Fourth annual Vonco Run/Walk held earlier this month at UW-Parkside

For Trevor-based Vonco Products President and CEO Keith Smith (pictured below, welcoming the crowd), the mission with his company’s 5K walk/run has been clear.

And that’s to help eradicate heart disease – one step or jog at a time.

Proceeds from the “Walk Where You Are” event benefitted the Milwaukee American Heart Association, which is gearing up for its own walk/run next month with the annual Southeastern Wisconsin Heart and Stroke Walk on Sept. 27.

“This was our best turnout yet, and I am so grateful for the Kenosha and Racine community for their support in living heart-healthy lives and dedicating time, money, and resources to the American Heart Association in contributing to life-saving procedures,” Smith said.

The inaugural event in 2021 was held at Lake Andrea in the Village of Mount Pleasant for just Vonco employees. Then in 2022, it moved over to UW-Parkside and the university’s men’s and women’s cross country course.

Personal quest

And as each year has passed by, Smith’s passion for heart health hasn’t wavered – for him, it’s a personal quest, as heart issues run in his family.

“My ‘why’ (for being involved) has been my family’s long-term fight with heart-associated disease through multiple generations,” he said. “We continue to raise awareness and inspiration to take accountability for our health.”

It’s that accountability that is part of what drives Smith, not only in his personal life, but professionally with the message he relays to the Vonco employees – many of whom ran alongside him in the 5K again this year.

“Heart issues are not just hereditary, they are the compounded decisions we make daily around exercise, nutrition, rest and recovery and hydration,” he said. “I am on a mission to live an intentionally healthy life to combat the generational challenge my family has had.

“If I can be an example for one or a few others in this endeavor, my sincere hope is that we add multiple years of health, happiness and prosperity to our community.”

Smith’s vision aligns with the American Heart Association as well.

For adults, the Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or gardening or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity, such as running or aerobic dancing, or a combination of both.

In addition, at least two days a week of moderate to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity is recommended.

And the benefits of following a heart-healthy lifestyle are many, including:

• Lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and Alzheimer’s, several types of cancer, and some complications of pregnancy.
• Better sleep, including improvements in insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.
• Improved cognition, including memory, attention, and processing speed.
• Less weight gain, obesit,y and related chronic health conditions.
• Better bone health and balance, with less risk of injury from falls.
• Fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Better quality of life and sense of overall well-being.

Looking ahead

With the Vonco event now in the rearview mirror for another year, Smith is turning his attention to the upcoming Milwaukee American Heart Association’s Southeastern Wisconsin Heart and Stroke Walk on Sept. 27, at the Summerfest grounds.

Smith is a member of the walk’s Executive Leadership Team, which gives him another avenue to bring attention to the mission.

“The partnership with the AHA is a great way for me to demonstrate my commitment to health and wellness,” he said. “(UW-Parkside) gives me an outlet to give back to others, but similar passions in athletics and education.”

Smith also credited Vonco’s Shelley Mathis and Catalina Cerdas, along with UW-Parkside’s Stasha Warchock and Nick Maas, for helping organize the local event.

For more about the Sept. 27 Heart and Stroke Walk, visit www2.heart.org.