Because cardiovascular disease is Fall River's No. 1 killer, Healthy City Fall River teamed up with the American Heart Association to launch a START Walking program in Fall River to enroll teams from Fall River businesses and organizations, in advance of the May 3, 2008 Heart Walk at Colt State Park in nearby Bristol, RI. Over seventy people from local businesses, organizations and government offices gathered at Gromada Plaza on April 18th to draw attention to the importance of walking, especially for employees of downtown businesses. Peter Kortright of the Chamber of Commerce underscored the value of physical activity in keeping employees fit, thereby reducing healthcare costs and increasing productivity. The City's health director, Michael Coughlin, emphasized what the program can do to decrease the high rate of heart disease in the City. Click here to read the story about the event in the Herald News. Michelle Merritz, Corporate Event Director, at the American Heart Association, recommended that local businesses sign up for the new START Walking program specifically designed for businesses. Contact her at 401 331-1718 or go www.sneheartwalk.org to register. Click here to learn more about the sign-up process.
 

(Top row, left) Debbie Viveiros of the Mayor's Office takes one of the free pedometers provided by Southcoast Hospitals prior to the event at Gromada Plaza in front of Government Center. (Top row, center) Fall River Health and Human Services Director Michael Coughlin talks about the importance of walking in maintaining health. (Top row, right) Employees of the Family Service Association who participate in the agency's wellness program arrive at Gromada Plaza for the kick-off event. (Middle row, left) Greater Fall River Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Peter Kortright talks about the importance of walking in maintaining healthy employees. (Middle row, right) Michelle Merritz, Corporate Events Director for the American Heart Association in Providence, invites participants to sign up for the START Walking program at www.sneheartwalk.org. (Bottom row) Sue Potvin leads Family Service Association staff on a walk past the library and up Pine Streert, around Ruggles Park, and back to their office at 151 Rock Street as part of their new wellness program.