American Heart Association Announces Richmond Heart Walk Lifestyle Change Awards

RICHMOND, VA – The American Heart Association and Richmond Heart Walk Healthy for Good sponsor, Molina Healthcare, will honor those who have made healthy lifestyle changes at this year’s Richmond Heart Walk on Saturday, October 21 at Innsbrook.

Nominations opened on August 1 for the Richmond Lifestyle Change Awards, which will recognize those that have taken active steps to better their heart and brain health. The winners will be recognized on stage at the Richmond Heart Walk this fall.

“Molina Healthcare is thrilled to partner with the American Heart Association to recognize individuals throughout Greater Richmond who have taken the steps to lead a healthier life,” said James Johnson, chief operating officer of Molina Healthcare of Virginia. “Small lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in health and hearing stories of overcoming adversities can be a catalyst for change for others in the community.”

The award winners will be selected based on their actions to pursue better health in response to a diagnosis or heart event, a family history, or how their health was impacting their quality of life. Richmond American Heart Association Executive Director, Michelle Nostheide, said that this list of examples was not all inclusive, and individuals with other stories of healthy change are encouraged to self-nominate.

  • Increased physical activity
  • Adopted healthier eating habits or a weight loss plan
  • Stopped smoking or vaping
  • Created a plan for managing blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar
  • Learned their family’s heart/brain health history and personal risk factors to manage their health

“We are looking for individuals who have inspired others by their own pursuit of better health, and we want to tell their story. We know how hard it is to recognize risk factors, start a plan and stick to it to create lasting change – and we want to raise those people up and celebrate them,” said Nostheide.

Nominations for the Richmond Heart Walk Lifestyle Change Awards will be open until September 21. Visit this link to submit your nomination today.

For more information about the Richmond Heart Walk, please visit RichmondVAHeartWalk.org.