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Did you know that nearly 70 percent of Americans don’t get enough exercise? That puts them at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the nation’s number one killer.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), most people who don’t get enough exercise blame lack of time and motivation. That’s why the AHA created Start!, a program that encourages Americans to walk at work.
“The goal of Start! is to get this generation walking again,” said Astrid Bigham of the AHA. “We’re inactive as a whole, and we need to start moving slowly.”
Bigham describes Start! as a stepping stone on the path to becoming more physically active. The AHA provides those who sign up for the free program with tools to track their physical activity and diet and helpful e-mails featuring healthy recipes, success stories and tips. BWHers who are trying to become more active are encouraged to join the program, either individually or as a team with colleagues. The idea is to start slowly and then increase the amount of time spent walking each day.
The program’s mission—to save lives by preventing heart attack and stroke—is dear to Bigham’s heart on a personal level. A ruptured aneurysm ten years ago nearly killed her, but emergency surgery at BWH saved her life.
“I never thought I would survive,” said Bigham, whose symptoms flew under the radar of her medical team at another hospital because not enough was known about the meaning of the symptoms at the time.
Bigham still remembers the excellent, compassionate care she received from BWH doctors, nurses and others, and is grateful to be working with the hospital today to encourage employees to take control of their own health.
“Health is not something I take for granted,” she said.
Astrid Bigham and members of BWH Wellness Works, including program coordinator Maryellen Cotter, NP, will be outside the Cafeteria June 12, 8 p.m. – midnight, and June 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. to provide information on Start! Those interested in learning more or signing up as team captains can attend an information session June 13, 2 – 3 p.m., in Carrie Hall.