My Grandpa Gene, my grandpa, my best friend and biggest fan... and my inspiration to Start! Heart Walking Today!
To my Grandpa Gene, I could do no wrong. He’s the man who reminded me to always change my oil, to finish my dinner and to “never wear my hair like that again.” Oh, he made me laugh. In January 2008, I lost my Grandpa to a long battle of heart disease. For as long as I can remember, he struggled constantly with a bad heart. He survived heart attacks, strokes and a number of surgeries. Doctors say he shouldn’t have lived as long as he did.
I can’t help but wonder if my Grandpa would have made healthier choices… would he still be there today?
Knowing my grandpa’s story, I myself, have decided to stand up and fight back against heart disease. Statistics say, cardiovascular diseases are 90% preventable just by making healthy choices. And by ignoring fitness and health, you’re increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke and other diseases.
I have always led a pretty healthy lifestyle, but in the last 5 years, I have learned what it means to incorporate regular exercise into my schedule and also what it means to choose the right foods for a heart healthy life.
I want to help the American Heart Association spread this heart healthy message. I don’t want my friends and family to have to suffer like my grandfather did. I know there are a ton of other stories out there from you about how heart disease has affected your life.
Please, let your voice be heard and get out and walk with us in the Start! Heart Walks on May 16th in Bay City and/or May 30th in Downtown Flint.
