Start! is the American Heart Association’s national campaign to get America moving. Featuring a revitalized Start! Boston Heart Walk as the cornerstone recognition and celebration event in Boston, Start! calls on all Americans and their employers to create a culture of physical activity and wellness so that we may all live longer, heart-healthy lives.

      
Why?     

• Physical inactivity significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, our nation’s No. 1 cause of death. Seventy percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise, blaming lack of time and lack of motivation.  Ignoring fitness and health increases an individual’s risk of heart disease, stroke and other diseases.

• Start! Boston Heart Walk, non-competitive walk, will bring together over 200 of the top companies and hospitals in the Boston Metro area. Last year, more than 8,000 people from throughout Greater Boston participated. This year, participants will have the opportunity to learn even more about health and fitness through expanded interactive activities.

     
When:     

•                          Saturday, September 13, 2008
•                         Registration: 8:30am                        Opening Ceremonies: 9:30am          Walk Start!: 10:00am

• DCR Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade

Distance:     

• 1, 3 (5k) or 6 (10k) mile walk routes along the Charles River Esplanade. The entire walk route is stroller and handicap accessible. The whole family is invited including children and friendly pets.

• $2,500,000

     

Media:    

• Over 109 million impressions through strong media partners – TV, print and outdoor.

 

Results:     

• The Start! Boston Heart Walk raises money to fund research and education, advocate for health and save lives. American Heart Association investments have helped to bring us “heart milestones” such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), microsurgery, heart valve replacement, coronary bypass surgery, the pacemaker and drug treatments for high blood pressure and congestive heart failure and many others.

Next Steps: Learn more about Start! and the Boston Heart Walk by calling (508) 656-2022 or visiting  the web site at www.bostonheartwalk.org.

Register for the Start! Boston Heart Walk at www.bostonheartwalk.org!