YORKVILLE, NY – JULY 31, 2023: The American Heart Association and AmeriCU Credit Union joined forces to present the prestigious 2023 Lifestyle Change Award to Joseph Long. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant and positive changes to improve their quality of life and overall health.   

AmeriCU Credit Union proudly supports the American Heart Association on their mission of being relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. With cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death globally, the Lifestyle Change Award provides support for the advancement of preventive measures. By acknowledging and encouraging these positive changes, the community can strive to promote a collective movement towards improved cardiovascular health.

Joseph Long has embarked on a remarkable journey of lifestyle change. Long has not only transformed his exercise habits but has also made significant dietary changes. His dedication to this lifestyle change has spanned over three years, serving as an inspiration to others who seek to embark on their own transformative journeys. Through his example, he has motivated and inspired his family, friends, and colleagues to prioritize their health and embrace positive lifestyle changes.

“I had gained a substantial amount of weight which prevented me from doing much of anything without getting extremely winded,” Long said. “I knew I had to do something because I was cutting years off my life. I lost my mother to heart disease complications 15 years ago and I wanted to try and avoid that same fate. For the first time in my life, I realized that I had the power to help myself to get and stay healthy. Genetics plays a part, but we have the ability to slow if not stop some bad things from happening.”

By supporting the AHA, the credit union helps raise awareness about cardiovascular disease and stroke prevention, fund vital research, and implement programs that improve public health. By actively engaging in initiatives aimed at building healthier lives it helps the overall well-being of community at large.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the American Heart Association to present to Joseph Long with this award. His dedication to improving his health and inspiring others is truly commendable, says Andrea MacDiarmid,” Manager of Community and Public Relations at AmeriCU. “We are proud to support him in his remarkable journey to pursue wellness and congratulate him on his well-deserved recognition.”

Long received the award at AmeriCU Credit Union on Wednesday, July 19.

For more information on AmeriCU Credit Union, visit www.americu.org.

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About AmeriCU Credit Union

As a credit union, AmeriCU is a not-for-profit financial institution owned by our members. Serving 24 counties in New York and beyond, AmeriCU provides you with all the products and services you need – often with low or no fees, and better rates. The organization has been serving the local community for over 70 years and, in that time, has grown to more than 160,000 members, 20 financial centers, and $2.7 billion in assets. AmeriCU is located in Central New York and is among the State’s largest, full-service financial cooperatives. For more information, visit www.AmeriCU.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.