New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Each year the American Heart Association – Southern New England has its “Heart Walk” to raise awareness for America’s #1 killer. In spite of the overwhelming amount of information out there, heart disease continues to be the nation’s largest health concern.
Making sure that the proper information is reaching the community is important in a world of information overload. However, that is just the beginning. Being inspired and motivated is a major element in helping people forge ahead when it comes to improving their heart health, especially when we all struggle with food cravings or just not feeling like we have enough energy to exercise.
The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk is a superlative event to hear the proper information from some of the area’s most qualified and knowledgeable medical experts. A time to hear inspiring anecdotes from those who have made significant changes in their lives to improve their health. A time for you to inspire others to make that change.
With an eye on the future of the nation’s health, their 2020 Impact Goal is to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent. With that in mind the American Heart Association has drawn up a “Life’s Simple 7.” These are, essentially, 7 risk factors in your life that either make you or break your heart health.
How does this tie into the Heart Walk? These seven risk factors are seven reasons to participate in the walk!
In a world full of challenges to our health and well-being, it can be difficult to find the time and resources to take care of ourselves—and those we care about. Do you wish that you could make a heart-healthy difference, today, —for yourself, your colleagues, and your loved ones, but you aren’t sure where to begin?
You and those you care about can get healthy—and you can start right now—with Life’s Simple 7 and the My Life Check Assessment from the American Heart Association. These free online tools can help individuals to privately evaluate their heart health, learn more about seven risk factors for heart disease, and take action to make simple changes that can both improve quality of life and save lives.
Challenge Yourself
Take the My Life Check Assessment online, today. The assessment is quick and easy! Visit mylifecheck.heart.org/PledgePage.aspx to do yours.
Challenge Your Colleagues
You can foster a healthy workplace by challenging colleagues and employees to take the health assessment. Remember, results are private and individual.
Challenge Those You Care About
Share the Life Check Assessment with those closest to you. Anyone can take the assessment.
Learn the Simple Seven; Take Small Steps to Decrease Your Risk
Get active. Control cholesterol. Eat better. Manage blood pressure. Lose weight. Reduce blood sugar. Stop smoking. Learn about these 7 risk factors, and how to take small steps toward controlling risk. Share the Simple 7 with everyone you know: /mylifecheck.heart.org/Multitab.aspx?NavID=3&CultureCode=en-US
Want to participate in the Heart Walk alone, or with family and/or friends? The 2 or 3 ½ Mile Walk takes place at UMass Dartmouth on Saturday, May 13th from 8:00am-1:00pm. The 2 mile walk is a special “heart and stroke survivor” route and there is the alternative 3.5-mile walk route. The event will include free health screenings, entertainment, cardiovascular advice from experts, giveaways, a kids’ zone, and healthy snacks. The Kids Heart Challenge, a ½ mile obstacle course for kids ages 5-12, will also be kicked off after the Heart Walk.
The 2016 Heart Walk drew more than 9,000 participants and raised over $800,000 for the fight against heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association uses the funds raised through the Heart Walk to finance cutting-edge scientific research, conduct public and professional educational programs and advocate for public health. In Rhode Island and Massachusetts alone, the American Heart Association funded more than $36 million in scientific research last year.
Register your team to walk with your community at the Heart Walk! There is no minimum donation to participate. Raise at least $100 and earn an official Heart Walk t-shirt!
Registration: 8:00 AM
Walk Start: 9:00 AM
For more information on Heart Walk teams, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please call 401-228-2335 or visit SNEHeartWalk.org Go directly to the Facebook Event Page here
