This February, the women’s comfort footwear brand Easy Spirit is making a $25,000 pledge to support Anuradha Lala-Trindade, MD and Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital as part of their #MoveForHeart initiative. During national heart health month, Mount Sinai and Easy Spirit aim to build a stronger, healthier community by encouraging women to take meaningful steps toward wellness—at their own pace—by raising awareness of the powerful role walking and movement play in maintaining a healthy heart.
With heart disease as a leading cause of death for women over 45, Easy Spirit’s campaign leverages Dr. Lala’s expertise to educate women on the importance of prevention and to prioritize their heart health through simple, accessible activities like daily walking. At the heart of the campaign is the #MoveForHeart Limited Edition Romy Walking Shoe, with proceeds benefitting Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital. Easy Spirit’s philanthropic contribution will further the pioneering efforts of Dr. Lala, a renowned cardiologist dedicated to advancing heart disease prevention and treatment for women.
Dr. Lala’s Prescription for a Healthy Heart
1. Walking as a Preventative Tool
Regular walking can dramatically reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Did you know?
- Walking at least 30 min. daily can lower the risk of cardiovascular events by 35% and reduce overall mortality by 30%.
- Brisk walking for 150 min. a week reduces the likelihood of developing hypertension and type 2 diabetes and improves cardiovascular health.
- Studies suggest that every additional 1,000 steps per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by approximately 10%.
2. Movement and Stress Reduction
Walking benefits both the body and mind. Physical activity releases endorphins—your body’s “feel-good” chemicals—while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone, which is directly linked to heart health.For added benefits, Dr. Lala recommends walking outdoors in nature, which promotes mindfulness and relaxation.
3. Dr. Lala’s Heart Health Philosophy
Dr. Lala emphasizes that walking and other forms of movement keep her energized, mentally clear, and emotionally balanced. “Prioritizing heart health allows me to care for loved ones and patients, pursue my goals, and maintain physical and mental well-being,” she says. She also incorporates yoga, running, weightlifting, and mindful eating into her daily routine to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
4. How to Get Started
For those new to walking, Dr. Lala advises starting with short, achievable goals and gradually building consistency. “The beauty of walking is that you can begin anytime, anywhere, no matter what age, or level of fitness,” she says. Whether it’s taking the stairs, parking farther away from the grocery store or work, or enjoying a walk with loved ones, every step counts toward a healthier heart.
A Shared Mission
Through this collaboration, Easy Spirit and Dr. Lala hope to inspire individuals to embrace walking as a simple yet powerful way to prioritize heart health. By making small, sustainable changes, anyone can experience the long-term benefits of movement.