Mayors Partner with National Organization to Fight America's No. 1 Killer - Heart Disease

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mayors from across the U.S. are partnering with the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention to persuade citizens to get moving to fight the country's No. 1 killer – heart disease.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160831/403003
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160831/403004

Five mayors are hosting their own "Move with the Mayor Challenge," a month-long series of walks to raise awareness about heart disease and ways to prevent it. The campaign, a partnership between the cities and the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, encourages residents to join their mayor for weekly walks from Sept. 1 through World Heart Day, Sept. 29.

Partnering with the National Forum are the cities of Columbia, SC; Green Bay, Wisc.; Lorain, Ohio; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and West Chicago, Ill.

"Cardiovascular disease kills more Americans than all types of cancer combined," said John Clymer, executive director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention. "That needs to change, and that's what the Move with the Mayor Challenge is all about – preventing heart disease and saving lives."

Walking is one of the easiest ways to lower a person's chances of heart disease and its risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, Clymer said. Research shows that walking as little as 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

"Getting on the road to a healthier heart doesn't have to take a lot of time. It can be as quick as a 30-minute walk," said Clymer, whose nonprofit organization focuses on saving lives through public education and policy initiatives. "Just take your first steps now and you'll be on your way to a healthier, happier life."

Residents are encouraged to join their mayor for the weekly events – or walk on their own if they can't make it downtown.

"I understand that we are all busier than ever with the demands of work, family and social commitments, but according to the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke, if we can find just 30 minutes a day to walk, we can add years to our lives," said West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda. 

Clymer said he's looking forward to the success of this year's walks – and expanding to even more cities next year.

"We're thrilled to partner with these cities to help save thousands of lives," Clymer said. "Our mission is big, but our message is simple: Take your first steps today. You, your heart and your family will thank you for it."

To learn more about the walks, visit http://www.nationalforum.org/content/world-heart-day-move-mayor-challenge.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL FORUM FOR HEART DISEASE & STROKE PREVENTION

The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together the most dynamic and diverse organizations in cardiovascular health, providing a forum and outlet for organizations to amplify their voices. Our members currently represent more than 80 national and international organizations from the public and private healthcare organizations, as well as faith, advocacy, academic, and policy settings. The National Forum is an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3), voluntary health organization. To learn more, visit www.nationalforum.org.

Debbie Martinez
National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
Phone: 909.815.7101
Email

SOURCE National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention

Related Links

http://www.nationalforum.org

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