17th MDG puts its heart into the Heart Healthy 5k

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Smith
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 17th Medical Group hosted the Heart Healthy 5k on Kiowa Trail in honor of Heart Healthy Month Feb. 21.

The event encourages individuals and families to engage in physical exercise to promote healthy habits and lower the risk of heart disease.

"One of the main ways people can reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease is through regular exercise," said Maj. Eric W. Stephan, 17th Medical Group Medical Services Flight Commander. "The Heart Healthy 5k gives them a venue to engage in exercise with the whole family."

On Dec. 30, 1963, Congress approved that the president is to issue an annual proclamation designating February as American Heart Month, acknowledging the ongoing fight against cardiovascular disease.

"It is the number one killer of American women and men," stated President Barack Obama in his 2015 American Heart Month proclamation. "Across our nation, we have lost devoted mothers and fathers, loved siblings, and cherished friends to this devastating epidemic."

This year American Heart Month focuses on encouraging Americans to know their blood pressure. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 67 million Americans have high blood pressure, and are four time more likely to pass away from a stroke and three times more likely to pass away from heart disease when compared to those with normal blood pressure.

"Having family members that suffer and have suffered from heart disease is tough to deal with," said Senior Airman Clifton S. Gathers, Heart Healthy 5k volunteer. "That is why I feel it is important to support events like this one that not only raise awareness, but that also get families exercising."

Families from organizations all throughout Team Goodfellow participated in the event, even including children and dogs, showing being healthy is a job for the entire family.

"The intent of this event is to promote healthy habits by encouraging families to engage in activity together," mentioned Stephan. "Healthy habits such as regular exercise, eating right and drinking plenty of water are a team effort that starts at home."