Easton Hospital Kicks Off Heart Health Walk

Easton Mayor Sal Panto has issued a challenge to the mayors of Allentown and Bethlehem: Which city can get the most residents to participate on Sept. 18 for the Lehigh Valley Heart Walk?

On Wednesday, Panto was on hand to help kick off the American Heart Association's National Start Walking Day. Joining him were Brian Finestein, Easton Hospital Chief Executive Officer; John Simon, chairman for the Heart Walk Leadership Team for the Lehigh Valley, and employees of Easton Hospital.

The Lehigh Valley Heart Walk will be held in downtown Easton at the new Waterfront Park.

“Walking is very easy to do, accessible and free,” said Panto. “Plus, people don’t drop out of walking.”

Panto also announced the start of a new campaign for Eastonians, “Let’s Move Easton.” A formal announcement will be made in the coming days. Panto said he plans to walk, bike and eat with residents during the campaign.

“Stroke and heart disease are major health threats to our community,” said Finestein.

According to Simon, 8,000 Lehigh Valley residents die each year of heart disease. The campaign is especially important to him because he suffered a massive heart attack several years ago.

“I owe my life to the hospital and the heart association,” said Simon. 

The heart association recommends a 30-minute brisk walk daily. But if you’re short on time and can’t walk the recommended 30 minutes per day, then Diana Skowronski, Heart Walk Director, has a suggestion.

“The American Heart Association shows you can walk 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon and 10 minutes at night and still benefit,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be consecutive."