American Heart Association’s Heart Walk Celebrates National 25th Anniversary

For 25 years, the American Heart Association has motivated thousands of Americans to take steps to reduce cardiovascular disease and stroke. Locally, AHA will also be celebrating 25 years of Heart Walk celebrations with the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk (OmahaHeartWalk.com) on Saturday, May 11. While the association is celebrating healthier lifestyles with this event, they are also celebrating survivors since numerous advancements in cardiovascular health have led to increased survival rates.

Over the last 25 years, the AHA has worked to improve cardiovascular health by introducing Hands-Only CPR, implementing the Heart-Check Food Certification Program and encouraging people to make one small change to improve their health..

“Many special events have taken place at Heart Walks throughout the years including stroke survivors who thought they might not walk again who train to take a milestone moment; cardiac rehab staff who form teams of survivors; and those who walk in memory of loved ones gone too soon,” said Jennifer Redmond, executive director for the AHA. “In some instances, we have generations of families involved with the Heart Walk to commemorate their journeys.”

The Heart Walks are now part of the Healthy For Good initiative, which is the AHA’s initiative to inspire all Americans to live healthier lives and create lasting change. It focuses on the simple idea that making small changes today can create a difference for generations to come.

For more information about registering for the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk, visit OmahaHeartWalk.com.