Mega Doctor News
A healthy heart is essential to your overall health and wellbeing. Sadly, one person in the United States dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making heart disease the leading cause of death for men, women and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the country.
The good news: you’re never too old or too young to take charge of your heart health. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, no matter your age, you can prevent heart disease and lower your risk of a heart attack. In observance of American Heart Month and to help educate the community on heart-healthy behavior, South Texas Health System Heart – the Valley’s only freestanding cardiac hospital and dedicated heart emergency room – will host its 9th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, February 25 at the STHS Heart campus in McAllen.
Open to the entire community, this year’s 5K will honor local veterans who have survived and thrived in their battle with heart disease as this year’s Heroes with Heart. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of hospitalization in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system and a major cause of disability, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, with coronary heart disease reported by 9.2% of veterans versus 4.7% of non-veterans. During the event, several local veterans, all serving as this year’s official 5K ambassadors, will share their own personal struggles with heart disease while encouraging the community to take heed of their heart health.
Registration is open now through February 24, with a discounted rate of $25 for early registration before February 3. Additional discounts are available for children under the age of 12, seniors over 55 and teams of 10 or more. The cost of registration includes t-shirt and participation medal, with all proceeds benefiting a local charity that works closely with the veteran community.
For complete race details and to register, visit sthsactive.com. For more information, contact our Heroes with Heart 5K coordinator Kassandra Rodriguez at 956-388-2020 or kassandra.rodriguez@uhsrgv.com.
| Who: | South Texas Health System |
| What: | Heroes with Heart 5K Run/Walk |
| When: | Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 a.m. |
| Where: | South Texas Health System Heart 500 E. Ridge Rd.McAllen, TX 78503 |
