Start! Orange County Heart Walk

Hands Only

2011-06-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this great video with Ken Jeong? Check it out!

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2011-04-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

What are you doing tonight? Hanging out with your family? Watching TV? If so, make it worth it by tuning in to Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution at 8pm on ABC. The American Heart Association is teaming up with Jamie Oliver to establish Food Revolution Kitchens across the nation to show people how to cook heart-healthy, realistic meals that they can make at home!

Click here to be directed to the website.

Gracie's Story

2011-02-23T14:52:00.000-08:00

Every year for the past 10 years, Stater Bros has had a local partnership with the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association through their Have a Heart, Save a Heart campaign. This year, the Laguna Niguel location highlighted a local young stroke survivor.

Click here to read more about Gracie's story.

OC Heart Walk Team Photos

2010-10-12T08:57:00.001-07:00

We have posted company and team photos from this year's event on our Flickr account. Stay posted for more event pics to come!

Come to Our Community Teams Kickoff

2010-06-07T11:59:00.000-07:00

Let’s walk all over heart disease and stroke!

Join us at the..

Community Teams Kick-Off
Saturday, June 19th, 10am-12pm
American Heart Association
4600 Campus Dr, Irvine 92617

Community Teams are forming in support of the 30th Annual Start! OC Heart Walk.
We’ll get you Started! at the Community Teams Kick-Off

We can’t do it without you! Walk with us to save lives!
For more information or to RSVP please contact Katie Oakman
Katie.Oakman@heart.org or (949) 856-3555
www.ocheartwalk.org

OC Start! Training Season End

2010-05-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

We finished our first training season for Start! Training last Sunday at the OC Marathon. We had a great group of over 50 walkers/runners out there on the course and they were amazing. Visit http://www.ocstarttraining.org/ to support their fundraising, and check out the slideshow below to see some pics from our season together fighting heart disease and stroke!

Heart Walk Slideshow

2010-03-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

This is just a little movie that our intern, Elizabeth, put together with some pictures from our 2009 Heart Walk. Enjoy!

Health Care Reform Patient Stories

2010-01-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

American Heart Association 2020 Impact Goal

2010-01-20T09:00:00.000-08:00

American Heart Association defines 'ideal' cardiovascular health, sets new goal to focus on improving health factors and lifestyle behaviors.

To read the news release from this morning's announcement and learn more about the American Heart Association's new 2020 impact goal, click here.

Help Make Change!

2010-01-08T10:33:00.000-08:00

Volunteer advocates for the American Heart Association encourage federal policymakers to take action on legislation that matters to you such as:

Increased funding for heart disease and stroke research
Promoting heart-healthy schools to fight childhood obesity

Placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places

Making quality healthcare affordable, adequate and accessible

Protecting women from heart disease

Improving the prevention and treatment of strokeImproving nutrition and fitness for children and preventing tobacco use

You’re the Cure, the American Heart Association’s nationwide network of volunteer advocates dedicated to finding a cure for heart disease and stroke, needs your talent and time to speak out for public policies to fight against these deadly diseases. Sign up today at yourethecure.org.

Picture of the Day

2009-12-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

Picture of the Day

2009-12-14T11:19:00.001-08:00

What Are You Doing Now, Joanna?

2009-12-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

So, to add a little variety to our blog for those of you who may be checking up on us, I thought it would be great to start a feature called "What Are You Doing Now, ______?" The purpose of this feature is to give a little insight as to what your OC Heart Walk Team is working on all year long. We will periodically give updates as to the happenings of various team members. Today, it is my turn!

What Are You Doing Now, Joanna?

