COLUMBIA, October 16, 2023 — Do you remember the anticipation of field day in elementary school? More than 15 construction company teams will experience that same fun and excitement through the American Heart Association’s Hard Hats with Heart field day. The event, scheduled at 9:30 a.m., October 20 at Spring Valley High School football field brings awareness to the importance of heart health for construction workers and engages them in actions to live longer, healthier lives.
Construction workers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the U.S. according to research funded by the American Heart Association. Long hours, high stress, poor nutrition, and high tobacco use are among the biggest culprits. Of 343,000 construction workers, 1 in 25, have already been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
The Association’s Hard Hats with Heart Field Day targets employee stress and burn out by focusing on health fundamentals and fundraising in support of heart disease and stroke prevention programs and research. The American Heart Association urges companies to join Hard Hats with Heart Field Day to work smarter and play harder in the spirit of increasing wellness, team building and giving back.
The American Heart Association has structured the Hard Hats with Heart Field Day events in leaderboard format where employees earn points for fundraising and participating in challenges. The activities are rooted in physical and mental activities providing the opportunity for meaningful social connections and play breaks during the workday to help combat burnout and alleviate stress. Stations at the event will include dizzy bat, tug of war, and the balloon toss.
“In the Midlands we all play a critical role in making Columbia the best place to live, work and play. We need healthy and productive citizens to make that happen. We need these people to design, build and maintain those places where we live, work and play. That’s why Hard Hats for Heart Field Day is so important. It brings awareness, education, and resources to an industry that suffers greatly from heart disease. We need these amazing individuals and hopefully this will help make a difference,” said Will Anderson, Chief Operating Officer for Richland School District 2, and Operating Chair of the 2022 Midlands Hard Hats with Heart Field Day.
To learn more about engaging your workforce in Heart Challenge events, visit www.heart.org or email lizzie.smith@heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Maranda Williams: maranda.williams@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)