By Kimberly Paulk, SHARECharlotte.com, a free, easy and local website that makes it easy to learn about and engage with our local nonprofits.
The greatest wealth is health. – Virgil
Hey Mom – are you taking care of yourself? Between carpool, groceries, work deadlines, the school play, paying bills and folding the laundry, are you watching your sodium intake, getting enough exercise and keeping your stress level down? Yeah, I thought so. Me neither.
But I spent some time with the folks at the American Heart Association (AHA) recently, and it’s changed my priorities a bit. For one thing, you can’t watch their videos without realizing that cardiovascular disease and stroke really can happen to anyone, including Charlotte mom Julia Allen whose photo accompanies this post. Her story is a wake up call for busy moms everywhere. In fact, heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined.
But here’s some great news – when you visit the local office of the AHA, you can feel the forward momentum. Education fairs, galas, walks – the team is in constant motion, gathering pledges from area residents to reduce their sodium intake, holding CPR training, even influencing health-related legislation.
There’s much work to be done, and many ways you can help. First, start with your own health. Each of the events below includes opportunities to learn more about your heart health and several will also give you a chance to get a health screening. Next, think about volunteering to help the AHA with its mission of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Check out the opportunities below and remember for more info you can always visit SHARE Charlotte.
Arbor Glen Outreach Day Event volunteers – Help out at this outdoor event focused on health and wellness. Kids 10 and up can volunteer when accompanied by an adult.
Heart Walk 2015 Event volunteers – It’s not too soon to sign up for this 9/19 event! Help out with planning and event day set up and cleanup. Kids 10 and up can volunteer to help with the event when accompanied by an adult.
Get details about these events at SHARE Charlotte:
National Walking Day: April 1st
Stroke Community Awareness Event: May 2th
Go Red For Women Luncheon: May 14th
Charlotte Heart Walk: September 19th
