Riley shared that although one in three Americans suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease, it's actually 80% preventable. She continued, "You can't help your genes, but you can do something about your lifestyle. Every 34 seconds someone has a heart attack, and every 40 seconds someone has a stroke. It's very significant."
Riley says the best way to prevent cardiovascular issues would be to stop smoking, and to focus on your diet, "I think our eating habits are not heart healthy, and of course we still have a lot of smokers. Smoking is terrible for your heart." She said.
One unique aspect of the Heart Walk is their yearly featured survivor. This year's survivor is 3-year-old Nash Hall. Riley said the number one type of birth defect to occur is actually congenital defect. Hall was born with hypoplastic right heart syndrome, tricuspid atresia, transposition of the great arteries, ventricles septal defect, hypo-plastic aortic arch, and pulmonary stenosis.
Hall had his first open heart surgery at Norton's Children's Hospital when he was just two days old, and is currently doing very well. Hall will receive recognition at the Heart Walk, and will lead the walk.
Dunker asked WKCTC President Reese why he chose to be involved, with Reese saying, "Why not be involved? As an institution of higher education, health and wellness is a very important component. To our allied health programs this is a natural partnership."
The event is set for October 19, and will take place on the WKCTC campus in the Student Center parking lot. Those wishing to participate can register online at the link below, however, you will also have an opportunity to register at the event. Registration at the event will begin at 8 a.m. the morning of the event, followed by the opening ceremony and awards at 8:45 a.m., and the walk beginning at 9 a.m.
On the Net:
Paducah Heart Walk
