More than 1,000 North Country residents are expected to take steps to improve their heart health Saturday, April 28th when they participate in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk at the Fairgrounds Arena in Watertown.

The 18th annual event, which raises funds to fight heart disease and stroke, America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers, begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. The one or three-mile walk starts at 10:00 a.m.

Heart Walk participants will experience an event that feature resources and activities, including an interactive Kids Zone, screenings and demonstrations. The Heart Walk is a family-friendly celebration, honoring survivors and inspiring participants to make the necessary changes in their daily behavior to reduce risk and become a role model for their loved ones and neighbors. Strollers are welcome on the walk route.

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. Nearly 59,000 New Yorkers die from cardiovascular diseases and stroke each year while nearly 4 million New Yorkers have been hospitalized from cardiovascular disease. A leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity.

“We want people to know that it is never too late to start down a healthier path,” says Carole McCoy, President of Jefferson Community College and 2012 Heart Walk Chairwoman. “Our hope is that the Heart Walk will help jump-start a culture of physical activity among participants and increase passion to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association.”

The success of the North Country Heart Walk is due, in part, to local sponsors Kinney Drugs Foundation, AmeriCU Credit Union, Samaritan Medical Center, Stephens Media Group, Watertown Daily Times and WWNY-TV.

Money raised at the Heart Walk is used to fund lifesaving research and local advocacy, education and training programs. For information on participating in the Heart Walk or to donate, call the American Heart Association at 315.783.4116 or visit NorthCountryHeartWalk.org.