The Hudson Valley American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk event is set for Sunday, May 3 at Lake Welch Beach at Harriman State Park. The Heart Walk is the AHA’s biggest annual event, raising more than $340,000 for AHA programs and research at last year’s event. Online registration is now open for individual walkers and teams at www.tricountyheartwalk.org.
Orange County Trust Company President and CEO Michael J. Gilfeather will serve as volunteer chair for the event which raises awareness for healthy lifestyles, as well as life-saving funds for heart and stroke research. Gilfeather recently held a reception for businesses and community leaders to encourage them to sponsor and form teams to join the Heart Walk.
Being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. Research has shown that every hour of regular exercise can add about two hours to life expectancy, even if you don’t start until midlife. Plus, physical activity can relieve depression, improve your memory, lower your blood pressure and help prevent obesity.
The Heart Walk is part of the American Heart Association’s year-round My Heart. My Life. campaign to create a culture of health at home, at work and in the community. Included in the campaign are awards who support healthier behaviors at work through the Fit Friendly Worksite program. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., and physical inactivity doubles the risk. Applications are available for companies online under workplace resources at www.startwalkingnow.org.
Sponsorships are available to support the Heart Walk. Contact Michelle Conrad at 845-346-5276 or email michelle.conrad@heart.org or visit online at www.tricountyheartwalk.org.
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