ACCORDING TO THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most ethnic and racial groups in the U.S., being responsible for one out of every four deaths, or approximately 647,000 each year just in the United States. These numbers may seem disheartening at first, but there is hope on the horizon, and the American Heart Association (AHA) is bearing the torch. For almost a century, the AHA has been striving to save and improve lives by fighting heart disease and stroke. One remarkable tool in their kit is the annual Polk County Heart Walk. We talked to a couple of people involved with the Heart Walk to find out exactly how it is improving and saving lives.
Megan Rivera, assistant director for the Polk, Brevard, Volusia, and Flagler County AHA, tells us that the 27th annual Polk County Heart Walk will be taking place in September. Approximately 2,000 people participate in the Heart Walk each year, and last least year they raised more than $174,000 for the important research and education funded by the AHA. Participants can choose a one-mile or three-mile course, and they have access to valuable health information, light snacks, and free entertainment. The entire event is free, but participants are encouraged to collect donations to support the AHA.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians
HEALTHY SKIN - It should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer. The reason for this is simple: The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the sun.
Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs
Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering.
The Age of Entitlement
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT - Every generation has voiced some form of critical opinions of youth. The old term “whippersnapper” labeled an overconfident or defiant adolescent. Today’s buzzword is “entitled,” and while blaming this on social media is convenient, it is not realistic.
Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement
ORTHOPAEDIC HEALTH - As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence is growing that the advantages of doing so are numerous.
Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth
We want our families to have a healthy diet, especially the youngsters going back to school. We give them a good breakfast and plan a nutritious dinner, but what about lunch? We can pack a healthy lunch for our children, but will they eat it?
Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu
Polk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.
NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA
Pandemic Offers Unique Education for Medical Residents Starting Their Careers
DETERMINATION & DREAMS
Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard To Reach Her Goals
Happiness Happens… In the Sun!
HEALTHY AGING
DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT
Lakeland Regional Health’s Dr. Haight Talks About the Latest Threat