SEATTLE — Cardiovascular disease occurs every 39 seconds and is the number one cause of death for Americans, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). It can also cause disability and diminishes quality of life for many people.
Lee McGrath, executive vice president for Premera Blue Cross, has a personal reason to walk in this year’s Seattle Heart and Stroke Walk with her employer. Her son was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.
“It is scary,” McGrath said. “You feel alone. The community with AHA is just beyond amazing.”
Premera Blue Cross has been a supporter of AHA’s walk for more than 20 years in Seattle.
“To be able to represent my son, other parents, other kids and my company, it just fills me with joy,” McGrath said.
To prevent heart disease, there are three top things you can do:
- Know your numbers by monitoring your blood pressure regularly.
- Move your body more. Park further away from your destination, take the stairs rather than the elevator or go for a nightly walk.
- Understand your family history and discuss it with your primary care physician.
The Heart and Stroke Walk is an opportunity for survivors, family members and supporters to come together to save lives and walk their hearts out. McGrath appreciates everyone she has met through this event and AHA.
“The community I’ve met through this, it’s just so heartwarming,” she said.
The Seattle Heart and Stroke Walk is on Saturday, September 21 at Seattle Center. Festivities start at 7:30 a.m., and the walk starts at 9 a.m. There will be music, games, a walk/run and a lot of camaraderie.
To learn more and register, visit the Seattle Heart and Stroke Walk website.
Sponsored by Premera Blue Cross
Segment Producer Joseph Suttner. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.