‘Healthy For Good’ community health initiative encourages residents to get up and move more

Mercer & Lawrence Counties, PA (April 15, 2020) — As people are advised to stay home and shelter in place, many are finding themselves shut out of their gym or their regular fitness routine.  The temporary closing of facilities doesn’t mean you have to give up on the idea of good health. The American Heart Association and Sharon Regional Medical Center have partnered to provide a free, virtual community-based walking program that gets people moving during the pandemic.

The initiative, called Healthy For Good, a joint wellness effort between the American Heart Association and Sharon Regional Medical Center, has kicked off virtually and will run through the Mercer/Lawrence Heart Walk, on September 26th.  Anyone can join the group through the Healthy Steps Virtual Walking Program Facebook page. Members are encouraged to use this Healthy Steps Virtual Walking Program to share their fitness successes, stay connected, and be an inspiration to one another. While the American Heart Association and Sharon Regional Medical Center share health, fitness and wellness tips, participants are encouraged to post about their fitness, workouts, successes, inspirations and more!

 “Even small steps can make a big difference,” explained Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela, Director of Marketing & Community Relations for Sharon Regional Medical Center. “And the healthiest habits start with one simple step. This program lets people know that they can make a big difference in their health by walking more and being physically active on a regular basis.”

For adults, the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of those activities, such as such as brisk walking, yoga or gardening. In addition, the Association recommends two days per week of moderate- to- high intensity muscle strengthening activity, such as running, jumping rope or swimming laps. 

“It’s really not that hard to fit in fitness,” Tracy Behnke, Executive Director of the American Heart Association said. “You can get up and move just about anytime, anywhere to be more physically active and stay healthy. And every minute counts toward the goal of at least 150 minutes per week of exercise. Every time you stand up and do something, you’re taking a step in the right direction.”

For additional information about the Healthy For Good walking program, contact Jessica Doudrick at the American Heart Association at 717-891-8122 or Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela at Sharon Regional Medical Center at 724-983-7474.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About Sharon Regional Medical Center

Sharon Regional Medical Center is your community health care provider; a 184 licensed, acute care bed hospital with 20 satellite centers throughout the region. As a Joint Commission accredited hospital, Sharon Regional Medical Center proudly offers specialized services including the Heart and Vascular Center, emergency heart attack/stroke treatment, cancer care, orthopedics/sports medicine, minimally invasive surgery, emergency care, a women's center, and a breast care center. Visit www.sharonregionalmedical.org.

For Media Inquiries:

Jessica Doudrick, [email protected]

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and strokeassociation.org

Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela

[email protected]

724-983-7474