Description

Over 500 Virgin Islanders Attend "Every Step Saves A Beat"

Every Step Saves A Beat! - the walk with you physician event, kicked off on Sunday, September 29, 2013 in recognition of World Heart Day. This interactive heart health activity, the first of its kind in the territory, was hosted by the Virgin Islands Medical Institute, Inc., the healthcare Quality Improvement Organization for the U.S. Virgin Islands, has built the momentum for all Virgin Islanders to get active and start walking to save their hearts.

Over 500 Virgin Islanders came together at the Renaissance Park to take the step in the right direction. The track was filled with physicians and their patients, family members and friends and children of all ages. Everyone was welcomed to join and take action against heart disease and improve their heart health.

The event included a wide variety of activities and educational sessions. Learning sessions were hosted by a mix of local healthcare professionals to include: cardiologists, nutritionists, Podiatrists, Certified Diabetic Educator, Physical Therapist who presented on topics spanning "Caring for Your Heart", "Walking Correctly, Walking Effectively", "Your heart, Your Health - Take Control", "Sun and Your Heart", "Diabetes and Your Heart", "The Power of Dance" and "Cut The Salt! - Avoid Sodium (salt) Foods" Additional activities included an Automated External Defibrilator (AED) demonstration and a free Mass CPR class for those interested in learning CPR.

We know that the battle against heart disease in the Virgin Islands continues and victory is not yet near, but at the end of this momentous day we recognized the winners and, hopefully, armed all partici-pants with the tools and knowledge to defeat a devastating but preventable disease.

Thanks to all who made the day a success!