Improve your family’s heart health this summer with a ‘walk in the park’

King County Parks, American Heart Association partner in fun scavenger hunt

Physical activity – even moderate walking – improves fitness, enhances energy levels and promotes a positive state of mind, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). King County Parks has teamed up with the AHA in a fun and easy way for families to get “heart healthy” this summer.

Participants in the “It’s Just a Walk in the Park” scavenger hunt, June 18 to Sept. 18, can find answers to five questions by visiting King County parks and trails. The first 25 families to answer all five questions correctly will receive a four-pack of tickets to the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
 
“King County parks and trails offer great opportunities for families to exercise together – whether it’s hiking through historic Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, or biking along the scenic Sammamish River Regional Trail,” said Kevin Brown, King County Parks Division Director.

The AHA’s new “Team Start!” campaign is a physical activity initiative to fight heart disease and stroke.

• According to a Harvard University Study, you will gain about two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular exercise, even if you don't start until middle age.
• Brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day can bring heart-health benefits and reduce your risk for stroke by lowering bad cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
 
Physical activity, even moderate walking, improves fitness, enhances energy levels and promotes a positive state of mind, according to the AHA.

Here are the five questions:

1. What animals are featured on the signs at the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park’s Anti-Aircraft Peak trailhead?
2. How many native birds are featured in the kiosk at Cougar Mountain’s Red Town trailhead?
3. Who is thanked for their contribution to healthy living in King County at the Marymoor Park reflexology path?
4. What item of athletic apparel sits atop a King County Parks legacy bench on the Sammamish River Trail in Bothell?
5. What are in the blue containers near the Group Health Velodrome in Marymoor Park?

To participate in the “It’s Just a Walk in the Park” contest, visit http://www.startscavengerhunt.org/, or contact mandy.leblanc@heart.org.

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King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at http://www.kingcounty.gov /parks/.

Founded in 1924, the American Heart Association today is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.  These diseases, America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers, and all other cardiovascular diseases claim nearly 870,000 lives a year.  In fiscal year 2006–07 the association invested more than $554 million in research, professional and public education, advocacy and community service programs to help all Americans live longer, healthier lives. To learn more, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.americanheart.org (External Link).

Related Links

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard

American Heart Association (External Link)

“It’s Just a Walk in the Park” contest (External Link)