CCRF CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF IMPROVING
HEART HEALTH
by Liz Hendriksen and Jane Holland
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Toronto, Ontario (February 13, 2008)… On Sunday, April 27, 2008, Torontonians are invited to celebrate 40 years of improving heart health by taking part in the 24th annual GTA
Walk of Life. Cardiac survivors, their families and all those who support the rehabilitation of cardiac disease are encouraged to take part in one of the first ‘walks’ of the season. This event is held in support of the
Canadian Cardiac Rehabilitation Foundation (CCRF), which is dedicated to raising funds for cardiac rehabilitation programs, research and preventative education. The CCRF began in 1968 when now world-renowned cardiac specialist Dr. Terence Kavanagh developed an exercise based heart attack rehabilitation program. The CCRF launched the first
Walk of Life in Toronto. Now a national program, with over 35 walks across the country, the GTA
Walk of Life is the flagship event for the Foundation. The highlight of this exciting day of activities is a choice of a 3-km, 5-km or 7-km walk along the scenic Martin Goodman Trail, which is followed by free nutritious snacks and refreshments, prizes, and entertainment.
When:
Sunday, April 27, 2008, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Rain or Shine!
To Register: To
register as an individual, family or team visit www.walkoflife.ca, call
416-730-8299 or join us on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 8:30 a.m., at the Queen
Elizabeth Exhibit Hall, Exhibition Place.
What: The GTA Walk of Life registration, Rogers Community Relations Initiatives and more
will take place at the Queen Elizabeth Exhibit Hall at Exhibition Place.
The Walk of Life will follow the Martin Goodman Trail. Free
parking is available in Lot 4 at Exhibition Place, which is also easily
accessible by TTC and GO Transit.
The number one cause of premature deaths in Canada, heart disease kills 80,000 Canadians and costs the health system $18.5 billion every year. An aging population, poor diet, physical inactivity and smoking all contribute to poor cardiovascular health and with the alarming rise of obesity in Canadian youth; there is a real risk that heart disease may prevent this generation from outliving their parents. Committed to the prevention and rehabilitation of heart disease, the CCRF supports community cardiac rehabilitation programs across Canada as well as organizations investigating improved methods of rehabilitation and the prevention of heart disease.
To learn more about the Canadian Cardiac Rehabilitation Foundation, the Annual Walk of Life, heart health or other related topics, interview opportunities are available with Dr. Terry Kavanagh, founder of the CCRF and an internationally recognized authority on cardiac rehabilitation; Leo DelZotto, President of CCRF; Dr. John Schaman, cardiac rehabilitation specialist and founder of Ontario Aerobics Centre in Breslau, Ontario; and survivor and rehab graduate Dr. Phil Shedletsky.
National sponsors of the 24th Annual GTA Walk of Life are: BMO Bank of Montreal; Brooks; Chartwell Seniors Housing Reit; Great West Life; London Life; Canada Life; Rogers Cable Communications Inc.; The Printing House Limited and Tridel
GTA sponsors of the 24th Annual GTA Walk of Life are: Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centre; Aon Reed Stenhouse; BNP Paribas; Crown Wallpaper & Fabrics; Dorsay Development Corporation; Pool People Limited; Sigmund Soudack & Associates Inc.; Toro Aluminium; Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada; and the Walking Room.
Media Contacts:
Liz Hendriksen and Jane Holland
Lewis Carroll Communications
T: 416-968-3845,
E: info@lewiscarrollcom.com
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