The Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk is set to bring the community together for a day dedicated to heart and brain health on September 28th in Madera, California. Hosted by the American Heart Association, the leading nonprofit organization committed to promoting healthier lives for all, this annual event aims to raise awareness and funds to combat heart disease and strokes, which remain among the top causes of death in the United States and California.
Funds raised during the Heart and Stroke Walk will support the American Heart Association’s research initiatives and programs that drive public health policy, establish healthcare guidelines, and educate the community. Locally in the Central Valley, the association has played a crucial role in expanding access to life-saving CPR techniques, ensuring local patients with heart disease and strokes have access to the latest scientific treatments through hospital programs, and assisting community members with hypertension by providing tools and resources for better blood pressure control.
Cynthia Cervantes, MSN, RN, NP-c, Director of Clinical Quality and GBD at Anthem Blue Cross and a volunteer for the American Heart Association, expressed pride in supporting the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk as sponsors. She emphasized the importance of physical activity, such as walking, in promoting overall well-being and preventing serious conditions like heart disease and strokes. Studies have shown that engaging in regular physical activity can have a significant positive impact on health.
The American Heart Association is also focused on raising awareness about hands-only CPR, aiming to teach at least one person in every household this life-saving skill. With over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in the U.S. each year, immediate CPR from a bystander is crucial for survival. However, many Americans feel helpless in responding to a cardiac emergency.
Rima Maldonado, a CPR survivor and a team leader for the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk, shared her story of how CPR saved her life. She stressed the importance of being prepared and trained in CPR, as it could make a life-saving difference for someone in need. Her experience highlights the critical role that CPR education plays in saving lives.
The Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk is a significant event that not only raises funds for vital research and programs but also promotes community health and wellness. By participating in the walk, individuals can support the American Heart Association’s efforts to combat heart disease and strokes, as well as raise awareness about the importance of CPR training.
Event Details:
Registration and event information are available at CentralValleyHeartWalk.org.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 28th, starting and ending at the Welcome Center of Tesoro Viejo in Madera, CA.
Check-in and expo area open at 8:00 AM.
The 2-mile walk, with a shorter route option for survivors, begins at 9:00 AM.
Subheadings:
1. Supporting Heart and Brain Health Through Community Engagement
2. The Impact of Physical Activity on Preventing Heart Disease and Strokes
3. Empowering Communities Through CPR Training
The American Heart Association’s Central Valley chapter is dedicated to advancing heart and brain health in the community through education, research, and advocacy. By participating in events like the Central Valley Heart and Stroke Walk, individuals can make a tangible difference in promoting healthier lives and reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases and strokes. Join the movement for heart and brain health on September 28th and help make a positive impact in the fight against heart disease and strokes.
