Dr. Mark William Connolly, Chairman of the Department of Surgery Attending, Division of Cardiothoracic, at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, will serve as chairman of the 2017 Bergen Passaic Heart Walk, scheduled for Sunday October 1, at Express-Scripts Campus in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
The Bergen Passaic Heart Walk, locally sponsored by St. Joseph’s Healthcare System, Novartis, Amarin, Doherty Enterprises Inc. and Hackensack Meridian Health brings hundreds of Bergen and Passaic County families, organizations and businesses together annually for a fun event filled with cardiovascular wellness.
As chair of the event, Dr. Connolly will recruit volunteers, businesses and organizations to support the Heart Walk, which drives The American Heart Association and The American Stroke Association’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
“Exercise is critically important to have a healthy heart,” says Dr. Connolly. “Double-up and join us – walk for your own healthy heart and support The American Heart Association to stamp out heart and stroke disease.”
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.
Throughout Dr. Connolly’s career, he has been a member of many boards and committees, whose work elevated the efficiency, quality, and overall level of care provided to cardiac surgeon patients. In addition, Dr. Connolly has championed several new procedures, published scientific and peer-reviewed medical journals, and has given dozens of local, national, and international presentations.
To learn how you can join Dr. Connolly at the American Heart Association’s Bergen Passaic Heart Walk, visit www.bergenpassaicheartwalk.org.