Nebraska Medicine and UNMC walkers teamed to raise $15,924 at this year’s American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Heart Walk on May 11. There were 24 UNMC and Nebraska Medicine teams and 197 med center participants. The Omaha/Council Bluffs Heart Walk as a whole raised $981,276.
Heart disease is the nation’s current leading cause of death. Individuals who are regularly physically active have about half the risk of developing or dying from coronary artery disease.
The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premier event in the community. It promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment.
“The goal of the walk is to encourage participants to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, live a healthier more physically active lifestyle and raise critical funds needed for research and education,” said Rachel Larson, corporate events director for the American Heart Association. “It is also a day to celebrate those that have been personally affected by CVD (cardiovascular disease) and stroke as well as their families/caretakers.”