To save a life

Do you have plans for 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 5? Consider participating in the Omaha and Council Bluffs Heart Walk.

What: American Heart Association Heart Walk
When: Saturday, May 5, 9:00 a.m. (one-mile children's walk starts at 8:00 a.m.)
Where: Stinson Park (67th and Center, just west of Aksarben Village).
Who: Anyone and everyone is welcome
Cost: Free (walkers are eligible for a Heart Walk t-shirt once they have raised a minimum of $100)

My husband and I have volunteered for every walk over the years (we think 17, but who's counting!?). He works as the logistic chair, a position that involves marking the walk, placing signs along the path, and setting up and stocking refreshment stops along the route. I am his logistics committee member. On the day of the walk, it's a 6 a.m. ready-to-work time.

Why support the American Heart Association?

Yes, it's true that Alegent Health is a sponsor of this event ... but my husband and I were interested in the work of the American Heart Association (AHA) before I started with Alegent Health Heart & Vascular Institute, as a result of our families' history of heart disease. The AHA is a major player in heart research resulting in life-saving technologies. They also review and publish guidelines for lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease or delay its onset.

I like to send people to the "getting healthy" section of their website. That's where you'll find information for preventing heart disease or living with it. A favorite tool of mine: the Life Check, Simple Seven quiz which helps evaluate your current risk for heart disease.

The AHA is also requesting nominations (due by April 20th) for people who have saved a life or whose life was saved by CPR (as a CPR instructor, I look forward to these nominations) or for individuals who have made lifestyle changes to promote health and quality of life. No change is too small - every change is important. You can nominate a friend, co-worker, family member, or even yourself.

Do you want to help this outstanding organization? Please join us at the Omaha-Council Bluffs Heart Walk next month. Registration is online. You may donate and also develop a personal web page to send e-mails to family and friends asking for their donations and participation.

I do hope you will join me at this year's Heart Walk. Registration is online - plus, you can donate and develop a personal web page to send e-mails to family and friends asking for their donations and participation.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy a beautiful spring morning walk, while helping an organization that is dedicated to saving lives.