VHN YMCA Half Marathon and 5K

Race Kit Insert from 2007

The Peterborough Regional Vascular Health Network (PRVHN) is a unique collaboration amongst family physicians, specialists and other health care providers aimed at promoting improved vascular health.

The PRVHN emphasizes education of both the public and professionals in aid of our goals. Some people might wonder why such an organization would sponsor an event that mainly attracts younger people who are relatively fit and appear not to have significant vascular illness. Here’s why:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death and disability in Canada
• CVD will kill 40% of us. More than cancer or any other cause by far.
• CVD is the greatest risk to women in Canada - far greater than the risk of dying from breast cancer
• We all have this disease, including every runner and walker in this event over the age of 18 - the only question is whether it will become bad enough for it to become evident through heart attack, stroke or other devastating consequence
• There is a lot that can be done to prevent progression of vascular disease. Key steps include keeping fit that’s why you are here today! - and for those with established vascular disease, or multiple risks, there are a number of medications that work effectively to stabilize the condition. For all of us, eating more healthily and regular exercise is also a big help.

Learn more about us and vascular disease at: www.vhn.ca or ask at your doctor’s office or pharmacy for our "LIFESAVERS" programme information sheet. These are available in the counties of Peterborough, Victoria, Haliburton, Northumberland and North Hastings.

Thanks for supporting the Peterborough Family YMCA. Best wishes to all, from the VHN, for a great race day!