Letter to the Editor: Walking Important for a Healthy Heart

Dear Editor,

Physical inactivity and obesity are critical risk factors in developing heart disease and stroke-our nation's No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death. With an estimated one in three adults suffering from cardiovascular disease and nearly one in three children is overweight or obese, it is vital that we, as a community, make physical activity a priority in our homes, our work places and our community centers.

Although cardiovascular disease remains our nation's leading health threat, there are easy ways that we can take charge of our health and reduce our chance from becoming one out of the 2,200 Americans who die each day from these deadly diseases.

Walking. It's one of the simplest and easiest exercises there is for getting healthier. You don't need equipment-just a pair of decent shoes. You don't need to go to a fancy gym-you can just walk around the block. There's no membership fee or monthly meetings to attend. It's just about making time in your day for yourself and your family to get active.

Studies show that adults can gain up to two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular exercise and walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can provide heart-health benefits. So why not take a walk today?

As chair for the Greater Mercer Start! Heart Walk on Sunday, Sept. 9, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, N.J., we urge the entire community to join us in a healthy heart walk, while supporting American Heart Association's lifesaving mission of building healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Walk toward better health for you and your family and enjoy the free information, resources, entertainment and health screenings. New Jersey's own Joe Piscopo, Roma Bank's community ambassador, will be on hand to greet walkers and entertain.

Register or learn more about the American Heart Association's Greater Mercer Start! Heart Walk by calling (609) 208-0020 or by visiting mercercountyheartwalk.org.

Sincerely,

Bernie Flynn

• Chair of the American Heart Association Mercer County Heart Walk
• President & CEO, New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company