INDIANAPOLIS - The American Heart Association presented three individuals with the Lifestyle Change Award during the Indianapolis Heart Walk Saturday. Sharon Honey, Inssyab Khair and Julie Marvel were recognized for making positive changes to improve their quality of life and health.

Sharon Honey suffered a heart attack on April 12, 2010. One of the biggest changes she made was to quit smoking. She also started walking during breaks at work and modified her diet to limit intake of sodium and fats.

Inssyab Khair was working self-imposed weekends and was “spiraling downhill” on a diet of coffee, Pepsi and Snickers. Not only did she change her diet, Khair also joined the employee fitness center where she worked. She recently completed a 5K run and feels much better. She’s also proud to be setting a good example for her children.

Julie Marvel decided in Jan. 2010 that it was time to make a change. She began walking three miles each day. She also started counting calories, designing meal plans around 1,200 calories per day. Because of those changes, Marvel has dropped 81 lbs. and no longer needs medication for high blood pressure. She plans to lose an additional 19 lbs. by the end of the year.

“We’re very proud of Sharon, Inssyab and Julie,” said Dan Krajnovich, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which sponsors the Lifestyle Change Award. “A key component of the American Heart Association’s mission is to let everyone know how they can live longer, healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease. These three ladies are shining examples of how small lifestyle changes can greatly improve health.”

Information about how anyone can start making simple lifestyle changes to improve their health is available at www.startwalkingnow.org.