Michael A. Sgro, chairman of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association Southern New Jersey Spring Heart Walk and executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, American Water.
The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recently announced Michael A. Sgro, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of American Water in Voorhees, NJ, will serve as chair of the 2017 Southern New Jersey Spring Heart Walk scheduled for Saturday, May 20 in Ocean City, NJ.
The Southern New Jersey Spring Heart Walk, locally sponsored by American Water/New Jersey American Water, The Heart Institute at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, NJM Insurance Group, Shore Medical Center & Penn Medicine Cardiology and South Jersey Industries, brings hundreds of South Jersey families, organizations and businesses together annually for a fun event filled with cardiovascular wellness.
As chairman of the event, Sgro will manage a volunteer executive leadership team whose mission is to recruit businesses, community groups and individual walkers while helping raise $322,000 to support the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association’s mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
“As chairperson of the walk, I understand that heart disease and stroke are affecting many people in our communities, but through education and action, up to 80 percent of cardiac and stroke events may be prevented” said Sgro. “The Heart Walk is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the steps we can take to be healthy for good.”
Heart Walks, which are nationally sponsored by Subway, are the signature community event for the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association focused on raising funds to support the fight against heart disease and stroke – our nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 leading causes of death. Held in nearly 340 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.
“The Southern NJ Spring Heart Walk is the perfect way to do something good for yourself while helping to support a great cause,” continued Sgro. “We hope that the entire community comes together to join in the walk against heart disease and stroke while taking advantage of the free resources available, including heart-health information, work out demonstrations, health screenings and more.”
With nearly 70 percent of adults considered overweight or obese and 32 percent of children considered overweight or obese, it’s vital to get Americans moving more. The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association has made a commitment to helping Americans nationwide get healthier through a variety of healthy-living initiatives, including free guidelines on healthy eating, physical activity, controlling blood pressure and blood cholesterol, stress management and more. Heart Walk is an example of bringing the community together to get physically active and learn more about heart-healthy living options.
As chair of the event, Sgro is working to create a culture of health and improve the health of communities in South Jersey. Sgro serves as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary for American Water in Voorhees, NJ. In this role, Sgro serves as chief legal officer, providing oversight, guidance and direction regarding corporate governance and board matters, as well as providing legal advice and overseeing the legal team responsible for all aspects of legal affairs for the company.
To learn how you can join Mr. Sgro at the American Heart Association Southern New Jersey Spring Heart Walk, visit www.snjspringhw.org or call 609.208.0020.