EmpowHER Supports Banner Heart Participation in Phoenix-Area Start! Heart Walk

On February 26, 2011, EmpowHER partner Banner Heart Hospital participated in the American Heart Association’s Start! Heart Walk at Tempe Beach Park. During the event, EmpowHER staff interviewed attendees about why they were attending and asked them to share their heart health tips. Courtney Roach, a volunteer for Banner Heart Hospital, exercises 30 – 60 minutes most days of the week to keep her heart healthy.

Roxanne Ortiz

She was at the event in honor of her father, who passed away from heart disease four years ago. She tries to exercise and eat healthy to keep her heart strong.

Dr. Suzanne Sorof and Dr. Iva Smolens

Both Dr. Sorof (right) and Dr. Smolens have been interviewed on EmpowHER. Dr. Suzanne Sorof, a cardiologist, wants people to remind people that heart disease in the number killer of women and strokes are the third. She asks women to keep healthy and active – and never smoke. Dr. Iva Smolens, a cardiothoracic surgeon, wants people to know how important it is to make heart healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating healthy and exercising.

Mrs. Arizona - Jennifer Olson

She is an advocate for the American Heart Association and shares this tip for a healthy heart: get 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a week.

Kristyn Hood, Alyssa Falvey and Jessica Cooper

All three girls are cheerleaders for Arizona State University. They suggest eating healthy, low-fat foods and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy heart.

Sophie Escandon

Her grandfather had a stroke and her great grandfather died of a heart attack. She attended the event to support healthy eating and physical activity.

Michael Carroll

When it comes to heart issues, Michael Carroll, who has been treated at Banner Health Hospital, seems to have been through it all. He has survived two heart attacks and two open heart surgeries. Then, his two bypasses failed and required stints. After that, he developed pericarditis. He walked the heart walk as a proud heart issue survivor.

Candis Jakyrik

Candis Jakyrik, Michael Carroll’s mother, is eighty years old and has had two bypasses and a valve replacement. She works out every day and believes the secret to staying healthy at eighty is exercising everyday and eating healthy. She has participated in the walk for the past two years.