect themselves from cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The brochure is available by calling, toll-free, 1-866-399-6789.

A new, joint Web site, www.everydaychoices, features helpful tips and links to more information on healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, smoking cessation and recommended medical tests. 

Routine medical care can help prevent disease and save lives. The three agencies have developed screening guidelines for identification and control of risk factors and early detection of diseases and are working to promote these unified guidelines to physicians:

Men & Women Blood pressure measurement: Starting at age 20, each regular healthcare visit, at least every two years Body Mass Index (BMI) measurement: Starting at age 20, each regular healthcare visit Blood cholesterol test: Starting at age 20, at least every five years Blood glucose (sugar) test: Starting at age 45, every three years Colorectal screening: Starting at age 50, every 1-10 years depending on the test your doctor uses Women Clinical breast exam (CBE): Starting at age 20, every three years; yearly after age 40 Mammography: Starting at age 40, yearly Pap test: Starting at age 20, yearly After age 30, every one to three years, depending on the test your doctor uses and past results Men Prostate specific antigen test and digital rectal exam: Starting at age 50 ask your doctor about the pros and cons of testing

Too many Americans still smoke cigarettes and are physically inactive, and the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adults has risen to 65 percent, said Grant. These are all factors that are strong contributing risk factors for stroke, heart disease, diabetes and many cancers, Vance said. Barrett added, Protect yourself and those you love with common-sense everyday choices for a healthier life.

everydaychoices