Walk to keep your heart healthy
Some 800,000 Americans will die this year from heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases - more deaths than all forms of cancer combined.
That's the equivalent of every fan dying at Wrigley Field - packed to capacity - nearly 20 times.
Too many of our friends and family members are dying from these preventable diseases. Too many of us are suffering, painfully and needlessly.
That's why our organization, the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, is grateful to partner with West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda to empower people to avoid this suffering.
Mayor Pineda has been hosting the "Move with the Mayor Challenge," a series of weekly walks to raise awareness about heart disease and ways to prevent it. He's been encouraging residents to join him - and strengthen their hearts in the process.
Why walking? Because research shows that walking 150 minutes a week (less than 30 minutes a day!) can improve your heart and boost your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Yes, even a little physical activity now pays a lot down the road.
Here's the good news: Most people can fit enough walking into their daily routines to measurably reduce their risk of heart disease. Many of us can walk in what we wear to work; you don't need a tracksuit or a gym membership to improve your heart health.
Take the first small steps now and get moving. It'll help you remain active and independent - and may even add years to your life.
World Heart Day is Sept. 29. There's no better time to get started.
John M. Clymer, Executive Director
National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention.