New York Giants Launch New Health Magazine With Health Monitor Network, Leading Patient-Education Publisher, and Create Largest Sports / Health Venture in the Country

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (Map) - EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Giants are getting into the publishing business, "with a cause," to motivate men and their families to see their doctors and be proactive about their health. Time after time, research shows that communication between physician and patient is what impacts health outcome. The combination of the New York Giants' strong fan base and Health Monitor Network's expertise in health education provides a unique communications platform.

The quarterly magazine is called New York Giants Health Monitor and is launching on a grand scale. 1 million copies will be distributed to 10,000 doctors' offices in the NY/ NJ area, to the homes of season ticket holders/customers on the waiting list, and also to 80,000 fans when they leave the stadium today.

New York Giants Health Monitor will feature a story on New York Giants center Shaun O'Hara's sleep apnea, stay-healthy secrets from 42-year-old kicker

"Men tend to have the 'Superman' mentality. The common belief is, 'It can't happen to me.' Men tend to be reactionary in their health maintenance. A scary event that happens to a friend or family member can send them scurrying to the doctor," says Ronnie Barnes, MD, VP of Medical Services and Athletic Trainer, New York Giants.

Men are typically pleasantly surprised when they get help. "I remember thinking, Who wants to sleep with a mask? But I don't really care what I look like when I sleep. Once I got the treatment, I remember wishing that I had done it years earlier," -- Shaun O'Hara, Center, New York Giants.

"We are very pleased to partner with Health Monitor Network on this new venture," said Mike Stevens, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, New York Giants. "The New York Giants are committed to the health and wellness of fans, their families, and our communities, and we hope that this magazine will help everyone lead healthier lives. Health Monitor Network's publishing expertise and extensive physician office and in-home distribution makes them a perfect partner for this venture."

"Men suffer from a plethora of diseases/conditions, but remain one of the hardest-to-reach groups when it comes to health," said Kenneth Freirich, Executive Vice President, Health Monitor Network. "Partnering with the New York Giants, one of the top sports franchises in the New York area, will help solve this challenge by combining a unique blend of sports, health, and fitness content."

Stand Up To Cancer with Steve Tisch

The New York Giants and Health Monitor Network incorporated "Cancer" as a theme and special section in the new publication. The two groups also partnered with Stand Up To Cancer, (SU2C) a new initiative that aims to rally the public around the goal of putting an end to cancer.

So many people are affected by cancer in some way, including New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. On Nov. 15, 2005, Steve's father and former Giants co-owner Preston R. Tisch lost his battle with brain cancer -- a personal connection that has increased Mr. Tisch's desire to support SU2C.

At today's game, there will be a special halftime presentation featuring Stand Up To Cancer. During the festivities, a PSA will be aired and Steve Tisch will say a few words about his support for SU2C and the launch of the magazine. Jeff Zucker, President and CEO of NBC Universal, and John Harrington from sanofi-aventis will also say a few words. A feature article on SU2C in New York Giants Health Monitor will be highlighted, and fans will be encouraged to send in a donation card found in the magazine to contribute to SU2C.

Steve Tisch says, "With 100% of the donated funds going directly to groundbreaking cancer research with 'Dream Teams' of doctors, SU2C is poised to help bring cancer's reign as a leading cause of death to an end."

sanofi-aventis heard about this opportunity and became a key advertiser in the cancer section of the magazine. "sanofi-aventis is committed to cancer research and supporting patients and the oncology community. New York Giants Health Monitor takes a very unique approach to reaching men and their families. We are pleased to partner with Health Monitor Network and the New York Giants," says John Harrington, VP Oncology Business Unit, sanofi-aventis.

About Health Monitor Network www.healthmonitornetwork.com

Health Monitor Network is the leading patient-education publishing company in the country. With a marketing platform of 40 million patients / caregivers through 110,000 physician offices, households, and 266,000 physicians, the company has set the standard in the industry for high-quality, patient-friendly health information.

New York Giants Health Monitor is part of Health Monitor Network's long history of providing high-quality, free health information. Trusted by physicians, major medical associations, and other healthcare providers, Health Monitor publications are not only reviewed by a board of medical experts, but are also written for average consumers so that they can easily understand and take action. Their focus is to facilitate dialogue between patients and their doctors so that condition sufferers can be more informed, motivated, and get the best care available. Other regularly published magazines include Health Monitor, Arthritis Health Monitor, Diabetes Health Monitor, and Living with Cancer Health Monitor, to name a few.

The patient platform works closely with the pharmaceutical industry for programs that range from brand awareness, DTC, DTP, compliance and persistency, and patient education to new product launches and lead generation.