In an effort to promote heart-healthy lifestyles and to raise awareness about heart disease, Renown Health employees and volunteers will join the American Heart Association Northern Nevada and walk at the annual Heart Walk event in the Scheel’s parking lot Sunday, Sept. 23. Renown is the presenting sponsor of the event, which takes place at 10 a.m. at Legends Shopping Center.
More than 200 Renown employees have signed up to participate in the walk and the healthcare network has raised more than $10,000. Renown will continue to raise funds and recruit participants until the day of the event.
“Primarily, I walk for my family,” said David Veillette, vice president of Specialty Hospitals, during a recent interview about his inspiration for walking. “I want to be alive for a long time for my children, and walking and exercise are critically important for a good strong heart as well as a strong body, mind and spirit.”
Veillette and other Renown employees shared their motivation for participating in the heart walk in the social media video “Why Renown Walks.” The video is designed to encourage other Renown employees to walk and to educate the public regarding the importance of healthy lifestyle choices to prevent heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In addition, one in every three deaths is from heart disease and stroke, which equals 2,200 deaths per day. At Renown, employees dedicate themselves to helping create a more heart healthy community.
Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health is the region’s leader in heart care. It provides the community with information and resources to stay heart healthy and to recover quickly and fully if heart problems occur.
And as a community partner with the American Heart Association’s efforts, Renown emphasizes to reduce the incidence of heart disease and stroke through research, public education, financial sponsorship and volunteerism. Renown believes that community-based initiatives contribute to its ability to provide quality patient care and the latest in skill, expertise and technology to meet the medical needs of the community.
“Heart disease affects so many individuals and families in the community,” said Karen Meskimen, DNP, RN at Renown Institute for Heart & Vascular Health. “Renown participates in the heart walk not only to improve our own health, but also to help inform others in the Reno/Sparks area about steps they should take to get heart healthy.”
