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 Tri-County Heart Walk online.
The Tri-County Heart Walk, in its 26th year and set for Saturday, May 2, 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 Beverly Keefer, Director, Cardiovascular Services, Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, and chair of the 2020 Virtual Tri-County Heart Walk. “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 May 2, Tri-County area Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood starting at 9 a.m. 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.
The American Heart Association is fast-tracking a special $2.5 million fund for rapid response scientific research projects to investigate the specific cardiovascular implications of coronavirus, investing in short-term projects that can turn around results quickly – within 9-12 months. The Hudson Valley’s support of the American Heart Association means more research funding, critical since heart disease and stroke remain the No. 1 and No. 5 killers in the country.
To register, visit TriCountyHeartWalk.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. A schedule of activities and a day-of program will be found on the Virtual Tri-County Heart Walk Facebook event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/996583860740900/.
On May 2, 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.
The funds raised from the Tri-County Heart Walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health. In addition to COVID-19 related research funding, the American Heart Association is also offering free oxygenation and ventilation courses to health care workers, and creating a data registry of COVID-19 patients through our Get with the Guidelines program. Visit TriCountyHeartWalk.org to learn more.
About the Virtual Tri-County Heart Walk
The 2020 Virtual Tri-County Heart Walk is set for Saturday, May 2. Participants can enjoy a walk, run, bike or their favorite exercise where they are, and post photos to social media with the hashtag #HVHeartWalk. Information and a day-of program are found at the Virtual Tri-County Heart Walk Facebook event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/996583860740900/. Beverly Keefer, Director, Cardiovascular Services, Cath Lab, Interventional Radiology, at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, is the chair. Antonio Cintron, 52, and Noah Paruolo, 4, are the honored survivors. Local sponsors include Adams Fairacre Farms, Advantage Emergency Devices, Inc., Crothall Healthcare, Crystal Run Healthcare, Hollenbeck Pest Control, LifeNet of New York – Air Methods, Mobile Life Support Services, Inc., Cardiovascular Institute of Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, Middletown Medical, Nice-Pak International/PDI, Orange Bank & Trust, Orange Regional Medical Center, Hudson Valley Magazine and 97.7/97.3 The Wolf. For information, visit TriCountyHeartWalk.org or contact [email protected], or 845.867.5373.