They walked for Long Island friends and neighbors, they walked for family members and loved ones, they walked in honor and in memory of the close to 9,600 people on Long Island that die each year from cardiovascular diseases and stroke – Long Island’s No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death. They walked to start a healthier journey and a healthier life.
Led by Stephen Sipola Executive Vice President at Astoria Bank and Chair of the 2015 Long Island Heart Walk, Gabriella Lisboa,, 9 year old Heart Survivor, 2015 Red Cape Ambassador, Antoinette Biordi, News 12 Long Island and thousands of walkers on a beautiful day stepped out on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Jones Beach to help save Long Island lives from heart disease and stroke. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to lead this campaign as Chairman and I appreciate each and every one that supported our efforts to make a difference and save lives.” said Sipola.
The Long Island Heart Walk was an opportunity for people to improve their health by walking, while simultaneously raising funds to help fight heart disease and stroke. Because Life is Why, they will continue to support more scientific research, stronger community education, healthier schools, safer neighborhoods, improved treatment protocols and helping families until there’s a world free of heart disease and stroke.
The days’ event also included a morning health fair, kid’s zone sponsored by Voxx, blood pressure screenings, entertainment by the Adelphi University college cheerleaders and dance team.
The Long Island Heart Walk is presented nationally by Subway. Astoria Bank, Voxx, TD Bank, Catholic Health Services, Winthrop University Hospital, Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, CohnReznick, Luxottica and Setton Farms. Local media sponsors are News 12 Long Island, WBAB 102.3-FM and WBLI 106.1-FM.
Thirty-nine percent of Americans think they are in ideal health, but fewer than 1 percent actually meet the American Heart Association’s criteria. The association is teaching people what it really means to be healthy, offering practical solutions to improve their lives and the lives of their families. To learn more about the American Heart Association and how your company can become Fit Friendly Company, call the American Heart Association office at (516) 450-9104 or visit www.longislandheartwalk.org.
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