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World Heart Day is both an International and National day of awareness of heart disease and stroke.
The Irish Heart Foundation has used World Heart Day as an opportunity to highlight the health benefits of walking. Over the last number of years World Heart Day Walks have taken place all over the country and in 2009 our charity had over 400 registered walks with an estimated 12,000 people taking part.
This year, the Irish Heart Foundation wants to have 750 walks to get hearts pumping!
This is a great opportunity to organise a World Heart Day walk in your area. As in previous years you can organise a local walk in your community, organisation or workplace. It's simple - choose a walking route, set a time and invite family, friends, employees or locals to join in the fun. (The Irish Heart Foundation is happy to give extra tips on organising your walk).
As well as encouraging hundreds of local walks around the country, the Irish Heart Foundation is hosting a 5k World Heart Day Walk in Dublin's Phoenix Park on September 26th at 11am. The walk is being lead by rugby legend Keith Wood and it is guaranteed to be a fun, family day out!
As the national charity fighting heart disease and stroke, we rely on charitable donations for 90% of our income. If you would consider fundraising we would love to hear from you - no donation is too big or too small!
So ask your friends and family to support you on your World Heart Day walk!
For more information please contact: Grلinne Kennedy,Activity Events Fundraiser on 01 6685001 or email: gkennedy@irishheart.ie
Fact box:
30 minutes of brisk walking 5 days a week:
- Strengthens your heart and circulation and protects you from heart disease and stroke
- Uses about 200 calories a day and helps manage your weight
- Strengthens your bones and muscles and helps prevent osteoporosis
- Improves body functions and helps to prevent some types of cancers and diabetes
- Triggers 'happy hormones' and makes you feel good, relaxed and reduces stress
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