Heart Walk Where You Are
Greater Akron Heart Walk goes virtual due to pandemic—the top priority for the American Heart Association remains the health of the community
AKRON, OH — With the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic keeping people at home, the American Heart Association is embracing a new approach to keep our iconic Greater Akron Heart Walk event on schedule by going virtual. On August 29, Greater Akron Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet but are encouraged to walk where they are and participate virtually on the Greater Akron Heart Walk Facebook event page.
“We are deeply concerned about the public health crisis facing our country,” said Tracy Behnke, American Heart Association Executive Director. “Our organization’s top priority is the health and well-being of our community today and in the future. With that being said, our mission, to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, is more important now than ever. Millions of people are counting on us for science-based information, health resources, community programs, and patient support. We are continuing our mission-critical work in these challenging times, and we know that people with cardiovascular diseases are more likely to be seriously impacted by the virus than others.”
More than 120 million Americans have one or more cardiovascular conditions that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. The American Heart Association is working to fast-track scientific projects to investigate the specific cardiovascular implications of COVID-19 and continue our mission-critical work. By participating and donating to Greater Akron Heart Walk, you are supporting the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association during this current public health crisis and beyond.
“During this time of physical distance, it’s important to find new ways to boost physical and emotional health,” said Bill Benoit, President of UH Portage Medical Center and Chair of the 2020 Greater Akron Heart Walk. “The Greater Akron Heart Walk is a great way to keep up healthy habits, stay socially connected and keep up with physical activity. Heart Walk is also a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors and raise lifesaving funds.”
During the event on August 29th, everyone is encouraged to post pictures and videos to document their activity using #AkronHeartWalk and #WalkWhereYouAre. Here are a few fun activities to consider choosing from:
Take a walk outside (while following current social distancing guidelines).
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 Greater Akron Heart Walk is sponsored locally by UH Portage Medical Center and FirstEnergy Corporation.
To register, visit www.heart.org/akronwalk. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media. For more information contact Mike Long at Michael.Long@heart.org or 330-396-5797.