| (NAPSI)-Despite the ups and downs of today's economy, nearly nine out of 10 Americans say they are living with an Open Heart, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by Kay Jewelers. The issue most frequently mentioned as requiring an Open Heart for guidance and solutions is unemployment (52 percent), followed by religious differences (48 percent), financial difficulties (48 percent) and the economy (45 percent). The survey was conducted to explore attitudes around actress Jane Seymour's philosophy that keeping an Open Heart despite adversity can bring a wealth of love, hope and inspiration into life. Bad experiences, fear and prejudice were expressed as the barriers to having an Open Heart by those participating in the survey. Volunteers were cited by 66 percent of those polled as the ones most likely to have an Open Heart. Illustrating the importance of family, the survey also showed that more than half (55 percent) of those polled said they learned about having an Open Heart from their parents and grandparents. This response was greater than frequently mentioned responses attributed to spouses (25 percent), religious figures (17 percent) or cultural icons (6 percent) combined. When asked who was most in need of an Open Heart, the most frequently mentioned response was politicians (67 percent), followed by criminals (51 percent) and health insurance companies (49 percent). "It's a Wonderful Life" was the movie Americans said best captured the spirit of an Open Heart, with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" coming in second place. Other survey findings: Seventy-two percent of the respondents said that a willingness to help a stranger in need is a characteristic strongly associated with an Open Heart, followed by having a positive attitude despite difficulties (70 percent). Fifty-five percent of respondents said American hearts are becoming closed over time, 28 percent believe hearts are about the same and 17 percent optimistically see hearts becoming increasingly open. Respondents said Michael J. Fox and Oprah Winfrey are the most inspiring celebrities with Open Hearts. Respondents said TV Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) from "Law & Order SVU" and America's sweetheart Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) of "Ugly Betty" are good examples of characters having an Open Heart. Respondents said TV characters Dr. Greg House (Hugh Laurie) from "House," bachelor Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen) from "Two and a Half Men," and fashion editor Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams) from "Ugly Betty" are most in need of an Open Heart. At a new Web site called keep anopenheart.com, Jane Seymour hopes to gather stories of how living with an Open Heart allowed consumers to overcome adversity and create something positive. The site is designed as a meeting place where people can engage in a dialogue with others who recognize and value the importance of living life with an Open Heart and, by doing so, energize others to do the same. You can further connect with the Open Hearts philosophy by browsing the many stories on keep anopenheart.com, subscribing to e-mail newsletters, sending e-cards to family and friends, and signing up to receive text messages on your mobile phone. Seymour will also communicate with the Open Hearts community through a Facebook page and YouTube channel. To share your story, visit keepanopenheart.com. Jane Seymour's iconic Open Heart original watercolor on paper.
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