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Q& A STEVE HOLLOSI
WALKIN’ FOR HEART HEALTH Interview by MacKensie Gibson
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HE 2012 MARION COUNTY HEART WALK IS ALL GEARED UP AND READY TO PROTECT HEARTS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ONE MILE AT A TIME. PARTICIPANTS OF ALL AGES, WHO HAVE RAISED ANYWHERE FROM $0 TO $10,000 FOR THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION, WILL START WALKING THE THREE-MILE TREK AT 8AM, OCTOBER 6, AT THE BASELINE ROAD TRAILHEAD. THESE WALKERS HAVE HIGH HOPES OF A BRIGHTER FUTURE WHERE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IS A THING OF THE PAST. HERE TO TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THIS EVENT IS MARION COUNTY HEART WALK CHAIRMAN STEVE HOLLOSI.
WANT TO GO?
Tell us a little bit about the Marion County Heart Walk. The Marion County Heart Walk promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in a fun, family environment. Bring the kids out to play in our Kids Zone, which will have face painting and some fun games and prizes. Everyone can enjoy free refreshments and other giveaways. The event is completely free and open to the public.
Are there any changes this year as compared to past years?
The American Heart Association is looking to recognize people who have made changes that will impact their quality of life and improve their health. No change is too small, every accomplishment is significant! Nominations for the Lifestyle Change Award can be submitted by friends, co-workers or relatives, and individuals can nominate themselves. Individuals who have made the most significant changes to their lifestyle will be honored at the Walk.
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What inspired you to get involved with the Marion County Heart Walk?
Heart disease and stroke are major health concerns for our county. Nearly 40 percent of all deaths in Marion County are a result of cardiovascular disease. It’s the No. 1 killer of all Americans— male and female. Cardiovascular diseases kill more people than the next four causes of death combined. That means everyone I know or work with will be affected or will know someone who will be affected by these diseases. I want to be part of the solution to end heart disease and stroke.
What is your favorite part of working with this organization?
The American Heart Association does great work! Currently, the American Heart Association is funding almost $3 million in research in North Central Florida, which has yielded breakthrough discoveries like CPR, bypass surgery, pacemakers, life-extending drugs and other
surgical techniques designed to repair heart defects. This research has saved countless lives all over the world. The AHA is also working with the local hospitals to ensure the best treatments are possible for heart and stroke emergencies. Lastly, they are working with 44 Marion County Schools to educate students about heart-healthy lifestyles, reaching nearly 22,000 students each year.
How much money was raised for the American Heart Association last year?
Last year’s Heart Walk raised $175,000, so we have an ambitious, but achievable, goal of $225,000 this year. We are off to a great start, and we are trending ahead in dollars raised and teams recruited.
How many participants are you expecting this year?
We are expecting 3,500 walkers this year. We had a very wet Heart Walk last year, and we still had a crowd of 2,700 walkers!
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION’S 2012 HEART WALK
Baseline Road Trailhead, Ocala / marionheartwalk.org
ocalastyle.com SEP’12
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