In observance of American Heart Month and to help educate the community on the importance of heart-healthy behaviors like regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet, South Texas Health System Heart will host its 12th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Feb. 28 on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen.
Open to the community, this year’s 5K will honor Rio Grande Valley service industry professionals who have survived and thrived in their battle with heart disease as this year’s Heroes with Heart.
“Studies show that service industry professionals, especially those in accommodation, food service, administrative and support roles, face higher heart disease risks due to factors like long hours, high stress and demanding customer interactions, which are linked to increased heart rhythm problems,” says Tom Castañeda, STHS System director of Marketing and Public Relations. “Ultimately, they face higher rates of high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and Type 2 diabetes, all major risk factors for heart disease.”
To encourage the community to take heed of their heart health, service industry professionals from across the Valley will be serving as this year’s official 5K ambassadors and sharing their own personal struggles with heart disease following the race.
Registration is open now through Feb. 20, with a discounted rate of $25 for early registration before Jan. 23. Additional discounts are available for children under the age of 12, seniors over 55 and teams of 20 or more. The cost of registration includes a t-shirt, bib and a participation medal. All proceeds benefit Goodwill’s free education and training programs in the four-county region.