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The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages. “For every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy may increase for some adults by two hours,” said Christine Colvin, Heart Walk Director. “That’s a ‘healthy’ return on investment, and one that we hope will inspire participants to take up walking regularly using American Heart Association Walking Paths and Walking Clubs.”
Heart Walk participants will experience three “communities” that feature relevant resources and activities.
The “My Heart” community will:
• Foster hope by bringing together people with similar experiences, sorrows and fears.
• Allow people to acknowledge their losses and pay tribute to loved ones.
• Provide an opportunity to honor survivors and individuals whose family and friends have been impacted by heart disease and stroke.
• Give survivors hope that they can influence their own and their loved ones’ destinies by connecting risk factors to a personal loss.
The “My Life” community will:
• Inspire participants to make changes in their daily behavior that reduce risk for heart disease and stroke, such as increasing physical activity and making heart-healthy choices a part of daily life.
• Inspire participants to make a long-term commitment in the fight against heart disease and stroke by volunteering for the American Heart Association.
The “My Community” area will:
• Celebrate individuals and companies that have made significant changes to lead a heart-healthy life (e.g., by being more active, losing weight, etc.) or encourage employees to lead a healthier life.
• Highlight the successful fund-raising efforts of individuals and companies.
The Toledo Heart Walk features a kids zone will that highlights activities especially for our youngest “heart walkers” and there will be a health expo for all attendees.
Research has shown walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health. The benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for as little as 30 minutes each day can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
“We want people to know that it is never too late to start down a healthier path,” said Andrew Maher, Vice President at Waterford Bank, N.A., “Our hope is that the Heart Walk will help jump start a culture of healthy living among participants and increase passion for supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.”
For information on participating in the Heart Walk, call the American Heart Association at (419) 740-6181 or visit www.heart.org/toledowalk
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