American Heart Association’s Long Island Heart Walk to save lives returns
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 number one and number five 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 of 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.”
About 80 percent of cardiovascular disease can be impacted by our own actions. To drive this message home, the Heart Walk will highlight the pillars of a 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, Casey Coco, who was born with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) will 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.
The benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for as little as 30 minutes each day can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
The annual success of the Long Island Heart Walk is due in part to our Life Is Why Sponsors: Bradley & Parker, Inc. & Petro Home Services. Local sponsors include Geico, Voxx, TD Bank, Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Catholic Health Services, NYU Winthrop Hospital, Chase, Zwanger Pesiri Radiology, CohnReznick, Luxottica, Americana Manhasset, and Deloitte. Local media sponsors are Cox Media Long Island and Connoisseur Media.
For more information about the Long Island Heart Walk, visit
longislandheartwalk.org.
