Every hour of exercise adds two hours to life expectancy, a Harvard University study showed.
That’s one reason the American Heart Association encourages Rutherford County residents to start a fitness program by walking, the easiest form of exercise, said Kelly J. Jackson, regional vice president.
“Regular physical exercise can prevent 80 percent of illness and lowers most risk factors of heart disease,” Jackson said.
Jackson and assistant director Chelsey Shults are coordinating the annual Start Heart of Tennessee Heart Walk Sept. 27 at Embassy Suites and The Avenue.
David Edwards of Pinnacle Financial Services is chairing the walk.
To date, almost $30,000 of the $100,000 goal has been raised. Eighty-five teams of 200 walkers have signed up to participate in the two-mile walk.
More walkers are needed to sign up as individuals or teams to raise funds for the event. People may register online at heartoftnheartwalk.kintera.org or by calling Jackson at 340-4119 or Shults at 340-4126. It takes about five minutes to register.
Teams registered are from the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, MTSU fraternities and sororities, Verizon, 14 veterinary clinics, City Café, O’Reilly Karate Center, Bill Taylor’s Bushido School of Karate, Stevens Family Tae Kwon Do, Bridgestone, Best Buy, Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Heritage Farms, Mid-South Bank, Pinnacle Financial Partners, A.O. Smith and Square D/Schneider Electric.
“Sign a team up and get your friends and family to walk,” Jackson said.
Bill Taylor will sponsor a kid zone beginning at 10 a.m. for parents and children. Events include demonstrations and visits with MTSU’s men’s basketball team.
The event includes three sections:
• Create Hope with a survivor area, memorial tributes, ask an expert and gear shop. A board signed with memorials will be traveling to different sponsors during the next few weeks.
• Inspire Change with the Start Walking program, a wellness assessment sponsored by Total Family Chiropractic and Rehabilitation and visits with physical therapists, dieticians and personal trainers.
• Celebrate Success with lifestyle change awards, an eat street, super star area and making change area.
The walk begins at noon and will wind through The Avenue. Afterwards, awards will be presented to the top walkers and the Lifestyle Change Award Winners.
Shults encouraged individuals and families to walk to “keep fit and live longer.”
Jackson agreed.
“Empower your family with better heart health” by walking in the heart walk, Jackson said.
Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.
|
Email
Print
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!