Being in a relationship is good for your heart in more ways than one, according to a new consumer survey conducted by the American Heart Association.
The survey of 1,000 adults found that women improve their male counterpart's heart health when it comes to eating, having more sex and making healthier decisions.
The survey is sponsored by Match, the world's largest relationship company, as part of a multi-layered fundraising and marketing campaign to raise money and awareness to fight heart disease and help singles connect over a mutual cause. This is the first time Match is supporting a national non-profit organization, and the company has committed to donating a minimum at least $300,000 to AHA over the next three years and with the help of singles, is hoping to match what members donate through a month-long “love-raiser.”
“We're not doctors or medical researchers, but Match has always been extremely focused on matters of the heart,” says Amarnath Thombre, President of Match. “In fact, we've successfully matched more than 7 million hearts since our inception in 1995. By uniting with the American Heart Association, we'll continue to help singles better their hearts and dump heart disease.”
Additional survey data includes:
- Eating for a Healthy Heart! More than half of men (57%) eat healthy 5 or more days in a week if they are in a relationship, which is more than single men report eating healthy 5 or more days a week (45%). Fifty-five percent of men and women in relationships eat healthy 5 or more days a week while only 46% of singles eat healthy more than 5 times during the week.
- Work it Out… Together: While in a relationship, both men and women make an effort to keep up the hard work and exercise more often than singles. Nearly one-quarter of singles don't exercise at all (24%) compared to less than two of ten of those in a relationship who don't (18%).
- Decisions, Decisions. (Healthy Ones!): 76% of men say they make healthier decisions for themselves because of their significant other. 70% of men say they are more interested in healthy behaviors when they are in relationships.
- Women Want a Man with Healthy Habits: Women encourage their significant others to eat more fruits and vegetables (51% of women vs. 40% of men), and eat less sodium (30% of women vs. 22% of men), while in a relationship.
“Having accountability and support from loved ones is helpful in maintaining a heart healthy lifestyle,” said Tara Narula, M.D., a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association and Associate Director of the Cardiac Care Unit at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “The majority of risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable, so taking care of your health and creating healthier habits with loved ones is a great way help decrease your risk.”
During the month of September, all Match members will have the opportunity to add an “AHA community badge” to their Match profile to show their support to the organization, and can also connect with other like-minded singles who have added the badge through the community search feature.
Additionally, Match will launch a “love-raiser” donation campaign to encourage current and potential Match members to donate to the AHA. For new members, Match will match every $5 donation made through LivingSocial and reward their support with a $25 subscription credit.
Lastly, Match will host more than 25 Stir events for health-conscious singles to meet in various cities across the country throughout the month of September. The month's biggest event will take place on World Heart Day, September 29th, in New York City, to raise money for the AHA in a bachelor-style showcase.
To learn more about Match's support of the American Heart Association, please visit www.Match.com/AHA.
Match.com is a national supporter of the American Heart Association.
