| Community kickoff for Heart Walk set for Aug. 19 |
|
By: MICHELLE WILLARD, Post Staff Writer
|
Posted: Sunday, August 3, 2008 7:25 am
|
 Email  Print
|
The American Heart Association wants to encourage everyone to get out and get fit with the Heart of Tennessee Heart and Stroke Walk and the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Program.
“Healthcare costs are the number one concern of all employers and physical inactivity results in 80 percent of preventable illness,” explained Kelly Jackson, regional vice president for the American Heart Association. “For your own health and the health of your employees, participation in the Annual Heart and Stroke Walk and the Start! program is pertinent.”
The AHA plays host to a community-wide kick off for the Heart Walk season from 5-7 p.m. Aug. 19. The location has not been determined yet.
The Start! Program helps companies champion the health of their employees and create a culture of physical activity and health in the workplace by rewarding companies for leadership and concern for employee health.
A simple way to use Start! in the workplace is the Start! Walking Program, which promotes as active lifestyle for employees.
Companies are rewarded by increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and reduced healthcare costs. According to the American Heart Association, 70 percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, which increases the chances for heart disease, stoke and increases health care costs.
When companies sign pledges to participate, the American Heart Association also offers companies support in the form of resources, materials, newsletter guides and consultation.
Once a company’s goals are completed, the AHA will recognize it on the national level on the program’s Web site and on the local level with events and a plaque.
To take the first step, sign your company up by visiting www.heartoftnheartwalk.kintera.org or contact Kelly Jackson at 615.340.4119 or email at Kelly.jackson@heart.org.
There’s still time to sign up for the Heart of Tennessee Heart and Stroke Walk, which begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 27, in Murfreesboro.
The Heart and Stroke Walk is an experience from start to finish for all participants with areas for health and wellness screenings, a Kid Zone sponsored by Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate and interactive opportunities from local sponsors that will not only serve as a festival but inform and empower people about how to take control of their health to build a longer life free of cardiovascular disease.
|
|
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!