How to participate in this year’s Greater Maryland Heart Walk
Tigers do good together and stay active from home through reimagined virtual event
By Rebecca Kirkman on October 1, 2020
This year, it’s easier than ever to participate in the Greater Maryland Heart Walk.
From Oct. 5 to Oct. 10, the now-virtual event, organized by the American Heart Association, features daily activities promoting exercise, healthy eating and other heart-healthy habits. Participants can complete all activities from their homes and neighborhoods.
Members of the Towson University community can form their own teams or join an existing one through the university’s page on the Greater Maryland Heart Walk website. So far, TU teams have raised more than $5,000 to fund research that can save lives.
“Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States,” says TU President Kim Schatzel, who is serving her third year on the Greater Maryland Heart Walk’s executive leadership committee. “The AHA Walk not only supports our mission and priorities as an anchor institution, it creates positive impacts in our community as we try to fight this serious health threat.”
Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 killers, respectively, in the U.S. And almost half of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are stroke survivors or people with heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Funds raised through the Heart Walk will fast-track research and train frontline workers while continuing the fight against heart disease and stroke.
The week of activities includes an online chair yoga class, a virtual cooking class and a celebration of heart disease and stroke survivors. The main event begins at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10. Get the whole family involved with activities geared toward children and pets. For a full list of event details, visit the Greater Maryland Heart Walk website.
“Now more than ever during this time of physical distancing, it’s imperative that we find new ways to boost physical and emotional health,” says Louise Miller, assistant vice president of university promotion and events. “The Heart Walk is a great way to keep up healthy habits, stay socially connected and keep up with physical activity while supporting an amazing cause.”
How to get involved:
- Create a team for your department or join an existing TU team.
- Donate, fundraise or spread the word about the event.
- Download the Heart Walk app from the App Store or Google Play to track your activity and participate in the step challenge.
- Participate in one of many virtual events.
- Join more than one million walkers from across the U.S. for the Heart Walk and add the Facebook profile picture frame sponsored by Towson University.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel’s priorities for Towson University: TU Matters to Maryland and Culture of Philanthropy.