American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk
http://www.startbaltimoremd.org/
More than 7,000 walkers will take giant steps for their heart health on Saturday, October 27, 2007, 8:30 a.m. at Federal Hill Park for the American Heart Association's annual Start! Heart Walk. Federal Hill Park is located at 701 Battery Avenue in Baltimore City.
Start! is the American Heart Association's campaign that encourages, recognizes and provides tools for people to promote a culture of physical activity and healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that a person may gain two hours of life expectancy for every hour you walk.
The non-competitive 5K walk or run begins at 9:30 a.m. to support heart disease, stroke research, and educational programs in the Greater Baltimore community. Eighty-one teams are made up of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages. Participants who are survivors of heart disease or stroke will wear red caps bearing the words "Fighting Back"
Diseases of the heart are the country's No. 1 cause of death; stroke is No. 3. These and other cardiovascular diseases kill more than 870,000 Americans each year and cost the nation more than $431 billion in direct and indirect costs. While high blood pressure is just one of several risk factors for heart attack or stroke, controlling high blood pressure is a critical start to minimizing your risk for premature death or illness.
Walkers can participate in various activities at three Start! Heart Walk communities: Create Hope, Inspire Change, and Celebrate Success. Participants will sign a pledge card to lead a healthier life by making physical activity part of their daily lives. Activities include blood pressure health awareness, learn about diet, nutrition and physical activities. Also, a Kids Corner, Lifestyle Change Awards, and Eat Street, featuring heart-healthy meals and hear inspired stories by Faces of Heart. The Baltimore Ravens will host a "What Moves U" fitness zone for kids, and Bel Air's Julienne Irwin is scheduled to sing the national anthem.
"Start! provides an exciting way for participants to personalize their commitment to better health as well as become connected to others across the nation who are also taking positive strides to change their lives and make a better community" says Bonnie Phipps, chairperson and CEO of St. Agnes Hospital in Baltimore.
The Start! Heart Walk, which has raised almost $600 million for research and education since it was launched in 1994, will take place in about 450 cities this year. The fund-raising goal for this year's event is $750,000 and all proceeds will benefit education, heart and stroke research.
To participate in the Start! Heart Walk or for more information,
visit www.startbaltimoremd.org
or call the American Heart Association office at 410-637-4566.