During the months of December and January, my focus rests on a variety of different things:

1. Confirming a date and site for the 2010 Heart Walk

2. Making flyers for the 2010 Heart Walk

3. Working on ROI books to give to our previous sponsors so they can see the value of their sponsorship

4. Formatting the 2010 Logistics Committee by meeting with previous members and seeking out new volunteers who may be interested in this year-long commitment

5. Formatting a 2010 Community Teams Committee to recruit and support more of our Community Teams

6. Supporting the Start! Training program where needed by helping recruit participants and helping Eileen with the logistics of the big Start! Training Kickoff on January 9th

7. Formatting an email newsletter to send out to our past participants to keep them updated as we go into the holiday season

8. Confirming the calendar for next year, including our Top Walker Event and Team Captain Kickoffs

Hmmm...there are definitely more little items around the office, but these are some of my biggest priorities. Keep checking the blog to see updates about what other members of the Start! Team are up to!

Picture of the Day

2009-12-02T09:40:00.001-08:00

Great American Smokeout

2009-11-19T11:51:00.001-08:00

Did you know that cigarette smoking is a major cause of coronary heart disease?

Today is the annual Great American Smokeout.

This event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is held annually and challenges people to stop smoking for 24 hours to put them on track to quit smoking permanently.

Click here to find out more about the American Heart Association's scientific position on Cigarette Smoking and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Click here to find out more about what the AHA does to fight tobacco deaths through advocacy.

Click here to learn more about how you can get on the path to a healther lifestyle by quitting smoking today!

Picture of the Day

2009-11-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

Super Teams sign along the route.

Picture of the Day

2009-11-04T16:13:00.001-08:00

Hands-Only CPR

2009-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the news about Hands-Only™ CPR?

CPR. A lifesaving action.
When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. That’s why the AHA has simplified things.

Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.
It’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse, but if you do, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help. Take a minute and look around this site and invite your friends! Increasing the number of people who know about Hands-OnlyTM CPR will increase the chance that someone can help when an adult suddenly collapses, and more lives can be saved.

Visit http://handsonlycpr.org/ for more information or to see a demonstration video.

You can also compose your own tune using sounds made by hands – clapping, snapping, shuffling, etc. Then, send your hands symphony to others to spread the message about the importance of Hands-Only™ CPR.

Picture of the Day

2009-10-23T08:41:00.001-07:00

Picture of the Day

2009-09-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

2009 Start! Orange County Heart Walk Chairman Richard Heim, President & CEO of Clark Construction Group - California, LP, poses in front of water station #1.

We Love Our Puppies

2009-09-18T16:46:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, the Heart Walk is a family event. And we all know that our dogs are a part of our families. We love seeing all of the dogs out at the walk, and just wanted to show you a couple of pictures highlighting those families and their puppies:

Picture of the Day

2009-09-18T13:50:00.001-07:00

While Heart Walk participants were sleeping snugly in their beds, Heart Walk staff and volunteers were working hard during all hours of the night preparing for the big event. This is a view of the Orange Balloon that our photographer caught during those early morning hours before the sun came up.

Picture of the Day

2009-09-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Woodbridge High School Entertainment Corps helps start off the walk on an enthusiastic note as the last walkers pass through the starting line and move out onto the runways for their 5K walk. Look at that long line of walkers in front of them - amazing!

THANK YOU!

2009-09-17T14:12:00.001-07:00

Thank you so much for helping to make the

29th Annual Start! Orange County Heart Walk a huge success!

Don't forget that you can continue to fundraise toward your prize levels through

September 30th and help us reach our goal of $1.5 million!

Here are are a few preliminary pictures to show you what you were able to help accomplish on September 13 and what you can still work to achieve:

Heart Transplant Patient at Ironman

2009-08-13T07:46:00.000-07:00

CNN published an article today about Kyle Garlett, a heart transplant recipient and cancer survivor, who will be competing in October's Ford Ironman World Championship.

For more information about the Ironman, click here.

Start! Training Launch

2009-07-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

Don't Forget to come to our
Start! Training Launch!

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

9:00am - Noon

Information Session One: 9:30 am
Information Session Two: 10:30 am
Information Session Three 11:30 am

Orange County Start! Training Launch Event!

By attending this open house, you'll learn about how you can train for a life-changing event, speak with health and nutrition experts, and will be entered to win exciting prizes!

