Volunteers Needed for Mercer County 'Heart Walk'

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association is seeking volunteers to help during the Greater Mercer Heart Walk, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 9, at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, N.J.  

Nationally supported by Subway and Jenny Craig and locally presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb, New Jersey Manufacturer Insurance Group, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, Roma Bank and Capital Health, close to 4,000 participants are expected to walk toward heart health while helping to raise funds to support the American Heart Association's mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

As the signature fundraising event for the American Heart Association, Heart Walks are held in more than 400 communities nationwide.

In its 21st year, the Greater Mercer Heart Walk encourages members of the community to increase physical activity in order to help lower risk factors that can lead to our nation's No. 1 and No. 4 leading causes of death: heart disease and stroke.

Volunteer opportunities are numerous, including assisting in the "Kids Zone," passing out refreshments and water, aiding in registration support, serving as a performer or volunteering to pass out information throughout the day. YOU can make a difference by just volunteering a few hours of your time to help fight the battle against cardiovascular disease.

An estimated 80 million adults have one or more types of cardiovascular diseases and nearly 2,400 Americans die each day from these deadly diseases. But studies have shown that nearly 80 percent of cardiac events may be prevented if certain risk factors are controlled and that physically active people can reduce their cardiovascular disease risk up to 30 percent.

The Heart Walk is part of the "My Heart. My Life." movement, which is the American Heart Association's new national initiative to radically improve Americans' health through a comprehensive wellness and fitness platform for businesses and families.

Millions of American families, businesses and survivors of heart disease and stroke annually participate in local Heart Walks to join others seeking a heart-healthy lifestyle and to raise funds for the American Heart Association's research and education programs.

Join survivors of heart surgery, heart attack and stroke, as well as families, friends, neighbors and businesses on September 9th to walk toward heart health. Learn more and register online by visiting www.mercercountyheartwalk.org or contact the American Heart Association at (609) 208.0020 to find out more about volunteering opportunities.