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2,000 to participate in Start! Heart Walk
youngstown
About 2,000 participants will meet at the Covelli Centre parking lot this morning for the Start! Heart Walk through the Youngstown Area American Heart Association.
The event starts at 9 a.m. with blood-pressure screenings, stretching exercises and team photos. The walk begins at 10:15 a.m. after opening ceremonies.
The yearly event raises money and awareness for the No. 1 and No. 3 killers in the United States: cardiovascular disease and stroke.
“A lot of women aren’t aware that that’s their No. 1 threat,” said Allison Oltmann, Start! Heart Walk director. “There’s a huge educational component to this. If you aren’t aware, you won’t take the proper precautions.”
This year’s goal was to raise $232,000. As of Friday, the event had received $108,409.
“The money goes toward a research education- advocacy program geared toward heart- and drug- related programs,” Oltmann said.
Walkers can participate with a donation of any amount, but those who raised $100 were given a free T-shirt.
“Our top walker has $3,000 so far,” Oltmann said. “One year, she did over $7,000.”
The walk takes place in the Covelli Centre parking lot and does not have a distance or time requirement. Instead, participants do laps, and Oltmann said they are encouraged to walk for at least 30 minutes for cardiovascular health.
Anyone wishing to donate to the Youngstown Area American Heart Association can do so by visiting its website at www.americanheart.org.