American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk: Advancing heart health one step at a time

(Cape Girardeau, MO) -- Area residents will be walking this Saturday for more than great exercise. Sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital, the Cape Girardeau County Start! Heart Walk will be this Saturday, February 13, with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. at West Park Mall in Cape Girardeau.

"The Start! Heart Walk is the American Heart Association's signature fundraising event for the region. It's great to see the passion and commitment from the area. Anyone is welcome to join us on Saturday whether they have registered or not. It is about our community coming together to walk for a great cause," says Beth Walker, Corporate Events Director of the American Heart Association.

Groups and individuals still have the opportunity to sign up. They can register by calling Walker at 618-983-3234 or online at www.southcentralilheartwalk.org. At the event participants can visit booths of local sponsors from 8 to 9 a.m., opening ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m., and walkers take a 2 mile walk at 9:30 a.m. Highlights for the morning will include education from area heart experts, including Dr. David A. Law from Cardiovascular Consultants, a tribute to heart disease and stroke survivors, an area for kids to learn more about fitness, heart healthy food, giveaways and more. Screenings at the event will include blood pressure checks, heart rate, body mass index as well as many other educational opportunities. The event is free. Participants are encouraged to collect or give donations.

"So many individuals have benefited from the life-saving research, treatment and technologies that have developed through the work of the American Heart Association. With the money we raise here, the American Heart Association will be able to continue our mission of building lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. I encourage individuals and groups to join us," said Walker.

The Heart Walk is a part of the American Heart Association's Start! program in which tools are provided to businesses and individuals to get America walking for health. The focus of Start! is simple -- Walk more. Eat well. Live Longer. Studies have shown that walking is good medicine for the heart. In fact it's great medicine. For every hour of regular, vigorous exercise, like brisk walking, one can expect two hours will be added to their life expectancy.

"We all know someone who has experienced heart disease or stroke," said Walker. "This event reminds us that heart disease or stroke can happen to any one of us and emphasizes the importance of our efforts in helping to save the lives of our co-workers, family and friends."

American Heart Association-funded research has yielded or contributed to such important discoveries as CPR, life-extending drugs (including clot-busters), pacemakers, bypass surgery, the heart-lung machine and surgical techniques to repair heart defects. Despite progress, heart disease and stroke continue to be major health threats. Heart disease and stroke continue to also be the No. 1 health threat in Missouri and accounts for approximately 34% of all deaths in Cape Girardeau County.

Subway is the proud national sponsor for Start and locally Southeast Missouri Hospital is leading the movement. For information on the Start! Heart Walk call the American Heart Association at 618-983-3234 or visit www.capegirardeaucountyheartwalk.org. For more information on the American Heart Association's Start! program visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

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About the American Heart Association

Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases -- America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers -- we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.