Gregory Plage, American Heart Association Executive Director, and Matt Fair, Regional Sales Director, First Niagara Risk Management, present the AHA’s 2012 Lifestyle Change Award to Jeffrey Thomas, President of Corporate Operations at Connolly, Inc. in Wilton.
The American Heart Association recognized Jeffrey Thomas, President of Corporate Operations at Connolly, Inc. in Wilton, for making positive changes to improve his quality of life and health with their 2012 Lifestyle Change Award. The Lifestyle Change Award is sponsored by First Niagara Bank Foundation.
The American Heart Association presented the award at their informational breakfast on Tuesday, September 25th hosted by First Niagara Risk Management in Norwalk. The guest speaker, Michael Cordisco, MS, CCP, Chief of Perfusion at Stamford Hospital, talked with local business leaders about heart healthy initiatives in the workplace.
The Lifestyle Change Award is part of the American Heart Association’s My Heart. My Life. Program - a comprehensive health, wellness and fitness initiative empowering Americans to improve their health. A key goal is to increase the number of people who understand the link between their health and their risk for heart disease and stroke and empower them with the tools to become healthier.
“No change is too small when it comes to healthy lifestyles and every accomplishment is significant,” said Gregory Plage, AHA Executive Director, “We recognize when people make a commitment to health and hope their efforts serve as a reminder that we can all do something positive for our heart health.”
Thomas has battled weight issues since childhood. He quit smoking in 2009 and weight gain followed. After exhausting all types of diets and health programs, he opted for gastric bypass surgery. He has lost 115 lbs since his surgery and attributes the weight loss to a regimen of exercise with a trainer, a healthy diet with reasonable portions and has now involved his family on his healthy journey.
Among the core activities of My Heart. My Life. is the Heart Walk. The Fairfield County Heart Walk is set for Saturday, October 20th at Sherwood Island State Park in Wesport. The Heart Walk’s core goals are to raise funds to fight heart disease, and raise awareness that heart disease is this country's No.1 killer but by exercising for as little as 30 minutes each day people can reduce their risk. Corporate groups, community teams, families and heart disease survivors are invited to join. Register online at www.fairfieldcountyheartwalk.org or call 914-640-3273 for info.
