STHS Heart Commerating Heart Month with Annual Heros with Heart 5K

This year’s run/walk returns, which will be held onsite at the STHS Heart campus, is dedicated to local teachers and educators who have survived and thrived in their battle with heart disease

A healthy heart is key to a long lifespan. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one cause of death for women and men in the United States. With high rates of diabetes and obesity — two major risk factors — the Rio Grande Valley population is especially vulnerable to developing heart disease.

However, by adapting healthy practices the risk for cardiac issues can be minimized. To commemorate American Heart Month and help educate the community on heart-healthy behaviors, South Texas Health System Heart, the Valley’s only freestanding cardiac hospital and dedicated heart emergency room, is hosting its 8th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, February 26 on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen.

Following last year’s virtual run/walk due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s 5K is returning to an in-person event with social distancing measures in place. Open to the entire community, this year’s 5K will honor local teachers and educators who have survived and thrived in their battle with heart disease as this year’s Heroes with Heart. During the event, three local educators, this year’s official 5K ambassadors, will share their own personal struggles with heart disease.

Registration is open through February 11, with a discounted rate of $25 for early registration before February 4. Additional discounts are available for children under the age of 12, seniors over 55 and teams of 10 or more. The cost of registration includes a t-shirt and participation medal, with all proceeds benefiting local charities selected by the heart ambassadors.

For complete race details and to register, visit sthsactive.com. For more information, contact our Heroes with Heart 5K coordinator Kassandra Rodriguez at 956-388-2020 or [email protected]

About South Texas Health System 

South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level II Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first and only freestanding children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and six freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.

Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.

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