News Release
Release by: parks@beavercreekohio.gov
(937) 427-5514
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Mayor Stone Recognized for Commitment to Boosting Beavercreek’s Heart Health
Mayor Bob Stone and the City of Beavercreek will be recognized at The Ohio State University vs. University of Maryland football game on Saturday, November 9th for their commitment to boosting Beavercreek’s heart health. Stone will be joined by other Ohio mayors on the field during the game to raise awareness about ways that people can save their own lives and prevent the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke. The football game will feature a heart health theme, including fan-friendly messages on how Ohioans can improve their well-being.
Why the focus on heart health? Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the country. Every 40 seconds someone has a heart attack, and Ohio has the 12th-highest rate of deaths from heart disease.
“Ohio outpaces most of the U.S. in cases of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, physical inactivity and obesity,” said Mayor Stone. “We can do something about that and become a role model for other cities and states across the country. I am glad to join mayors across the state to make a difference.”
“To prevent cardiovascular disease takes people and the communities working together,” said John M. Clymer, executive director of the National Forum for Heart Disease & Stroke Prevention. “Sitting less and moving more is a key to better health, and it is great to have Mayor Stone leading the way, showing that even someone with a super busy schedule can fit more walking into their daily routine.”
Through the Move with the MayorTM Step it Up Challenge, eleven mayors across Ohio participated in a friendly Buckeye state challenge (as part of a nationwide initiative) to reduce heart disease and stroke. Mayors encouraged residents to get up and get moving. In addition to hosting walks and other physical activity events, mayors also completed a Success Roadmap inspired by the U.S. Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities. The Success Roadmap helps cities identify and strengthen programs and policies to improve health and encourage people to walk and live healthy, active lifestyles.
Ohio cities – all members of the Ohio Mayors Alliance – participating in the Step It Up Challenge include: Akron, Beavercreek, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dayton, Elyria, Findlay, Grove City, Lancaster, Toledo and Youngstown.
“We are so thrilled that Ohio mayors and the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention have joined with us to battle and reverse the devastating effects of heart disease in our state,” said Bernadette Melnyk, PhD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN, vice president for health promotion, university chief wellness officer and College of Nursing dean at The Ohio State University. “Research shows that 80% of chronic disease, including those that affect your heart, are preventable with a few healthy lifestyle behaviors that include regular physical activity, healthy eating, stress reduction and not smoking. We value this partnership to raise awareness and help people across Buckeye Nation and our state to make healthy choices.”
"We’re thrilled that mayors across Ohio are coming together to raise awareness around heart disease and stroke prevention," said Keary McCarthy, executive director of the Ohio Mayors Alliance. "We hope our mayors keep their Move with the Mayor programs going and continue to be advocates for healthier, active lifestyles.”
More information on heart disease and stroke prevention are available at go.osu.edu/o-heart-i-o.