Heart Walk returns to county

The annual St. Francois County Heart Walk is returning in October. The event will be held at St. Joe State Park to raise awareness about heart disease. 

The “Start! Heart Walk” is set for Oct. 2 beginning at 9 a.m. with one mile and three mile walks. Vendor booths and a children’s area will open beginning at 8:30 a.m. Organizers say the walk will be held rain or shine. 

The financial goal for this year’s walk is $25,000. Proceeds go to fund life-saving research and educational programs on cardiovascular health. 

Heart Walk is a national effort that focuses attention on exercise as an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle. The goal is to combat America’s number one and three causes of death, heart disease and stroke. 

Cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, are the leading cause of death in Missouri and the source of 34.7 percent of deaths in St. Francois County in 2009. The American Heart Association’s mission is to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. 

The organizing committee for the St. Francois County walk is still looking for corporate sponsors, volunteers to work the day  of the walk, and vendors. They are also looking for corporate and individual teams to participate. 

For more information call Kevin Thurman at 701-7380, or visit the website at www.stfrancoiscountyheartwalk.org for more information. 

The next committee meeting will be Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Parkland Health Center board room.