Despite the chilly weather, about 100 people participated Saturday morning in the 14th annual Heart Walk at the Greenwood Leflore Hospital.
Bundled-up guests munched on bagels and muffins until the 9 a.m. call to order.
Lynda Edwards, regional director of the American Heart and Stroke Association, briefly went over a few statistics.
"Our children will not live as long as we do," she said.
Half the deaths in Leflore County were due to heart disease in 2003-2004.
She encouraged people to walk more.
"Park your car a little farther away," she said.
Edwards said the association is working to get junk food out of vending machines at elementary schools.
Heart disease survivors wore red baseball caps. They began the walk with a "victory lap."
Inez Raines, who is in her 70s, attended the walk for the first time. She had a triple bypass surgery in 1997.
"I've been doing well since then," she said.
She walks outside when the weather is good and inside at Wal-Mart when it isn't. She also participates in a weekly exercise program with a church group.
"I'm just glad to be here," Raines said.
Teveeta Whitehead, 44, stayed warm inside the hospital.
She underwent surgery for an aneurysm in 2005. Now she walks for about 40 minutes three times a week. It was her second year at the Heart Walk.
"We're looking forward to it next year," she said. "Changed some plans today to attend."
Lucky walkers won door prizes from numerous local businesses at the end of the event. Viking Range offered a sizable raffle package.
All money raised at Heart Walks stays in Mississippi to fund CPR training, education materials and, most importantly, research grants, said Edwards.
The association's fund-raising goal for this year is $40,000, Edwards said. "We've still got a little ways to go."
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the American Heart and Stroke Association may e-mail Edwards at lynda.edwards@heart.org.
