Village Hosts Annual Heart Walk to Benefit Association

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Christopher Miller, Public Relations Manager
John Knox Village
Phone: (954) 784-4726
Email: cmiller@jkvfl.com

Village Hosts Annual Heart Walk to Benefit Association

POMPANO BEACH – 2/16/12 – On a Friday in April of 2005, John Knox Village resident Frances Martin began feeling what she thought was heartburn. Throughout that weekend, she tried over-the-counter remedies to provide relief for her discomfort. However, they did not work, as the pain gradually increased. It was not until the Sunday evening when her husband, John, insisted that she visit the emergency room.

It was later determined that Frances was suffering from a heart attack. “At 1 a.m., I had an angiogram (x-ray test that takes pictures of blood flow within an artery), and they found four blockages in my heart,” she said. “Then, I had angioplasty surgery (technique of mechanically widening a narrowed or obstructed blood vessel), and they put in four stents.”

As a result of her procedure, Frances has resumed a normal schedule and continues to live an active lifestyle. She credits The Village’s Fitness Program for helping her achieve her healthy goals.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), each year, 1.2 million Americans will suffer a coronary attack, and 700,000 people will suffer a stroke. “By adopting a lifestyle of physical activity, individuals can reduce their health care costs, increase their productivity and improve their overall quality of life and longevity,” said Chris Gentile, Broward Heart Walk Director, American Heart Association.

Frances is one of a number of residents and JKV employees who will be participating in the upcoming 9th Annual John Knox Village Heart Walk to benefit the American Heart Association. The event, which raised more than $7,000 last year, will be held on Tuesday, February 21, at 10 a.m.

All walkers will gather at The Village’s Furman Square for a group photo, some music and a warm-up session by the Wellness staff. Then, everyone will prove their commitment toward this most deserving cause by walking around Lake Maggie and ending at the Village Centre.

At approximately 11 a.m., Dr. Paul Rondino, Cardiologist, and Dr. Laszlo Miskolczi, Neuro Interventional Radiologist, from Holy Cross Hospital, will discuss “Top 10 Questions You Want to Ask Your Doctor.”

The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premiere event for raising funds to save lives from this country’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers – heart disease and stroke. Designed to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living, the Heart Walk creates an environment that’s fun and rewarding for the entire family. This year, more than one million walkers will participate in nearly 350 events across the United States.

Founded in 1924, the AHA is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases, it funds cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs and advocate protecting public health. To learn more or join in helping AHA, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit (www.heart.org).

John Knox Village is a not-for-profit continuing care community that provides a full range of life-care services for those aged 62 and greater. The Village is located at 651 S.W. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach, just east of I-95 and south of Atlantic Boulevard. For more information, contact our Marketing Department, at (954) 783-4040, or visit us at (www.johnknoxvillage.com).

In 2005, JKV resident Frances Martin suffered a heart attack despite feeling heartburn-like symptoms. She will be one of many residents and employees participating in the February 21st Village Heart Walk.

Village residents, employees and guests gathered to walk and raise money for the American Heart Association at our 8th Annual Heart Walk in 2011. John Knox Village continues to support living a heart-healthy lifestyle and outstanding organizations like the American Heart Association.