Carterville Heart Walk to take place tomorrow

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Web Editor - Ryan Burkett

Story Created: Fri Sep 28, 2012 4:22 AM

Story Updated: Fri Sep 28, 2012 4:29 AM

CARTERVILLE, Ill. - More than 1,500 local residents are expected to participate in the American Heart Association's Heart Walk in Carterville on Saturday.

The annual event will take place at John A. Logan College and begins at 8 a.m. with an opening ceremony at 9:30.

The walk raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, which according to the American Heart Association are the No. 1 and No. 4 killers in America, respectively.

"Each day, nearly 2,400 Americans die from a cardiovascular disease. That's an average of one death every 37 seconds," the American Heart Association said in a press release.

The association added that the Heart Walk is designed to help participants understand the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle in the prevention of disease.

“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,” said Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Rita Cheng, who also serves as the Volunteer Chair of the Heart Walk.

No pre-registration is required and the event is free. Donations can be made at the event.