Stephen P. Zieniewicz, FACHE, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Barnabas Medical Center (SBMC), Livingston, New Jersey, will serve as chairman of the 2017 Greater Northern NJ Heart Walk scheduled for Sunday, October 22 at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ.
As chair of the event, Mr. Zieniewicz 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.
“Heart Disease is the nation’s number one killer. I am passionate about supporting the Heart Walk which raises funds for research and education and raises awareness within the community, ultimately saving lives. It is my privilege to lead this important event and I look forward to the community joining me and my family on October 22.”, says Mr. Zieniewicz.
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 Northern NJ Heart Walk, locally sponsored by Bayer, RWJBarnabas Health, NJM Insurance Group, Novartis, CR Bard, Kindred Hospital, Merck, and Dr. Scholl’s, brings hundreds of Essex, Morris, Union, Sussex, Somerset and Warren County families, organizations and businesses together annually for a fun event filled with cardiovascular wellness.
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.
There are four key components to the Healthy For Good movement—Eat Smart, Add Color, Move More and Be Well. One-third of adults do not participate in regular 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.
Mr. Zieniewicz is President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University and Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. In addition, Mr. Zieniewicz is a board-certified Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) and has held many Board appointments throughout his career.
To learn how you can join Stephen Zieniewicz at the American Heart Association Greater Northern NJ Heart Walk, visit Greater NNJ Heart Walk.