Tuscaloosa is the home, this weekend, for the American Heart Association's Heart Walk taking place this Saturday, Feb. 18, at the Tuscaloosa Riverwalk near the Bama Belle.
The annual event, which raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke (America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers) begins with registration at 8 a.m, followed by the walk at 9 a.m. The non-competitive, three-mile walk includes teams of employees from local companies, along with friends and family members of all ages.
According to research from the American Heart Association, 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. The 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.
"We want people to know that it is never too late to start down a healthier path," said Leah O' Gwynn, the event director. "Our hope is that the 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."
Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That's an average of one death every 37 seconds. In Alabama, nearly one in every three deaths is the result of cardiovascular disease. In Tuscaloosa County alone, 473 of the 1,602 deaths that were recorded in 2009 were due to cardiovascular disease and/or stroke.
