Annual New Mexico Heart Walk Goes Virtual June 13

STATE News:

ALBUQUERQUE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and other mayors throughout New Mexico are encouraging New Mexicans to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They are lending their support to The American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk – proclaiming June 13 New Mexico Heart Walk Day.

The annual event is moving to a virtual component this year, so people throughout the State can walk at home, outside (following Social Distancing measures), and be heart healthy.

This event is the first of the major fundraising walks to go virtual during the pandemic. 

“More people die of heart disease each year than all the cancers combined,” said Executive Director Sherri Wells of the American Heart Association New Mexico. “At this time in particular, it’s more important than ever to keep moving and take care of ourselves.”

The governor has agreed to issue a proclamation supporting the virtual version of the New Mexico Hearth Walk. 

Mayor Tim Keller said, “Downloading the Heart Walk app and taking a stroll through your neighborhood is a good way to exercise safely during these uncertain times, while supporting and bringing awareness to this important cause.”

“After this time of self-isolating, the annual Heart Walk is the perfect opportunity to get fresh air and stretch your legs. Let’s have some fun while supporting our lifesaving mission,” Wells said. “We are grateful for the community support and excited to see how everyone makes the Heart Walk their own.” 

Title sponsor Delta Dental spokesperson JoLou Ottino said, “It is gratifying to see the community spirit alive now more than ever, even as many of us are staying home or working hard on the frontlines as essential workers. We are united in our goal to save lives. Those suffering from heart disease and stroke – the leading killers globally – may be at highest risk during this time.” 

The New Mexico Heart Walk participants can join virtually by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app on both the Apple and Android stores to register, set fundraising goals, get updates and stay connected.

Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 13, a virtual kickoff will highlight a survivor story before participants begin walking at home, around their neighborhood or on nearby walking trails. 

To register, visit newmexicoheartwalk.org. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via email or on social media. On the day of, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirt and post pictures and videos to document their activity using the #HeartWalk hashtag.

The event’s Life Is Why sponsor is Delta Dental. Starting Line sponsors include French Funeral Homes and Cremation, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Albuquerque, Lovelace Health Systems and Sunny505.

The funds raised from the New Mexico Heart Walk go toward research, advocacy, CPR training, and to promote better individual and community health. Visit https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/new-mexico/albuquerque to learn more.

 

Search
LOS ALAMOS

ladailypost.com website support locally by OviNuppi Systems