Walk to save hearts

Participants can register as individuals and raise a minimum of 20 dollars or as a team of a minimum of 5 walkers and raise a minimum of 50 dollars each. The walk will start at 11 a.m. at Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature-Park in Montreal.

"Everyone is invited to join us to walk as a sign of support for the families and the victims of heart and stroke diseases," said Dalia Sodo, director of the West Island region for the Heart and Stroke foundation of Québec.

More than 50,000 cerebrovascular strokes and 75 000 heart strokes happen each year while heart and stroke diseases are the main cause of death in Canada (37 004 men and 36 823 women in 2003, Statistics Canada). They are responsible of 36% of all death, men and women alike. Heart and stroke related deaths have dropped by 70% since 1952 and this is greatly due to all the research the Heart and Stroke foundation has financed over the years.

Walking just a half-hour every day will go a long way towards preventing heart disease and maintaining overall health. Three 10 minutes sessions can also provide the same benefit as one 30 minutes walk.

To register, get a pledge form or make a donation, go to the Heart and Stroke Walk for Heart website at www.heartandstroke.qc.ca or call 514-636-4699

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Québec is a volunteer-based health charity leading in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living.