[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 27, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HEALTHY CHOICE AMERICAN HEALTH WALK

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 1995

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to a wonderful 
opportunity for my colleagues and their staff to do something good for 
both themselves and for America: to participate in the Healthy Choice 
American Health Walk on September 28, at noon. America's National 
campaign to fight heart disease will start in the Nation's Capitol with 
a walk on the National Mall involving thousands of our fellow 
government and congressional leaders, celebrities, Federal workers and 
others.
  It is fitting to begin this event in our Nation's Capitol, because 
heart disease is a national problem. It is our Nations No. 1 killer and 
disabler, and it exacts a devastating emotional and financial toll each 
year. Of the 10 leading causes of death in our country, heart disease 
leads the list--and kills more of us each year than the next 9 causes 
combined. And the financial impact of heart disease and stroke accounts 
for about one-seventh of our Nation's entire health care bill.
  Local American Heart Association chapters have organized more than 
800 walks involving thousands of people in cities and towns from coast-
to-coast in late September and early October. The steps that will be 
taken on The Mall today begin a national round of heart walks in which 
over 400,000 Americans will participate. In the next few weeks, this 
army of walkers will cover more than 1.2 million miles, and will raise 
more than $13 million for the American Heart Association.
  With the heart walk, we can all--quite literally--take meaningful 
steps toward conquering this killer. And by participating in the heart 
walk we can advance our cause in two critical ways. We can help 
ourselves by taking steps toward a heart-smart lifestyle; and we can 
help others by raising funds to support the ongoing education and 
research efforts of the American Heart Association.
  I urge my colleagues in the House to fit this into their schedules 
and to encourage their staff to participate as well.

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