Start! Training is an endurance training and fund-raising program that raises life-saving funds for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The program is geared for all levels and abilities, for walkers and runners alike. No experience is necessary!

For more information or to RSVP:

(949)856-3555

Email: ocstarttraining@heart.org

Website: http://www.ocstarttraining.org/

Alliance for a Healthier Generation

2009-07-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Orange County Alliance activities educate kids on nutrition and exercise...

The Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s summer activities are in full swing in the Orange County Division with events in Fullerton and Buena Park. St. Pius in Buena Park is new to the Alliance. Their summer school program hosts 75 students ages 6-10 years old.

On June 29, the students at St. Pius participated in an Alliance event where they learned the importance of exercising 60 minutes a day and the benefits of drinking water instead of soda. The students enjoyed balance board activities and an obstacle course that included running, jumping rope, hula hooping, and more.

During a nutrition workshop on July 14, St. Pius students learned about how beneficial eating fruits and vegetables can be to their health. On July 15, 100 kids participated in an event at the Boys and Girls Club in Fullerton. The kids enjoyed healthy snacks while they learned about the importance of eating a balanced diet and how to stay hydrated during the hot summer months.

Did You Know?: Tribute Stickers

2009-07-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

Did You Know?

At every Heart Walk tribute stickers are available so that you can write a tribute and put it on your shirt to let everyone know why you are walking. Don't miss out on the opportunity this year to have a tribute sticker on your shirt!
Tribute stickers will be found in the Create Hope village at the Heart Walk.

Start! Summer Walking Guide

2009-07-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

Great information from the Start! Newsletter:

Start! Summer Walking Guide provides tips to keep you moving!

Don’t let this summer’s heat melt your resolve to be physically active.You can get started and stay motivated throughout the warm season — with health and safety tips from the American Heart Association’s Start! Summer Walking Guide.

The free guide, available at startwalkingnow.org, includes stretching techniques and tips on what to wear, when and where to walk, and what to eat before and after you walk. For example, it’s best to pick a time that you can regularly commit to all summer. It’s also best to avoid walking early in the afternoon, when the sun is at its strongest and you’re at the greatest risk for heat stroke. You can also walk in the mall, join a gym or walk in a building at work. Download your guide now.

F as in Fat 2009

2009-07-15T15:00:00.000-07:00

Adult obesity rose in 23 states last yearAdult obesity rates increased in 23 states last year, and didn’t decline in any, according to a new report by the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

According to the report:

Mississippi had the highest obesity rate, 32.5 percent, for the fifth year in a row
Colorado had the lowest rate of obese adults, at 18.9 percent, followed by Massachusetts, 21.2 percent, and Connecticut, 21.3 percent.
Mississippi also had the highest rate of overweight and obese children, at 44.4 percent, followed by Arkansas, 37.5 percent, and Georgia, 37.3 percent.

According to the report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009,” obesity-related costs to Medicare and Medicaid are likely to grow significantly as the Baby Boomer generation ages, because of the large number of people in this population, the high rate of obesity and obesity’s negative health impact.

Save The Date! August 1st 9am-Noon

2009-07-08T16:18:00.000-07:00

Orange County Start! Training Launch Event!
Saturday, August 1st, 2009
9:00am - Noon

Information Session One: 9:30 am
Information Session Two: 10:30 am
Information Session Three 11:30 am

Location: 4600 Campus Drive

Irvine, CA 92617

By attending this open house, you'll learn about how you can train for
a life-changing event, sample nutritional foods, and will be entered to win exciting prizes!

Start! Training is an endurance training and fund-raising program that raises life-saving funds for the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association. The program is geared for all levels and abilities, for walkers and runners alike. No experience is necessary!

For more information or to RSVP:(949)856-3555
or email Eileen.Bautista@heart.org

A Call for Team Captains!

2009-07-07T16:37:00.000-07:00

The Start! Orange County Heart Walk is only nine weeks away and
we need you to help us be successful!

