The 2024 Alaska Heart Run & Walk is set to take place on Saturday, September 21 at the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage. Organized by the American Heart Association, this event aims to unite the community in the fight against heart disease and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in Alaska.
Sarah Skeel, the chief administrative officer at Providence Alaska Medical Center and chairperson of the 2024 Alaska Heart Run & Walk, expressed her passion for improving health within Alaska communities. She emphasized the importance of supporting the American Heart Association’s efforts to promote better heart and brain health outcomes for everyone.
Cardiologist Linda Ireland, D.O., MBA, FACC, from the Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and an American Heart Association volunteer, highlighted the benefits of regular physical activity in maintaining overall well-being and preventing serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke. The Alaska Heart Run & Walk serves as a platform to raise funds for scientific research and encourage community members to prioritize their health.
Funds raised through the event support the American Heart Association’s initiatives, including scientific research, public health policy development, medical care guidelines, and community education programs. One of the Association’s key focuses is raising awareness about Hands-Only CPR, with the goal of equipping individuals with this life-saving skill. Immediate CPR intervention can significantly improve survival rates during cardiac emergencies, which often occur outside the hospital setting.
John Pineda, a local resident of Anchorage who performed bystander CPR in 2017, emphasized the importance of being prepared to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies. Pineda’s experience underscores the critical role that CPR training plays in saving lives and empowering individuals to take action in emergency situations.
The Alaska Heart Run & Walk offers participants the opportunity to engage in various activities, including a 5K timed run, a 5K untimed run, and a 5K walk with a survivor route option. The event is presented locally by the Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and supported by Providence Alaska Medical Center.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its Centennial year in 2024, the organization remains committed to advancing health and promoting longer, healthier lives for all. Through collaborations with diverse partners and the dedication of millions of volunteers, the Association continues to fund innovative research, advocate for public health initiatives, and provide essential resources to communities across the country.
For more information about the Alaska Heart Run & Walk and to register for the event, visit AlaskaHeartRun.org. Join the American Heart Association in its mission to create a world of equitable health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
Supporting Heart & Brain Health in Alaska
The Alaska Heart Run & Walk serves as a vital platform for raising awareness about heart disease and stroke, two prevalent health issues that impact the Alaskan population. By uniting community members in a shared commitment to improving heart and brain health, the event promotes a culture of wellness and encourages individuals to prioritize their cardiovascular well-being.
Sarah Skeel’s leadership as the chairperson of the 2024 Alaska Heart Run & Walk reflects her deep-rooted passion for advancing health initiatives within Alaska communities. As a native Alaskan, Skeel understands the unique health challenges faced by residents of the state and is dedicated to supporting efforts that foster better health outcomes for all individuals.
The participation of cardiologist Linda Ireland in the Alaska Heart Run & Walk underscores the medical community’s commitment to promoting physical activity as a means of preventing heart disease and stroke. By engaging in regular exercise, such as running or walking, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and reduce their risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.
Empowering Communities Through Education and Advocacy
In addition to raising funds for scientific research, the Alaska Heart Run & Walk plays a crucial role in educating the community about the importance of Hands-Only CPR. By equipping individuals with the skills to perform CPR in emergency situations, the event empowers community members to take immediate action and potentially save lives during cardiac emergencies.
John Pineda’s firsthand experience of performing bystander CPR highlights the life-saving impact of timely intervention. Pineda’s preparedness and quick response in a cardiac arrest emergency exemplify the importance of CPR training in equipping individuals to handle critical situations and provide essential support to those in need.
The American Heart Association’s focus on Hands-Only CPR training reflects its commitment to ensuring that every household has at least one individual capable of administering CPR in a cardiac emergency. By raising awareness about the importance of CPR education, the Association aims to empower community members to respond effectively to life-threatening situations and contribute to improved survival rates.
Promoting Wellness and Community Engagement
The Alaska Heart Run & Walk offers participants a range of activities, including a 5K timed run, a 5K untimed run, and a 5K walk with a survivor route option. These diverse options cater to individuals of all fitness levels and encourage community members to engage in physical activity as a means of promoting heart and brain health.
The event’s collaboration with local organizations such as the Alaska Heart & Vascular Institute and Providence Alaska Medical Center underscores the importance of community partnerships in promoting wellness initiatives. By working together to support the Alaska Heart Run & Walk, these organizations demonstrate their shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of Alaskans.
As the American Heart Association celebrates its Centennial year in 2024, the organization remains dedicated to advancing health equity and advocating for longer, healthier lives for all individuals. Through its ongoing efforts to fund research, promote public health initiatives, and provide essential resources to communities, the Association continues to drive positive change in the field of cardiovascular health.
Join the American Heart Association in its mission to create a world of equitable health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Learn more about the Alaska Heart Run & Walk and register for the event by visiting AlaskaHeartRun.org. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against heart disease and stroke and promote better heart and brain health outcomes for all.