AMHERST - Heart attacks and strokes are a plague upon modern society, but most problems associated with clogged arteries are preventable.
Exercise and good eating are keys to a long and healthy life and yesterday close to 100 people jumped on the Big Bike at the Cumberland YMCA recently to help raise money and awareness about the disease.
"It's a fun way to raise money for health promotion programs and research," said Shannon MacLean of the Heart and Stroke Foundation."
The Big Bike, which has 30 seats and sets of pedals, was built in Calgary and travels across Canada to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
"Last year we raised $215 thousand in Nova Scotia and our goal this year is to raise $250 thousand," said MacLean.
Maggies Place, Public Health, Bakers Corner Canteen, Wal-Mart, Bright Beginnings Child Care and Teletech all rode on the Big Bike and MacLean estimates they raised $2,700.
"Some participants sold tickets on draws and other raised money through pledges," said MacLean.
MacLean said that 50 per cent of all Canadians are affected by heart disease and stroke through their lifetime and she hopes the event continues to grow in the town of Amherst.
"This is the third year we've done this in Amherst and we hope to get more people participating next year," said MacLean.
MacLean is taking names to develop a committee that will bring more participants out to ride the Big Bike.
Anybody interested can call MacLean at (902) 755-1951 or E-mail her at smaclean@heartandstroke.ns.ca
Also, people can still make donations to the Big Bike Ride at www.bigbike.ca.
dmathieson@amherstdaily.com
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