The 1.2 million global members of Rotary are People of Action. From taking on the mission to eradicate Polio to providing clean drinking water, they see possibilities everywhere. That’s why no one should be surprised when, on October 1, local Rochester Rotarian Chuck Woolaver takes the first of over 5 million steps in a walk across America.
As a tall, slim person in his 50’s, few would pick Chuck as candidate for heart disease. However, in 2015, a severe blockage in his legs suddenly prevented him from walking even 100 yards without severe cramping and pain. After several procedures to restore the blood flow to his legs and to open a main artery near the heart, Chuck’s doctor advised him to start walking more.
Rochester Rotarian Walks Across America with Walk for the Beat
“It was a big wakeup call,” Chuck remembered. “Although I was in need of lifestyle improvements regarding fitness and nutrition, I looked and felt healthy. However, the high cholesterol was taking its toll, and the hidden effects of heart disease almost killed me. It was actually during one of my daily walks, in the middle of a snowstorm, that I got the idea to walk across the country.”
As the Executive Director of Walk for the Beat, Chuck is leading a nationwide campaign to bring attention to heart disease, particularly how it can be avoided by living a more heart healthy lifestyle. “Get moving” is his motto, and simply walking each day can be the first step.
After his procedures, Chuck earned his Certified Personal Training certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine to learn more about fitness as it relates to heart health. Walk For The Beat has also partnered with a Registered Dietitian, Anne Klauke, to educate people on good eating habits.
During the walk, Chuck will be providing healthy living tips to folks across the country. In addition, his organization, Walk for the Beat, also works with other organizations to help combat the growing problem of childhood obesity. In Chuck’s words, “America’s overall heart health starts with the younger generation.
Rochester Rotary
About Rochester Rotary
Celebrating 60 years as a club in 2014, Rochester Rotary is one of 34,000 member clubs of Rotary International, which has more than 1.2 million members and raises and disburses funds for charitable, educational and scientific purposes. Monies are raised through social events and service projects organized by the club, ‘fines’ collected at Rochester Rotary meetings and gifts offered to the club through members and supporters.
The club welcomes new members who live or work in Rochester, Rochester Hills or Oakland Township. For membership information, contact Jeff Whitbey at [email protected] Rochester Rotary meets each Tuesday at noon at the River Crest Banquet Hall at Avon Road and Livernois, in Rochester Hills.
About Rotary International
Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who hail from Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of Service Above Self. Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities and are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.
About Walk for the Beat
Walk For The Beat is an agency that was designed to take head on, the growing issue of heart disease. One of their key goals is to create a movement with the younger generation, ages 5-17, and provide them with the knowledge and desire to live a heart healthy lifestyle.
