Simplyhealth to raise money for heart/dental health research

Simplyhealth has announced a new social media campaign that aims to raise 150,000 pounds for a joint research project with the charity group Heart Research UK.

The aim of the initiative will be to provide funding for a new study into the link between dental hygiene and heart health, a connection of which there is currently limited understanding and awareness among patients.

To support this, Simplyhealth will launch TV adverts to encourage people to Like the Simplyhealth UK Facebook page, with the insurer donating one pound to Heart Research UK for each one it receives.

Participants will be able to find out how the grant process works, read highlights of past studies, consult free health guides and watch video presentations by experts.

Clare Lee, head of brand at Simplyhealth, said: "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 [but] further research is needed."

This comes after the firm recently highlighted its sponsorship of the Samaritans' Feel Good Friday event, which takes place on February 1st 2013 and is backed by celebrities such as Graham Norton.