Walkers wanted for annual fund-raiser

Matt Flumerfelt

Nov. 3, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- VALDOSTA -- Area residents will take steps to improve their heart health (OOTC:HHEL) on Thursday at McKey Park when they participate in the American Heart Association's Start! Heart Walk. The annual event raises funds to fight both heart disease and stroke, America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers. Festivities and registration begin at 5 p.m. and the walk follows at 6 p.m.

"People should know that it is never too late to start down a healthier path. Our hope is that the Start! Heart Walk will help jump-start a culture of physical activity among participants and increase passion for supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association," said Lorie Strange, a marketing and communications director for the Greater Southeast Affiliate, American Heart/Stroke Association, in a press release.

The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.

Walk participants will experience three "villages" that feature relevant resources and activities.

Survivors of heart disease or stroke who participate in the Start! Heart Walk are distinguished by wearing a special red cap. Others walk in celebration of their own successes at making healthy lifestyle changes. Many participants walk "in honor" or "in memory" of friends or family members who have or had heart disease or stroke.

Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease, Strange said. That's an average of one death every 37 seconds. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Research has found that individuals gain two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise they do. Brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day has proven health benefits, such as providing increased energy and circulation, as well as reduced risk of heart disease, Strange said.

The Start! Heart Walk is designed to help participants understand this critical message, join with others, and generate a renewed commitment to heart-healthy living through walking.

For information on participating in the Start! Heart Walk, call the American Heart Association at (850)878-3885 or visit walk.americanheart.org.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0338-39398595