Mayor Mick Cornett will join the Myriad Botanical Gardens’ “Myriad Life” program this month in taking steps to fight heart disease.
Mayor Cornett will host the “Move with the Mayor Challenge,” a series of walks throughout the month to raise awareness about heart disease and ways to prevent it. The campaign, a partnership between the City of Oklahoma City, the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, Myriad Gardens and the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, encourages residents to walk with the Mayor for 30 minutes on the following dates:
- Sept. 16, 8 a.m.
- Sept. 19, 5 p.m.
- Sept. 29, 8 a.m. (World Heart Day)
- Walks begin at the Myriad Gardens Band Shell
“Fall is a busy time at work and home, but if you can find just 30 minutes a day to walk, it can add years to your life,” said Mayor Cornett. “I was talking to the U.S. Surgeon General during his recent visit to Oklahoma City and he said one of the most dramatic ways to improve your health is to simply get out and walk. We want all of our residents to be with us for a long time. So I welcome everyone to join me in walking this month for a healthier tomorrow.
“As an added bonus, we’ll be walking in Myriad Gardens, winner of Urban Land Institute’s Urban Open Space Award for the nation’s best urban park,” Mayor Cornett added.
In Oklahoma County, almost 30 percent of residents report no leisure-time physical activity (County Health Rankings). The United Health Foundation, American Health Ranking (2014) has ranked Oklahoma 48th in the nation for cardiovascular deaths and 41st in the nation for cardiovascular disease.
John Clymer, executive director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention, said walking is one of the easiest ways to lower a person’s chances of heart disease and its risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Research shows that walking as little as 30 minutes a day can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
“Getting on the road to a healthier heart doesn't have to take a lot of time. It can be as quick as a 30-minute walk like today’s,” said Clymer, whose nonprofit organization focuses on saving lives through public education and policy initiatives. “Just take your first steps now, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life.”
The goal is to encourage Oklahoma City residents to walk every day from now on.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Oklahoma City on these series of walks that could save tens, hundreds or even thousands of lives,” Clymer said. “You just need to get started walking, and keep at it. You, your heart and your family will thank you.”
About the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
The National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention brings together the most dynamic and diverse organizations in cardiovascular health, providing a forum and outlet for organizations to amplify their voices. Our members currently represent more than 80 national and international organizations from the public and private healthcare organizations, as well as faith, advocacy, academic, and policy settings. The National Forum is an independent non-profit, 501(c)(3), voluntary health organization. To learn more, visit www.nationalforum.org.
Media Contacts
Steve Hill, Mayor Cornett's Chief of Staff
(405) 297-2424
steve.hill@okc.gov
Leslie Spears, Myriad Gardens
(405) 445-7091
lspears@myriadgardens.org
Debbie Martinez, National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention
(909) 815-7101
debbie.martinez@nationalforum.org
