Join Ireland’s World Heart Day walk

One of Ireland’s biggest annual walking events is taking place next month and the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) is calling for people to get involved.

Taking place on World Heart Day (September 27, 2009), the Big Walk attracts more than 15,000 people each year.

And to help the IHF make this year’s event bigger and better, the charity is looking for volunteers and walking leaders to organise walks in their area in the lead up to the Big Walk.

According to the IHF, walking can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved in Ireland’s Big Walk and to make a family or social occasion out of it,” IHF health promotion manager Maureen Mulvihill said.

“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland and regular physical activity, such as 30 minutes of daily moderate walking, can reduce your risk of heart attack by half and the risk of stroke by a quarter.

“Walking is free, does not require expensive equipment and can be enjoyed alone or with friends or family, and it can be done at any age or ability,” Ms Mulvihill added.

Another option is to take up the Irish Heart Week 4-Week Walk or Step Challenge, starting on Monday, September 21. For more information or to register online go to www.irishheart.ie

If you would like to use your walk to raise money for the IHF, contact Tanya Comber, Tel: 01 6685001 or Email: tcomber@irishheart.ie

[Posted: Tue 25/08/2009]