Over 500 people attended the fifth annual Healthy Hearts on the Move this past weekend and event took some important steps on a journey toward better health. The big crowed filled St. Albans City School as community members used a Passport to document their own risk factors for heart disease, learning about habits to be heart healthy all around the school.

NMC partnered with NCSS to put on the free event which and shows participants that good health can be fun, easy and low-cost. Attendees were invited to enjoy a free massage, get a free health screening, learn about healthy habits and try out Tai Chi and other fitness activities to role-model healthy lessons to the many kids who attended. NCSS Parent Child Center staff ran active play stations in the large gymnasium and encouraged parents to take ideas home.

 “Healthy Hearts is an incredible event that grows every year,” said NMC CEO Jill Berry Bowen. “Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes and connecting community members to key resources is important to our mission of providing exceptional healthcare for our community.”  

At this year’s event, adults used Healthy Hearts Passports to document risk factors for heart disease. Kids used blue Passports to document their healthy activities like good eating habits, reducing screen time and staying active. As attendees of all ages moved around the building, they got their passports stamped and were entered to win one of three Vermont State Parks Family Passes given away as grand prizes. The Passports support an inspirational message that even small steps make a big difference, and hospital staff encouraged attendees with simple suggestions for moving forward.

A popular stop in the Healthy Hearts itinerary was the heart-healthy food provided by NMC’s Restaurant and Catering department. People took a break from their fitness activities to enjoy fruit smoothies from RiseVT’s smoothie bikes, and enjoy water and healthy snacks. NMC’s departments and services were well represented at the event, as well several local dental offices and fitness centers.