Take a Step Toward Heart Health

HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Prairie Heart Foundation will host the “Powered by Prairie Walk and Heart Fair” on Friday, Sept. 6, from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Southwind Park in Springfield.

The event is designed to raise awareness and support for cardiac health. Proceeds will benefit cardiac rehabilitation services at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, including funding for equipment, facility improvements, research, patient education, and staff training.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with one person dying every 34 seconds, according to the American Heart Association.

“Rehabilitation services are key to patients’ recovery,” said Christine Bryant, BSN, RN, Cardiac Rehab/Heart Failure Nurse Manager at St. John’s. “Patients who complete rehab after a heart attack or surgery significantly lower their risk of another cardiac event.”

Registration is $20 for cardiac rehab patients, $25 for individuals, and $80 for families of four. Participants will receive a T-shirt and can choose from a 2K or 5K walk.

The walk will begin at Southwind Park’s Hope Pavilion, 4965 S. Second St., which will also host a health fair offering information on hands-only CPR, cardiac rehab, nutrition, and pharmacy resources. A photo booth and children’s activities will also be available.

Registration is open through Aug. 30 at prairieheart.org/walk. For more information, contact Christine Bryant at Christine.Bryant@hshs.org or 217-535-3990, or Abby Taylor at Abby.Taylor@hshs.org or 217-814-5727.

More information about HSHS St. John’s Hospital is available at st-johns.org.