The American Heart Association (AHA) and the CardioVascular Institute at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) recently celebrated National Walking Day by teaming up to honor the winners of the first-annual Lifestyle Change Awards competition. The awards ceremony, which was held at BIDMC’s Tanger Be Well Fitness Studio on April 2, recognized a dozen individuals including, Mansfield twin sisters, Jennifer and Kelly McCarthy.
The McCarthy sisters, who began their lifestyle change by working out three times a week and eating healthier, are now participating in 5K and 10K road races, half marathons, and even a triathlon. The twins have both lost 90 pounds and have broadened their journey to motivating and inspiring others to live healthier lives as well through their blog, Twins Take On Life.
“We think it’s important to recognize individuals who have made commitments to healthy lifestyle changes like walking. These people serve as role models to others,” said Kamal R. Khabbaz, MD, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at BIDMC and Co-Chair of BIDMC’s 2014 Walking Campaign along with Susan Wornick, former anchor of WCVB-TV5.
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Although it was not a requirement, almost all of the nominees stressed the importance of walking as part of their exercise routines. They mentioned that walking is a convenient and no-cost way to promote heart health.
“There was a high level of competition as all of the nominees had compelling stories and inspiring results,” said Dr. Khabbaz. “We hope to expand this program in the future and encourage people to turn sedentary lifestyles into active ones.”
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According to Dr. Khabbaz, heart disease and stroke continue to be the nation’s number one and number four killers, and a startling 66 percent of Americans are overweight. But the good news, he says, is that physically active people can reduce their risk factors for cardiovascular disease by incorporating walking into their day. The AHA recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity weekly for adults, and 60 minutes a day for kids.
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