|
TRENTON, NJ- More than 350 people attended the Women's Heart Foundation 6th annual Run for Mom on Mother's Day with 275 pre-registered runners for the competitive 5k Run and Walk and the 1-mile Family Health Walk, with additional participants for the KIDS FUN-RUN. County Executive Brian Hughes served as Grand Marshal and Acting Chair as he spoke to the crowd about his recent episode of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) last fall. Mr. Hughes said if it weren't for a neighbor calling 9-1-1 immediately, and an ambulance being "just around the corner" to administer a shock to his heart, he would not be here today. He now has an implanted cardio-defibrillator and a pacemaker. "Many more Automated External Defibrillator (AED) devices are being placed around the county so that many more lives may be saved", he said. Joe Gibbons of the West Windsor EMT Services came to demonstrate on stage how to operate an AED. "It is really 'monkey proof'. You can't make a mistake. The device won't discharge unless a shock is truly needed", he said.
Joe Gibbons demonstrates use of an AED
with an assistant from the audience
|
Women's Heart Foundation president Bonnie Arkus spoke about the importance of wellness and prevention programs locating these in schools for an ongoing source of free exercise and fitness opportunities for all citizens. She suggested that an AED be affixed to the outside of every school building by the principal's office for emergency use, as a new public health initiative to make this life-saving device more accessible.
Exec. Hughes describes his SCA episode |
First Place 5k Winner Jaime Mora of Trenton |
Kimi Puntillo, author, signs books |
Special guest Kimi Puntillo, journalist and author, talked about her book "Great Races, Incredible Places". Ms. Puntillo is a two-time Guinness World Record holder for running a marathon on every continent in the world. She offered autographed copies of her book.
NJDEP volunteers managed the event with the WHF. Stacey Mignone conducted warm-ups with the group. DJ music was provided by LaFauci Entertainment. The sale of donated and refurbished costume jewelry helped subsidize the event. Gold sponsor was ebay and the Points of Light Foundation. PSE+G was a table sponsor. Food donations were received from ACME of Lawrenceville, Wegmans, Sam's Club, RJ Bagels of Ewing, Good Earth Coffee and RAW REVOLUTION snack bars. Media sponsor included The Times, Packet Publications, WCTC, and the Office on Women's Health. Bonnie acknowledged the Princeton Center of Health and Wellness for its generous donation of 10 Spinning Cycles to begin a new wellness and prevention program at Grace Dunn Middle School.
The Run for Mom event is held each year in commemoration of National Women's Health Week that begins on Mother's day each year. The first Monday after the week is National Women's Check-up Day.
National Women's Health Week is an educational initiative of the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office on Women's Health that features the WOMAN Challenge - an eight-week walking program with virtual walk routes across America. The WOMAN Challenge starts on Mother's Day and women and girls can register at www.womenshealth.gov/woman. Another highlight of the Week is National Women's Check-up Day that occurs this year on May 11. It serves as a reminder to women to make health a top priority and to take simple steps for a longer, healthier and happier life. The DHHS recommends
* Engaging in physical activity most days of the week
* Making healthy food choices
* Visiting a healthcare provider to receive regular check-ups and preventive screenings
* Avoiding risky behaviors, like smoking and not wearing a seatbelt.
The Women's Heart Foundation (WHF), the only non-governmental organization that implements heart disease prevention projects, is dedicated to prevention and improving survival and quality of life.
###
- end -
|
