American Heart Association Heart Walk

FARGO, N.D., August 23, 2018 — Hundreds of Red River Valley residents are expected to join the Heart Walk on September 27 to raise funds to fight heart disease and stroke. The annual event begins at 5:00 p.m. at Scheels Arena.

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

“Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heart disease and improve your personal well-being,” said Dr. Taylor Dowsley, a cardiologist with Sanford Health. “As little as 30 minutes each day of moderate physical activity – like walking – have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease.”

Physical activity is anything that makes you move your body and burn calories. The simplest, positive change you can make to effectively improve your heart health is to start walking. It's enjoyable, free, easy, social and great exercise. A walking program is flexible and boasts high success rates because people can stick with it. It's easy for walking to become a regular and satisfying part of life.

“We want people to know that it is never too late to start down a healthier path,” said Dowsley.  “Our hope is that the Heart Walk will inspire participants to be healthy for good, jump-start a culture of healthy living, and increase passion for supporting the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.”

Heart Walk participants also will enjoy the Heart Festival, which includes kids’ activities, healthy snacks, and educational booths. The event will be emceed by Amanda Lea of Big 98 FM. The Heart Walk is a free event and is open to the public.

The annual success of the Red River Valley Heart Walk is due in part to presenting sponsor Sanford Health. The Heart Walk is also sponsored locally by RDO Equipment, University of North Dakota, Valley News Live, US Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Big 98 FM.

For information on participating in the Heart Walk, visit www.RedRiverValleyHeartWalk.org.