Any Team Captain that registers online by this Friday, July 10, will be entered to win our
Dinner and a Movie Package
which includes a $25 gift certificate for dinner
and 2 movie tickets.

Already registered as a Team Captain? No problem! Recruit a friend to register online as a Team Captain by Friday and you can be entered to win as well.
Just remember to email Joanna London at ocheartwalk@heart.org to be entered to win.

Disco and CPR

2009-07-02T16:54:00.000-07:00

Read this great article on cnn.com about how a PSA from the American Heart Association and a Disco tune helped to save a man's life.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/02/cpr.cardiac.arrest/index.html

Click here to order a CPR Anytime kit and practice CPR with your family at home.

Dogs at the Heart Walk?

2009-06-26T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes our participants ask us if they are able to bring their dogs to the Heart Walk. We hope this picture from last year's event answers that question:

When we describe the Heart Walk as a "family event", we mean that all members of the family are welcome - even the four-legged kind!

(Please remember that dogs at the event should be well-trained and able to be around other dogs as well as large groups of people without any difficulties.)

Where the Money Goes...

2009-06-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

Diet and Nutrition Research
AHA investment in research related to diet and nutrition: $63,731,796.

Nutrition related projects:
Weight management and ethnicity
Nutrition, exercise and weight loss and blood pressure
Trans fat
Cholesterol
Exercise physiology
Stroke and diet
The impact of nutrition programs in schools
Diet and reproduction
Obesity
Diabetes and diet
Diet and income/class
Food substitutes
Rural vs. urban nutrition
Basic science projects that have led to our understanding of food and exercise

WSA Researcher Focus: Rebecka Peebles, MD – Stanford University

Dr. Peebles’ research examines how eating disorders during adolescence may be linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, she studies how binge eating and purging behaviors increase the risk of insulin resistance, high blood pressure, adverse lipid profiles and polycystic ovarian syndrome in a group of overweight and adolescents with eating disorders.

We know that there are many important factors in childhood that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease: a sedentary lifestyle (how much you move), obesity (how much you eat), and poor nutritional choices (what foods you eat) are some of the most important. However, whether or not unhealthy eating behaviors, contribute to metabolic and heart risk has not yet been well-studied in youth. This is important to better understand because unhealthy eating behaviors are quite common, with purging and binge eating reported in up to 20-30% of high schoolers nationwide. In addition, we still struggle to successfully help overweight and obese patients lose weight. It is possible that eating behaviors lend an additional risk of the development of significant cardiovascular and metabolic disease to youth. If this is the case, it opens up an entirely new window for treatment of early cardiovascular disease - the consideration, screening, and active management of these behaviors. Treating and preventing dangerous eating behaviors may actually work to minimize the risk of such metabolic disease, in patients of all weights.

Help us close our Critical Funding Gap before June 30th so that we can fund more research projects like that of Dr. Peebles. Register for the Heart Walk today, make a personal donation, and send out your donation emails!

Heart Walk Photos

2009-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Do you have any great pictures from the Heart Walk like this one from the Start! line? We would love to see your pictures and possibly even post them on our blog. If you have photos from the Heart Walk that you would like to see spotlighted, please email them to Joanna London at ocheartwalk@heart.org. The Heart Walk is just around the corner and this is a great way to build up some excitement!

You're The Cure on the Hill

2009-06-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association holds a special event called Lobby Days every year in our Nation's Capitol? Volunteers and Staff from around the country meet in Washington D.C. to talk to speak up for vital research funding and advocate for public policies that advance the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Below is a video highlighting some of the events at the AHA/ASA Lobby Days in April 2009. Watch to learn a little more about what we are working to do for you and for all of our loved ones.

Become a part of You're the Cure. Click here for more information

OC Heart Walk Is Blogging!

2009-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Orange County Heart Walk Blog!

Visit here regularly to follow recent updates for the Orange County Heart Walk. Make sure to visit our website at www.ocheartwalk.org to keep track of our progress and to get more Heart Walk information!