With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic keeping more Americans at home, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is embracing the new normal and moving its iconic Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk online.
The Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity.
“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others, stay active and stay encouraged,” said Melissa Hanigan, manager of patient registration/office manager of specialty service, Ellenville Regional Hospital and chair, the Hudson Valley Board of Directors, American Heart Association. “This virtual format allows everyone to continue to have fun and support our lifesaving mission, while adapting to spending more time at home. We are grateful for the support from our community and can’t wait to see how everyone makes the Heart Walk their own.”
On April 18, Dutchess-Ulster area Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood, observing a safe distance from others. 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.
“We’re proud to work with the American Heart Association, which is investing research dollars in the search for answers,” said Neil Weber, president of Laerdal Medical, a sponsor of the Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk. “It’s critical that the Hudson Valley keep supporting the American Heart Association, since heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in the country.”
To register, visit DutchessUlsterHeartWalk.org. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encouraging friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media. On April 18, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirt and post pictures and videos to document their activity, using the hashtag #HVHeartWalk, and tagging the American Heart Association at @AHANewYork on Facebook and Instagram, and @HVHeartAssoc on Twitter. We’ll also keep you updated on our Facebook event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/1440917726071434/.
The funds raised from the Dutchess Ulster Heart Walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health. Visit DutchessUlsterHeartWalk.org to learn more.
About the Virtual Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk and Run
The 2020 Virtual Dutchess-Ulster Heart Walk will let people walk where they are on Saturday, April 18, post their photos to social media, and join in the virtual fun on the event’s Facebook page. Dr. Simon Gorwara, Managing Partner and President, The Heart Center, Nuvance Health is chair of the event. Danielle Allen and Bruce Markel are the survivor honorees. Sponsors include Nuvance Health, Laerdal Medical USA, M&T Bank, North American Partners in Anesthesia, Flory’s, UnitedHealth Group, David Ping Group, Crunch Fitness, Ellenville Regional Hospital, Feldman Physical Therapy and Performance, Kingston Nissan, Mackey Butts & Wise LLP, Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Rutberg Breslow Personal Injury Law, Tompkins Mahopac Bank, Williams Lumber & Home Centers, Red Line Diner, Daily Planet Diner, Hudson Valley Magazine, Southern/Northern Dutchess News Group, 97.7/97.3 The Wolf. Visit DutchessUlsterHeartWalk.org or call for information, or contact [email protected], 845.867.5379.