This year, the American Heart Association, the world’s leading non-profit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is making it easier than ever to join the 2020 Central PA Heart Walk.
Instead of a one-day event, participants from across Centre, Blair and Cambria counties and beyond can join the Heart Walk by walking wherever they are any time from Sept. 10 through Oct. 10.
“This year we have the unique opportunity to expand the Heart Walk from a single day to a full month of activity and make it even easier for anyone across the region to participate,” said Tracy Ewing, chief nursing officer for Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley and chair of this year’s Central PA Heart Walk.
“It’s more important than ever for us to pay attention to our physical and mental and the Heart Walk is a great way to offer participants some encouragement to be more active and make healthy choices, as well as stay connected to others in our community who are motivated to make a difference.”
The Central PA Heart Walk, formerly the Centre County Heart Walk, is a fun way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, encourage physical activity and wellness, and raise lifesaving funds for the American Heart Association during the current public health crisis and beyond. Anyone can participate in the Heart Walk in a few easy steps.
- Sign up as a walker at www.heart.org/centrewalk and ask family and friends to join your team and donate.
- RSVP to the 2020 Central PA Heart Walk event on Facebook and join the event discussion for updates and activities.
- Walk and share your journey anytime, anywhere from Sept. 10 through Oct. 10. Post your own photos and videos directly to the Facebook event discussion or anywhere on social media using #CentralPAHeartWalk.
In addition to walking, here are a few fun activities to consider choosing from:
- Get the whole family involved and have an indoor dance party.
- Try out a few strengthening exercises like push-ups, lunges and squats.
- Create an at home circuit workout.
The Central PA Heart Walk is sponsored by Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Nittany Valley, Weis Markets, Geisinger, Conemaugh Health System, Advantage Home Care, Boyles Insurance, CentreCrest, First Citizens Community Bank, Harmony at State College, M&T Bank, Mount Nittany Health, Graymont PA and Zoll LifeVest.
For more information and to register, visit heart.org/centrewalk.
Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.
Approximately 120 million Americans have one or more cardiovascular conditions, putting them at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. Funds raised through events like the Heart Walk help the American Heart Association invest in scientific research to look into the impact of COVID-19 is having on heart and brain health, provide information to those immediately affected by COVID-19 and help health care professionals on the front lines care for patients using the latest guidelines and recommendations.
Funds also support the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives through investing in research, advocacy, CPR training and education.
