AUSTIN (KXAN)– The Austin Heart Walk, presented by Texas Mutual and Centre for Neuro Skills, will take place on Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. at Moody Amphitheatre in Waterloo Park.
This event, organized by the American Heart Association, aims to raise awareness about CPR and improve community preparedness for heart emergencies. Local businesses, volunteers and survivors of heart disease and stroke will participate, highlighting the critical need for CPR education, as nine out of 10 people who suffer cardiac arrest outside a hospital do not survive without bystander assistance, according to the association.
Dr. Ashley Matthew, Chief Medical Officer of Centre for Neuro Skills, shares the personal importance of the event: “It’s important to me, on a personal level, because I’ve had multiple family members who’ve suffered from cerebrovascular disease. So some of them have had strokes, some have had aneurysms.”
He emphasizes the health benefits of physical activity, stating, “If you can translate 30 minutes of sitting into even light to moderate exercise on a daily basis, that has a significant impact on your health. So the walk is an opportunity to get out there, get there with your friends, your family, and just move and experience some of that benefit.”
Participants can register at austinheartwalk.org, where they can create a fundraising page and join the Heart Walk CPR Digital Experience to learn Hands-Only CPR in just 90 seconds.
The event will also honor heart and stroke survivors and recognize top fundraisers. According to the association, by walking and donating, participants support the mission of the American Heart Association to reduce fatalities from strokes and heart disease, ultimately saving lives in the community.
