Heart Walk Set For Nov. 2

WESTPORT — Cardiovascular disease is Connecticut’s number-one killer, taking the lives of more than 12,000 state residents annually. To help raise both research funds and public awareness about this serious, growing public health problem, the 2003 Fairfield County American Heart Walk will held on Sunday, November 2, at Sherwood Island State Park.

The 2003 Fairfield County American Heart Walk is the major annual fundraising event for the local branch of the American Heart Association. An estimated 1,500 residents are expected to attend. The American Heart Association hopes to raise $180,000 from the event.

Included among the participants of the walk will be many individuals wearing red caps to signify that they have survived heart attacks, cardiac arrest, strokes, or heart surgery. These “Red Cap Survivors,” who often represent a sizable portion of the walkers, serve as a powerful visual reminder of the number of people who heart disease affects.

Subway is donating 1,500 selections from its heart-healthy “7 Under 6” menu of sandwiches with only six grams of fat or less.

The public is encouraged to attend the 2003 Fairfield County American Heart Walk. Registration begins at 9 am, and the walk begins at 10 am. The walk will be at Sherwood Island State Park, Exit 18 off Interstate 95.

The 2003 Fairfield County American Heart Walk is one of many American Heart Walks to take place this year across the country. In 2003, more than 750,000 walkers will participate in 600-plus locations. In addition to providing local support at the walks, Subway is a proud, national sponsor of the American Heart Association’s American Heart Walk program.

The national theme of this year’s American Heart Walks, “Participate. Raise Funds. Save Lives.,” is complemented by a local theme of “Step Out, Save Lives! –– Exercise Your Heart.”

To learn more about the American Heart Association and the 2003 Fairfield County American Heart Walk, call Robert Townes at the American Heart Association at 203-294-3583.