Golf challenge aims to boost heart health

Sussex County - The third annual Jack Nicklaus Heart & Stroke Challenge - a series of charity golf events, sponsored by Wyeth and King Pharmaceuticals - is taking place now at several golf courses in Sussex County to raise awareness about the increasing risk of heart attack and stroke among men and women age 55 and older. A long-time hypertension sufferer himself, Nicklaus takes ramipril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor marketed by Wyeth as Altace®, to control his high blood pressure. Because of his experience, he has joined with the manufacturers to create the program, which encourages those 55 and older to talk to their doctors about what they can do to reduce their risk of suffering a cardiovascular event. Entry to play in the Jack Nicklaus Heart & Stroke Challenge is free, with the option of buying a $10 mulligan to raise money for cardiovascular disease research and education. Each member of the two winning teams at the local level will win a framed lithograph of Nicklaus’ farewell at the British Open and will become eligible for a day of golf activities with Nicklaus in West Palm Beach, Fla. For information, log on to cvriskreduction.com.