"Walk Catawba Valley" Announced January 25, 2007 CVMC Introduces "Walk Catawba Valley" on Saturday, Feb. 3

Walking is the single most-recommended exercise to improve and maintain heart health. And for that reason, Catawba Valley Medical Center (CVMC) is launching a countywide walking program called "Walk Catawba Valley." Slated to kick off Saturday, Feb. 3 in celebration of Heart Health Month, "Walk Catawba Valley" encourages area residents of all ages to walk for good health. From 10 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., those attending the program kickoff celebration at the CVMC Health First Center in Valley Hills Mall will be entertained by area dance groups, a fitness wear fashion show and educational booths on wellness and preparing to start a walking plan among others. Walk Catawba Valley is geared to those who walk in their communities or 'step' through current exercise activities at local gyms, fitness centers or homes. It is an extension of the Health First Center's popular Mallwalkers program, which will remain in place as part of this new initiative. Those who register in Walk Catawba Valley in February will receive a Walk Catawba Valley tee shirt and CVMC Shoe ID Tag. Each registrant will also receive a Starter Kit that includes a Virtual Walking Tour Booklet, list of Walking Tracks in our area, Walk Mileage Log Sheets, Walking Tips Sheet, list of Cholesterol Screening dates and schedule of Walk Catawba Valley classes that earn participants extra "walk miles" toward the year-end total. Included in the kickoff day's schedule are the "Heart to Heart" Fashion Show at 10:15 a.m.; J N and Company Line Dancing at 11 a.m.; Tai Chi with Bernard Coulter at 11:30 a.m.; Exodus Soldiers of Christ dance troupe at 12 Noon; Ethic Fusion Belly Dance at 12:30 p.m. and Hmong Dancers of Challenger High School at 1:45 p.m. In addition, Brian Hissom, Licensed Professional Counselor, will discuss "Stress Management" at 1:15 p.m. and Ryan Setzer of VRE Training will offer non-contact boxing training, "12 Rounds to Fitness," at 2:15 p.m. An annual celebration event will take place each February to honor all program participants and recognize those who have logged the most miles over the past year. Participants can sign up for Walk Catawba Valley at the Health First Center in the Valley Hills Mall. For more information about this new initiative, please call the Health First Center at 828-485-2300 or Click Here to view information on this website. Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit, public healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. CVMC, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet facility, was recently named a Hospital of Choice by the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers.