Thousands of Long Islanders are expected to join the American Heart Association’s Long Island Heart Walk on Sunday, Sept. 16 to raise funds to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death.
The annual event begins at 8:30 a.m. at Jones Beach, Field 5 in Wantagh.
The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.
“Participating in the Heart Walk can make an extraordinary impact in the community by investing funds in education and prevention programs, advocacy initiatives, and cutting-edge scientific research which will save lives” said Vito Giannola, vice president and Treasurer North America for Luxottica Group Long Island and Chair of the 2018 Long Island Heart Walk. “I look forward to working with executive leaders across Long Island to help raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association to continue its mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”
Some 80 percent of cardiovascular disease can be impacted by our own actions.
To drive this message home our Heart Walk will highlight the pillars of our Healthy for Good mission – eat smart. Add color. Move more.
Be well, to help encourage our Heart Walkers to adopt healthier behaviors. Participants will enjoy free yoga, hula hooping, and a silent disco to get their hearts pumping.
Learn CPR, take a Healthy Selfie or stop by the food tent to enjoy some healthy snacks provided by Shop Rite. Families can enjoy some fun at the Voxx International Kid Zone for face painting, crafts and carnival games.
This year we are honored to have Casey Coco, born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot. to serve as the 2018 Long Island Heart Walk Red Cape Ambassador, hoping to raise awareness for congenital heart defects and provide hope for other families.
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.
