RunnersWeb Health and Fitness: 2013 World Heart Games ...

Olympic-style competition, convened by the American College of Sports Medicine, will be held May 17-18

DECATUR, GA -- Athletes from across the globe who have been diagnosed with a cardiovascular disease will compete in an Olympic-style competition at the 2013 World Heart Games this spring.This two-day competition will be held in Decatur, Georgia at Agnes Scott College on May 17 and 18. The Games are an excellent opportunity for athletes to engage in a range of sports events that are consistent with their health status and capabilities.

"A cardiac condition need not interfere with an active and socially independent life," said F. Stuart Sanders, M.D., FACSM. "The benefits of sports and physical activity are numerous, and can improve overall health and well-being. With proper training and supervision, cardiac patients can engage in sports for fun and physical activity as well as competition."

In addition to providing a safe athletic competition for cardiovascular patients, the World Heart Games helps cardiac patients and their families understand that through appropriate return to regular physical activity and lifestyle changes, cardiac patients can restore their confidence and incorporate the "joy of sports" back in their lives.

World Heart Games events include:

• Bocce
• Table Tennis
• Golf Putting
• Bowling
• Prediction Walk, Jog, Bike, Row, and Swim
• Basketball
• Game of Knowledge
• Volleyball
• Tennis
• Softball throw
• Soccer shoot
• Golf tournament

Are you an athlete who would like to register for the games? To participate, a patient must complete a waiver, submit relevant medical information, and have a physician complete an advisory form. For more information or to register for the games, please visit ACSM.org.

Although the games are designed for cardiac patients or people with cardiovascular risk factors, health care providers are encouraged to get involved, too. Physicians, nurses, therapists and other professionals can talk to cardiac rehab patients about their physical activity abilities and options, and should encourage them to register for the World Heart Games. Visit ACSM.org for more information.

The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 50,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.

The American College of Sports Medicine supports the 10 Criteria for Responsible Health Reporting as articulated by HealthNewsReview.org.

Source: http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news_2013/rw_news_20130325_ACSM_World_Heart_Games.html

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