The 17th annual Hilo Heart &Stroke Walk is slated for Saturday, March 15, at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Proceeds will support groundbreaking heart and stroke research and fund education and advocacy efforts of the American Heart Association. ADVERTISING The 17th annual Hilo
The 17th annual Hilo Heart &Stroke Walk is slated for Saturday, March 15, at Lili‘uokalani Gardens. Proceeds will support groundbreaking heart and stroke research and fund education and advocacy efforts of the American Heart Association.
“Imagine the impact if we reduce death and disability from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent by 2020. I’m joining the American Heart Association’s Heart &Stroke Walk to promote physical activity to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Honorary Chairman Dr. Djon Indra Lim, who has been part of the event since its inception. “Please support me in helping to reach this lifesaving goal by giving a donation today. Thanks in advance for your support.
“Join hundreds of walkers as they step out to have fun, get inspired and support a meaningful cause,” said Lim.
The annual 3.4-mile walk starts by looping around Lili‘uokalani Gardens, then goes down the highway to the lighthouse and back. Register as a team or individual at www.hiloheartwalk.org. On-site registration will begin at 6:30 a.m., a health fair is slated from 7-11 a.m. and the walk begins at 8 a.m.
Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of men and women nationally, as well as in Hawaii, and stroke is No. 3, according to the AHA.
With hypertension, diabetes, smoking and high cholesterol being major contributing risk factors of heart attacks, heart diseases and stroke, many people know someone affected by these conditions.
The event celebrates and honors survivors of heart attack, heart diseases and stroke by providing a special red hat to wear at the event to show they are “fighting back” from heart disease and stroke in the community and reclaiming their health.
The health fair will provide resources and information from various community organizations. The fair will include free screening for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure and more.
Walk teams consist of employees of local businesses and community organizations, along with friends and family members of all ages. This family event will include free food and drinks, games and prizes.
Some examples of the American Heart Association at work in the community include providing play equipment to selected schools throughout the Big Island to encourage children to get active during the school day and training all first responders with the lifesaving skills of CPR and AED use.
Parking will be available at the Afook-Chinen Civic Center, a short five-minute warm-up walk away.
