American Heart Association Presenting Annual Long Island Heart Walk

Thousands of Long Islanders will be lacing up their sneakers in order to raise money for heart disease and stroke research during American Heart Association’s Long Island Heart Walk on Sunday, September 17 at Jones Beach. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at Field 5 and the three-mile walk will start at 10 a.m.

“Walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes as much as running,” said Bob Isaksen, Market President, Bank of America, Long Island and Chair of the 2017 Long Island Heart Walk. “I look forward to working with Executive Leaders across Long Island to help raise awareness and funds for the American Heart Association to continue its mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

The American Heart Association will also be raising awareness on how to prevent heart disease and stroke by placing different stations that highlight their mission throughout the walk. Participants can enjoy free yoga, hula hooping and a silent disco in order to get their heart pumping. There will also be CPR classes and a Setton Farms food tent with healthy snacks provided by Shop Rite. Children will particularly enjoy the Voxx International Kid Zone that will offer face painting, crafts and carnival games! Additionally, there will be a Chase Graffiti Wall that everyone is encouraged to add color to in order to learn about ways to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.

Madeline Kellerman will be this year’s Long Island Heart Walk Red Cape Ambassador. Kellerman was born with a congenital heart defect and hopes to raise awareness for congenital heart defects and provide hope for other families.

According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of cardiovascular disease can be impacted by our own actions and research has shown that walking is the most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health.

There is no fee to walk, however walkers are eligible for a Heart Walk t-shirt once they have raised a minimum of $100.

Jones Beach is located at 1 Ocean Parkway in Wantagh. For more information or to register/donate visit www.longislandheartwalk.org.