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Vascular Health Step Challenge

Walking is instrumental in keeping the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in our body healthy - especially for those patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). The Society for Vascular Surgery Foundation (SVSF), a champion of vascular research and disease prevention led by national experts in vascular care, is challenging you to get moving with Vascular Health Step Challenge! 

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Step Challenge 2023 Logo

What is the Vascular Health Step Challenge?

Join the SVSF as we walk to raise awareness for PAD Awareness Month!

The SVS Foundation is challenging you to walk 60 miles throughout September to represent the 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body. The Vascular Health Step Challenge amplifies the importance of vascular health while also promoting healthy vascular health habits in communities across the country. 

Help us raise funds to bring awareness of the benefits walking has for vascular health. Everyone is invited to sign up and can choose to participate individually or on a team. The funds raised throughout the campaign will support the SVSF in amplifying the importance of vascular health while also promoting healthy vascular health habits in communities across the country.

The Vascular Health Step Challenge virtual walking campaign takes place each September. 

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How does it work?

The Vascular Health Step Challenge will take place on the Charity Footprints platform. When registering for the campaign, participants will be able to link their current fitness tracker to the platform so steps can be logged throughout the month of September.

Compatible fitness trackers

Apple Watch

Fitbit

Garmin Google Fit
Misfit Strava

Integrate Your Device

I don't have a fitness tracker

If you do not have a fitness tracker you can still participate. You can connect your smartphone to your Charity Footprints account or enter your steps manually. Learn more about connecting your devices and manually logging steps here.  

Why Walking?

Adding regular walking into your daily routine can help make a big difference in your overall health. Take a look at the benefits of walking listed below and then get out and get moving. 

  • Regular brisk walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and lose body fat (Mayo Clinic)
  • Walking can aid in preventing or managing various conditions, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer and type 2 diabetes (Mayo Clinic)
  • Walking is one of the best exercises a PAD patient can do to reduce their symptoms (NHS UK)
  • Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place (Harvard)
  • An American Cancer Society study found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week (Harvard)
  • Stress Reduction: Walking is the perfect way to zone-out and rid yourself of any daily
  • stress. Plus, the exercise-induced endorphins released will leave you feeling better than ever by helping to improve your mood. (Cancer Research UK)
Peripheral artery disease measuring for patient ankle brachial index test.

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease?

PAD is a chronic disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries to the legs. This buildup typically occurs gradually. If allowed to progress, blood flow in that artery can become limited or blocked all together.

PAD is relatively common, affecting more than 10 million people in the U.S. It is more common in people who are 65 or older, but can occur at nearly any age. Smoking; high blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; diabetes; kidney failure; and obesity increase your risk for PAD.

Learn More

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2023 VASCULAR HEALTH STEP CHALLENGE WINNERS

Congratulations to our Top Walkers! 

  • Concepcion Montaño-Ramirez walked a total of 1044 Miles
  • Nypaver Timothy walked a total of 973 Miles
  • Anil Hingorani walked a total of 554 Miles
  • James Walwark walked a total of 530 Miles
  • Emily Miles walked a total of 474 Miles

Congratulations to our Top Fundraiser!

  • Aksim Rivera

Congratulations to our Top Team!  

Team FAB

  • Heather Sabrowsky, Colleen Sherrard, Sammy Siada, Aksim Rivera, Venita Chandra, Britt Tonnessen, Misty Humphries, Sharee Wright, Anne Prentice, Cara Pozolo, Kate Kiely, Fernando Joglar, Manuel Garcia-Toca, Elizabeth Genovese, Mike O'Banion, Laurel Hastings, Stefany Gonzalez, Megan Shue, Katharine McGinigle, Julia Glaser, Jeniann Yi, Iris Liu, Kimberly Malka, Tana Repella, Bethany Slater, Meryl Logan, Dejah Judelson, Sara Edeiken, Leigh Ann O'Banion

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Thank you to our 2023 Vascular Health Step Challenge sponsors:

Aoti Logo
Gore

 

The Way To My Heart Logo
Medtronic Logo
3M Logo
SVN Logo