Ellen Pompeo and Gabourey Sidibe Kick-Off American Cancer Society Health Campaign

New York City, May 4, 2010— Ellen Pompeo, Gabourey Sidibe, and the American Cancer Society inspired women everywhere to "Choose You" and focus on their personal health.

The special day is part of the American Cancer Society's Choose You initiative – a national movement which aims to empower women with the right tools, tips and motivation to take care of themselves and prevent cancer.

Supporting this historic campaign are Choose You celebrity ambassador Ellen Pompeo and actress Gabourey Sidibe.

Numerous employers around the country are participating in Choose You Day by encouraging employees to take 30 minutes during the workday to focus on personal health. Employees can choose to take a walk, attend a yoga class, or participate in a program provided by employers.

Pompeo and Sidibe attended at the launch of the Choose You movement in New York City. Ellen Popmeo, the Choose You celebrity ambassador, officially illuminated the massive "Choose You" billboard in Times Square, which is the largest digital billboard in the world, by pushing a switch configured as a "power flower."

The "Choose You" movement shines a light on a hidden issue – that one in three American women will get cancer in her lifetime. Yet, about 50 percent of all cancer deaths could be prevented if people avoid tobacco products, maintain a healthy weight through diet and regular exercise, and get recommended cancer screening tests – according to the American Cancer Society.
According to the American Cancer Society's 2010 Choose You survey, 95 percent of women feel the need to improve their health, yet approximately three out of five women put others' health before their own. When it comes to women's specific health behaviors, the survey reveals some eye-opening findings:

- 90 percent say they fall short of eating a healthy diet.
- 85 percent don't get the minimum daily exercise recommended
by the U.S. government.
- 76 percent don't always protect their skin from the sun.
- 31 percent have not visited their doctor in the past year for a
routine check-up.

As part of the Choose You movement, women are being encouraged to sign a Choose You Commitment, an online pledge to help women reach their personal health goals, while also helping the American Cancer Society save lives. At Chooseyou.com, women can sign up for Choose You Commitments in five different health categories: Eat Right; Get Active; Get Regular Health Checks; Protect Your Skin; and Quit Smoking.