The 2017 Central NJ Heart Walk raised nearly $250,000 for the American Heart Association’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The money will be used to support such life-saving efforts as funding research and education, advocating for better health, improving patient care and reaching at-risk populations.
Local survivors of heart disease and stroke led the walk — which was held on Oct. 7 at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton — including survivor ambassador Thomas Brown, who works for NRG Energy in Princeton. Brown is a congenital heart defect, heart surgery and stroke survivor and shared his story with the crowd.
“I was honored to support the Central NJ Heart Walk this year,” Brown said. “It was heartwarming to see the community come together to support this life-saving cause.”
Participants walked the warning track and outside the stadium for a 1- or 3-mile non-competitive walk and enjoyed activities focused on cardiovascular wellness, such as health screenings, CPR demonstrations, exercise demonstrations, nutritional information and a kid’s zone.
The Heart Walk brings to life the American Heart Association’s new Healthy For Good movement, a program designed to provide science-based recommendations, tools, tips and motivation to build healthier behaviors. It’s focused on small steps that can be done each day that will make a big difference tomorrow.
According to a release from the American Heart Association, about one in three adults participate in no leisure time physical activity. Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, and improved mental health and mood. According to one study, just 25 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years of life expectancy. For the average person in their 50s and 60s, moderate exercise could reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack by half.
Anyone can join the Healthy For Good movement to receive support and one-to-one customized motivation. The four key areas ground the movement—Eat Smart, Add Color, Move More and Be Well.
Donations to the Central NJ Heart Walk are being accepted online through Dec. 7. To donate, visit CentralNJHeartWalk.org. To learn more about Healthy For Good, visit heart.org/healthyforgood.
