Hospital Executive Leads Heart Walk in South Jersey

Hospital Executive Leads Heart Walk in South JerseyThe American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recently announced Alfred Campanella, Executive Vice President, Strategic Business Growth and Analytics at Virtua, will serve as chairman of the 2017 Southern NJ Fall Heart Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 21 at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ.

The Southern NJ Fall Heart Walk, locally sponsored by Virtua and media sponsors SJ Magazine, SNJ Today and SoJo 104.9, brings hundreds of South Jersey families, organizations and businesses together annually for a fun event filled with cardiovascular wellness.

As chair of the event, Campanella will recruit volunteers, businesses and organizations to support the Heart Walk, which drives the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

“The Heart Walk is an important event which raises vital funds and awareness for two of our nation’s most devastating diseases,” said Campanella.  “The event brings the community together to celebrate cardiovascular health while also funding education and research.”

Heart Walks are the signature community event for the American Heart Association’s Healthy For GoodTM movement which encourages Americans to lead healthier lives by delivering science-based recommendations, tools, tips and motivation to build healthier behaviors.  The walk also raises funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke – our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death.  Held in more than 305 communities nationwide, the Heart Walk is designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living through a fun environment that’s rewarding for the entire family.

Four key areas ground the Healthy For Good movement—Eat Smart, Add Color, Move More and Be Well.  Unfortunately, about one in three adults participate in NO leisure time physical activity.  Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, and improved mental health and mood.  According to one study, just 25 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years of life expectancy.  In fact, for the average person in their 50s and 60s, moderate exercise could reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack by half.

“The Southern NJ Fall Heart Walk is an opportunity for businesses, organizations and families to support a great cause,” stated Campanella. “We hope that the South Jersey community will join in the walk against heart disease and stroke while taking advantage of the free resources available, including heart-health information, CPR demonstrations, health screenings, and more.”

Campanella is executive vice president of strategic business growth and analytics at Virtua.  In this role, he supports health care management, marketing, business development, and information systems.

Campanella has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Georgetown University, a Master’s Degree in Health Finance Management from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s Degree in Theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He received his Certification as a Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute.

To learn how you can join Campanella at the American Heart Association Southern NJ Fall Heart Walk, visit www.SNJFallHW.org, call 609.223.3708 or email [email protected].

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