Simplyhealth to donate £150,000 to fund pioneering research into the link between heart health and dental health
After successfully raising £30,000 for national heart charity Heart Research UK last year, Simplyhealth is now increasing its target to £150,000 to fund a joint research project with the charity to look at the link between heart health and dental health.
Using its TV advertisement, which airs on Monday 14 January and runs until 10 March 2013, Simplyhealth is asking viewers to go to the Simplyhealth UK Facebook page and click Like. Simplyhealth will donate £1 to Heart Research UK for every Like it receives*. Viewers can also learn how the research grant process works, read highlights of research from medical institutes, read free health guides on dental health and heart health, and watch videos with experts.
With the help of our Facebook fans we aim to donate £150,000 to fund a research project that helps us all understand more about how our dental health can affect our heart. There have been more than 50 studies investigating whether the extent and severity of gum disease puts people at a greater risk of heart disease. Further research is needed, which is why we would like to support Heart Research UK in funding more research into this area. Barbara Harpham, Director at Heart Research UK says: "There are numerous lifestyle factors that affect our heart health; many of them, such as obesity and smoking are well known. One less well known fact is the effect poor oral hygiene has on our heart. Thanks to Simplyhealth many people are now better informed and able to make small changes to their lifestyle, like having a good oral health regime to help them to keep their hearts healthy. We're delighted that Simplyhealth has increased its target to £150,000 and with this funding the link between heart health and dental health can be explored more fully.
There are numerous lifestyle factors that affect our heart health; many of them, such as obesity and smoking are well known. One less well known fact is the effect poor oral hygiene has on our heart. Thanks to Simplyhealth many people are now better informed and able to make small changes to their lifestyle, like having a good oral health regime to help them to keep their hearts healthy. We're delighted that Simplyhealth has increased its target to £150,000 and with this funding the link between heart health and dental health can be explored more fully.
Simplyhealth will be working with Heart Research UK to select the best research project. All submissions will undergo a strict peer review by leading international experts.
The process for the selection of the project will adhere to all guidelines set out by the Association of Medical Research Charities.
As well as useful guides and videos, visitors to Simplyhealth's Facebook page can show their support and become 'Simplyhealth Supporters'. By uploading a picture of themselves, they can share with their Facebook friends the reasons why they choose to support the campaign and encourage others to do the same.
Heart Research UK has been funding medical research into the prevention, treatment and cure of heart disease for 45 years. It also encourages healthy heart lifestyles and wants communities to have happier, healthier and longer lives.
Simplyhealth has been helping people access affordable healthcare for 140 years. It provides health cash plans, dental plans and private health insurance to individuals, families and businesses. Simplyhealth Independent Living provides mobility products and daily living aids.
You can find out more about Simplyhealth at www.simplyhealth.co.uk. Its Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/SimplyhealthUK. You can find out more about Heart Research UK at www.heartresearch.org.uk
*maximum donation £150,000
Notes to editors
- We became Simplyhealth in 2009 after bringing together HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure, Totally Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the last ten years to form Simplyhealth
- We've been providing healthcare solutions for 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers and patients through a variety of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, self funded health plans and mobility and living aids
- Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority Simplyhealth as it stands today, now covers nearly four million people with health plans (more than any other company) and helps 20,000 companies with their employees' health
- Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its communities. Each year, we donate over £1 million to health related charities and causes
Disclaimer
The information contained in these articles is intended to be for general interest, and should not be relied upon for specific conditions or complaints. You should always consult your GP or other healthcare practitioner for specific advice. The information provided is not the opinion of Simplyhealth and has been sourced through a third party.