February is National Heart Month and the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Heart Association is urging everyone to learn more about heart disease and stroke and to help raise awareness of heart health. Heart disease is the nation's number one killer. Medical studies show that 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented.

The American Heart Association is a major advocate for research and promoting healthy living in the fight against heart disease. The recent Go Red for Women campaign urged people to wear red to raise awareness of heart disease and heart health.

A number of community leaders and volunteers and staff with the Heart Association gathered at Security Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York in downtown Binghamton to pledge support in the fight against heart disease. The Chairman, President and CEO of Security Mutual Life, Bruce Boyea hosted the event. Security Mutual Life will illuminate its building at the corner of Court and Exchange Streets in red this month to promote American Heart Month.

Later this spring the 30th annual Southern Tier Heart Walk will be held on the SUNY Broome campus. The walk is set for Sunday, April 7. The goal of the 2019 Heart Walk is $300,000. Money raised through contributions and sponsorships will go to help in the fight against heart disease and stroke. For additional information on how you can help go online to:

southerntierheartwalk.org

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