(ARA) - What do your heart and your vehicle have in common? More than you may think - both require regular maintenance and preventive care to function properly. And when both are properly cared for, it can make a direct and significant impact on long-term health.

Every day, nearly 2,400 Americans die of cardiovascular disease, an average of one person every 37 seconds, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). Meanwhile, according to the Car Care Council, nearly 80 percent of vehicles inspected during vehicle check-ups needed service or parts.

To help fight heart disease and educate people on maintaining a healthy heart and vehicle, Jiffy Lube and the AHA have partnered for year three of the Maintenance Partners for Life campaign to raise funds and awareness for the AHA's Go Red For Women movement.

"My daughter received a heart transplant four years ago and my husband was diagnosed with heart disease in 2000, so this campaign means a lot to me and I know how important it is to find ways to fight this disease," says Nina Sundell, district manager for Heartland Automotive Services, Inc., a Jiffy Lube franchisee. "I think almost everyone has a personal story to tell when it comes to heart disease, which is why I think so many people have connected with the Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life campaign. I encourage everyone to join in the fight because every single donation is a step toward helping families cope."

Heart health tips

The AHA offers some basic advice for taking care of your heart:

* Eating healthful, nutrient-rich, low-fat foods is one of the best ways to fight heart disease. Choose foods loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients, but low in calories. Veggies, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, lean protein and fat-free or low-fat dairy products are all part of a healthy, heart-friendly diet.

* See your doctor regularly and seek his or her guidance in living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

* Walk, jog, do yard work or some other form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day. Regular exercise makes your heart stronger and lowers your risk of heart attack and stroke.

You can learn more about heart health and find more tips at www.GoRedForWomen.org.

Support the cause

Starting Feb. 1, and running through March 14, 2010, customers can donate $3 at participating Jiffy Lube service centers and 100 percent of the funds will be allocated to Go Red For Women initiatives in the communities in which they are raised. In return, donors will receive a Maintenance Partners for Life savings book with more than $100 in savings. During the campaign, you can also donate by going online to www.JiffyLubeGoesRed.com. Since 2008, Jiffy Lube service centers from across the country have donated more than $2.3 million to the cause, and in 2010, Jiffy Lube seeks to raise another $1 million.

Vehicle health tips

When it comes to caring for your vehicle, apply the same concept of preventive care with these tips from Jiffy Lube:

* Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle's engine. Check oil levels regularly and follow the guidelines in your owner's manual for how frequently you should change the oil.

* Blood has to flow freely to keep the body performing at optimum levels and eliminate risk of disease and infection; likewise, vital fluids, such as antifreeze or coolant, ensure your engine continues to perform at peak performance. Be sure to locate all fluid compartments and check for proper fluid levels regularly.

* Just as you maintain a regular schedule of doctor checkups and healthy eating habits, put your car on a regular maintenance schedule. Preventive maintenance and checkups help ensure your car continues to run properly. A technician should top off fluid levels, inspect belts and hoses, check tire pressure and engine oil, and make sure all lights are working on a regular basis.

You can find more car care tips at www.JiffyLube.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This article was funded and reviewed by Jiffy Lube International.