Walk for Heart Health

The Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) is urging people to organise or take part in a walk for World Heart Day, which will take place on 05 October.

Walks can be organised at any time during the week before or after World Heart Day and can be any size. Groups from 3 - 300 have taken part in previous years. The focus of the day is walking for fun. Last year, almost 500 groups organised a walk and well over 10,000 people took part on the day.

Walking is a great way to get your heart pumping and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Inactivity carries the same risk for cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) as high cholesterol, smoking and high blood pressure. About one person dies every hour from cardiovascular disease (CVD), according to the IHF.

CVD is the most common cause of death in Ireland, claiming more lives than cancer, suicide and road deaths combined. Heart attack accounts for nearly 5,000 deaths and stroke claims nearly 2,500 lives annually. 22% of deaths under age 65 are from heart disease and stroke. World Heart Day is an opportunity for everyone to develop and maintain a healthy heart.

Register to organise a walk or for more information contact: Tanya Comber-Rait or Sharon Daly on 01 6685001 or email: tcomber@irishheart.ie or sdaly@irishheart.ie

Posted Thursday 21st August 2008