No matter the cause, walk this Saturday

David Owens

Oct. 30, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Area residents will have ample opportunities for exercise this weekend while supporting a great cause.

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring its first ever "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" 5K walk in Hattiesburg Saturday at Pride Field on the University of Southern Mississippi campus.

Event manager Kelly Ellis said registration begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, with the walk kicking off at 9 a.m.

"We are expecting over 1,000 people to attend," she said. "What's so special about Strides is that it is specifically for breast cancer research. The dollars raised at this walk will go towards breast cancer research, support and services."

Ellis voiced her excitement about Making Strides Against Breast Cancer having its first event in Hattiesburg, after several successful years in Jackson and the Gulf Coast.

"Over 40 teams have already registered, and that's not counting the community," she said. "We're expecting a huge, huge crowd on Saturday."

Mallory Hill, spokesperson for the American Cancer Society, said Saturday's walk will continue to spread the breast cancer awareness message. According to statistics provided by ACS, more than 1,820 women in Mississippi will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and more than 430 will die from the disease.

"For us, cancer does not go away in tough economic times," Hill said. "We're so thankful for wonderful communities that pull together and continue the fight against breast cancer."

For more information on Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, call 1-800-227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Another event scheduled for Saturday is the 2nd annual "Let's Go Walkin' Down Main Street" in Laurel.

Jacqueline Lee, executive director of Laurel Express, said this year's event will be different from last year, which was sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Mississippi Main Street Association. The event, scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, has no official registration or start time. Instead, Lee said she wants folks to come downtown in their sweats and tennis shoes and pay a visit to downtown merchants.

"The walk will take place in the downtown area to encourage people to get moving," she said. "But, it's also supposed to have an impact on those communities, to encourage people to stick around and shop."

Lee said she wants this year's event to serve a kickoff of the holiday shopping season.

"Instead of having a start point and being an official walk, we're welcome people to come downtown and walk the route laid out for them, but also visit these downtown merchants," she said. "There's no pressure to dress up. Just walk casually in your sweats and tennis shoes and come get your holiday shopping done."

According to the Mississippi Main Street Association, Laurel is one of 27 communities around the state to participate the "Let's Go Walkin' Down Main Street Mississippi" event.

Jeannie Waller, director of communicators for Mississippi Main Street Association, said the purpose of the walk is promote both the physical health and economic health of each community.

"The main purpose is just to encourage the overall health and wellness of our communities and the people living in them," she said. "Downtown is the center of our communities. It is important that people embrace them and encourage healthy lifestyles in those downtown areas, which is the economic health of the community. Especially in these times, we not only want to promote walking but also shopping."

In a press release, John Sewell, director of corporate communications with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi, said, "These communities are taking steps to promote healthy lifestyles by hosting this event in their hometowns. Walking is an excellent form of exercise, which promotes a healthy body and healthy mind in as little as 30 minutes a day, five days a week."

Added Bob Wilson, executive director for the Mississippi Main Street Association, "Our downtown areas are essential for the overall wellness of our state's towns and cities. We want to promote our local businesses and healthy lifestyles by walking in our downtown areas."

For more information on "Let's Go Walkin' Down Main Street," contact the Laurel Express at 601-433-3255 or visit www.msmainstreet.com/index.php/communities/members.

Yet another event this Saturday is the American Heart Association's Jones County Start! Heart Walk scheduled for 7:30 a.m. at Jones County Junior College Bobcat Practice Field.

More than 800 Jones County residents are expected to participate in the event, which is designed to raise awareness and funds for heart disease and stroke research and educational programs.

As part of the walk, which is chaired by Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge, three communities or "villages" will spread the heart disease and stroke prevention message.

The Create Hope Village will bring together survivors and others who have committed to heart-healthy lifestyles. Activities will include heart and stroke screenings, a survivor area and memorial display.

The Inspire Change Village is geared to encourage participants to reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke by increasing their exercise and making wiser food choices. Participants can join the Start! movement and sign up for the free Start! walking program.

The Celebrate Success Village will highlight and celebrate individuals and companies who have made the change to a heart-healthy life. This village will feature fun activities for children.

In a press release, Eve Elias of the American Heart Association, said, "Each year, 1.2 million Americans will suffer a coronary attack and 700,000 will have a stroke. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. By simply moving more, individuals can reduce healthcare costs, increase productivity and improve their overall quality of life and longevity. It is never too late to start a healthier path and the Start! Heart Walk encourages and promotes a culture of physical activity for all participants."

An added attraction of the walk will be a constume contest at the registration tent. The entry fee is $5 and the winners will receive prizes.

For more information on the Jones County Start! Heart Walk, which is being sponsored locally by Howard Industries, call the American Heart Association at 601-329-7179 or visit www.jonescountyheartwalk.kintera.org.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0408-39317509