Walk more, eat well, and you’ll live longer. It’s a simple premise, but it’s the foundation of the American Heart Association’s Start! Movement. Research has shown that you can gain about two hours of life for every hour of regular vigorous exercise you do. You couldn’t find a better two-for-one deal if you tried! It’s a good thing too because the American workforce is becoming more and more sedentary.

As a result, our waistbands are growing and so are our healthcare costs and the number of preventable illnesses. Start! is here to stop the trend by promoting walking as a simply first step toward a healthier lifestyle.

As the signature fund-raising event for the American Heart Association since 1994, the Start! Heart Walk, the cornerstone event associated with the Start! movement, promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment. Each year, more than 1 million walkers participate in more than 350 events across the country, raising funds to save lives.

Registration is now open for the more than 11,000 Greater Orlando residents expected to take steps to improve their heart health on October 2^nd, when they participate in the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk, to be held at Loch Haven Park at 8 a.m.

The celebratory event, co-chaired by Sherrie Sitarik, Orlando Health Executive Vice President and Brian Paradis, Florida Hospital Chief Operating Officer, raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of our community and all Americans. Teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages, will participate in the non-competitive 5K (3.1 miles), following a program emceed by Dave Collins & Leslye Gale of Magic 107.7. A one-mile route is also available for survivors.

More than 100 companies have already formed Start! Heart Walk teams including many in East Orlando such as Airmark, Florida Emergency Physicians, Florida Hospital East, Hewitt Associates, Lake Nona, Massey Services/Massey Communications, Target, University of Central Florida, Valencia Community College, Wachovia and Walgreens, with additional participation expected.

With executive level support, company leaders take an active role to engage employees through the recruitment of team captains who then register walkers using a variety of fun and educational activities to encourage participation and raise funds. Hewitt Associates has aligned both nationally and locally with the American Heart Association through associates’ fundraising contributions that go towards supporting research.

“Through its community service and the Choose Health wellness program, Hewitt is focused on promoting a culture of health and wellness. Taking part in Start! Heart Walk is one more way we can encourage associates to get and stay healthy,” said Marita Newkerk, team manager, Hewitt Associates.

“To motivate associates to reach their fundraising goals, we’re offering the opportunity to win a Wii Fit! We’re enjoying healthy competition between departments as we strive to reach our $15,000 company goal. With the hard work and dedication of our associates, we know we can help make an impact on cardiovascular disease research,” added Cheryl Fitch, Location leader, Hewitt Associates.

Walkers can plan to visit three communities set-up throughout the park that morning with festivities kicking off at 7:00 a.m. The communities, Create Hope, Inspire Change and Celebrate Success, provide family fun and education. Everything from health screenings, kid’s activities, healthy snacks, survivor celebrations, massages, company photos and more will be available. The event provides an opportunity for every participant and team to put the mission of the American Heart Association and the Start! program into action.

To learn more, join a team or to form your own team, visit GreaterOrlandoHeartWalk.org. There is no registration fee, however participants who raise at least $100 will receive a Start! Heart Walk t-shirt, with other incentive opportunities.

Article by Nancy Devault