Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Evan Duffy, Communications Director of the American Heart Association’s Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast Region. We discussed the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle for our employees and the upcoming Gulf Coast Heart Walk, in which three teams will represent Blacklidge.
What is the mission of the American Heart Association (AHA)?
Our mission covers a wide spectrum but retains a primary focus on saving lives and improving outcomes for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of Americans, and it knows no demographic boundaries.
Is heart disease an issue in the asphalt industry?
While we don’t have any industry-specific data, working conditions such as spending extended periods of time in a stationary position and more limited nutritional choices on the road could be linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke.
How can our company work with AHA to make an impact?
Blacklidge has a tremendous opportunity to help the American Heart Association “move the needle” by working with employees to develop healthy habits and healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families.
The American Heart Association has several tools, such as our Workplace Health Solutions portal, to help motivate employees make healthy lifestyle changes.
How does my mission of transformational heart change complement AHA? That mission dovetails beautifully with the overarching mission of the American Heart Association. Your mission supports ours by helping us get those tools in the hands of people willing to use them to make transformational lifestyle changes.
What and when is the Gulf Coast Heart Walk? Why should people come?
The 2018 Gulf Coast Walk is scheduled for Saturday, September 22 from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Jones Park in Gulfport. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Heart Walk movement. It’s a wonderful, all-encompassing event held in the name of good health, and helps raise funds to support the mission of the American Heart Association on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and beyond.
It was such a pleasure to talk with Evan from the AHA. I will be sharing more about heart health and wellness with you right here on our blog. See you at the Gulf Coast Heart Walk in September!