WATERTOWN, NY — With the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic keeping more Americans at home, the American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is embracing the new normal and moving its iconic North Country Heart Walk online.
The North Country Heart Walk, in its 26th year, is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity.
“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others, stay active and stay encouraged,” said Stacy Spaziani, regional director of the American Heart Association. “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 Saturday, May 2, North Country Heart Walk participants and teams will not physically meet, but are invited to get moving at home or around the neighborhood throughout the day. Here are a few fun activities to consider choosing from:
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Take a walk outside (while following current social distancing guidelines).
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Get the whole family involved and have an indoor dance party.
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Try out a few strengthening exercises like push-ups, lunges and squats.
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Create an at home circuit workout.
Participants can virtually join the fun on social media. Follow our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages and join our Facebook event to share the experience with others. On the day of the event, everyone is encouraged to wear their Heart Walk shirt and post pictures and videos to document your activity using #NCHeartWalk.
To register, visit www.NorthCountryHeartWalk.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 e-mail or on social media.
Local sponsors of the Heart Walk include Carthage Area Hospital, Kinney Drugs Foundation, Samaritan Health, AmeriCU Credit Union, Knowlton Technologies, Pala Wood Services, Inc., Stebbins Manufacturing and Engineering, DC Building Systems, Community Bank, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, NYTRIC, Washington Summit, Watertown Savings Bank, Westelcom, Purcell Construction and Cheney Tire-Zimmerman.
The funds raised from the North Country Heart Walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health. Visit www2.heart.org to learn more.