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Greater Nashville Heart Walk goes virtual




While the COVID-19 pandemic keeps more Americans at home, the American Heart Association plans to embrace the new approach and moved its iconic Greater Nashville Heart Walk online.

The Greater Nashville Heart Walk, set virtually for Sept. 12, is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. Since the inception of the Heart Walk, an event that was instrumental in innovative breakthroughs for almost three decades, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have plummeted by 45%.

Each walker and each donation helped to transform health statistics into lives saved, but there is more work to be done. More than ever during a time of physical distance, it is important to find new ways to boost physical and emotional health. The Heart Walk is a great way to keep up healthy habits, stay socially connected and keep up with physical activity.

“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others, stay active and stay encouraged,” said Karey Witty, 2020 Greater Nashville Heart Challenge chairperson. “This virtual format allows everyone to continue to have fun and support our lifesaving mission, while adapting to spending more time at home. We are grateful for the support from our community and can’t wait to see how everyone makes the Heart Walk their own.”

On Sept. 12, Nashville area Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood starting at 9 a.m. Virtual activities, including a digital start and finish line, mile-marker celebrations and real-time participation, will take place on the Greater Nashville American Heart Association’s Facebook page.

A few fun activities to consider for a virtual Heart Walk include:

• take a walk outside while following current social distancing guidelines.

• get the whole family involved and have an indoor dance party.

• try out a few strengthening exercises like push-ups, lunges and squats.

• create an at-home circuit workout.

To register, visit nashvilleheartwalk.org. From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via email or on social media. On the day of, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirt and post pictures and videos to document activities using #NashHeartWalk.

The Greater Nashville Heart Walk is sponsored by Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute and Envision Healthcare.

Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the No. 1 killer of Americans. About 120 million people in the United States currently have one or more cardiovascular conditions and may be at a higher risk for COVID-19 complications. The Greater Nashville Heart Walk is a way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity. The funds raised from the event go toward research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health within communities. Visit heart.org to learn more.

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and powered by millions of volunteers, it funds innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization is a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or call 800-AHA-USA1. 

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