Play ball for the AHA

Organizers are still putting the finishing touches on the Just Beat It CUP (Community Uniting People) to help raise money for the American Heart Association.

With just under a couple of months left of planning to do, teams are still forming for both the golf scramble and softball tournament and donations are still being collected for a silent auction and door prizes. The co-ed softball tournament will be played April 2 at the Farmington Sports Complex beginning at 8 a.m.

Registration and money are due by March 15. Brackets will be completed by March 26 and emailed out to the teams. The cost is $25 per player-per team and each team must have at least 11 players. Players must be 18 years or older.

The four-man golf scramble will be held April 22 at the Crown Pointe Golf Club. Registration and money are due by April 15 at the Crown Pointe Golf Club. The cost is $50 per player ($200 a team).

The is the first year for the event and organizers are hoping to make it a yearly happening.

According to the American Heart Association Start! Heart Walk page, heart disease is this country’s number one killer. But by exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day you can reduce your risk. That’s what the Start! Movement is all about: Walk more. Eat better. Live a longer, healthier life.

Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help you: Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, Improve blood lipid profile, Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity, Enhance mental well being, Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer and Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes.

The Start! Heart Walk is a national effort that focuses attention on exercise as an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. The goal is to combat America’s number one and three causes of death, heart disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, are the leading cause of death in Missouri and the source of 34.7 percent of deaths in St. Francois County in 2009. The American Heart Association’s mission is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Currently organizers for the walk are looking for teams, auction items and door prizes. Volunteers are also needed to help the days of the events.

For more information or to sign up your team call 573-756-7722 or email justbeatitcup@gmail.com.