THIS SATURDAY: Hundreds of Rutherford County area residents are expected to raise their heart rates and more than $145,000 on September 9, 2017 for the American Heart Association, the world's leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

The Association's annual Rutherford Healthy For Good™ Heart Walk, sponsored by Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Hospital and TrustPoint Hospital, begins at 8am with the walk at 9am at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Saint Thomas Registered Nurse Kim Saar said that her heart patients are getting younger...

Individuals, teams and companies can sign up in advance at RutherfordHeartWalk.org for the non-competitive, three-mile walk.

"The Healthy For Good Heart Walk is a fun way to invest in your health and that of future generations, while honoring those who have been impacted by heart disease, stroke and congenital heart defects," said Dr. Jeffrey Woods, Rutherford Heart Walk chair and CEO at TrustPoint Hospital.

Family friendly activities begin at 8am including fun fitness demonstrations, health screenings, CPR training and an exciting Kids Zone. In addition to the three-mile walk, there will be a one-mile survivor route.

"This year we are encouraging participants to keep 'heartwalking' throughout the year," said Woods. "Heartwalking is more than raising money for the cause or going for a walk, it's an ongoing, personal commitment to move more by taking small, consistent steps to being Healthy For Good."

Walking or participating in any exercise that raises your heartrate can boost your energy, strength and mood, while fending off serious health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol and bone loss. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week for adults and 60 minutes of physical activity per day for children.¹

"Research has shown adding more steps to your day could add years to your life," Lou Caputo, Rutherford County American Heart Association Board Chairman and CEO at TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. "Moving more doesn't have to be hard - take the stairs, park further away, ditch the conference room and take your meeting on a walk. The key is to find activities you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine."

Making these small changes to improve overall wellness is the foundation of the association's new Healthy For Good movement, which provides practical information to help people eat smart, add color, move more and be well.

Sponsors for the Rutherford Healthy For Good Heart Walk include Saint Thomas Heart Rutherford Hospital and TrustPoint Hospital.

Additional Resources:

• RutherfordHeartWalk.org
• Facebook: @AHAGreaterNashville
• Twitter: @HeartNashville
• Hashtags: #HeartWalking #RuthHeartWalk
• References:

Hear the entire interview:

The annual Rutherford Heart Walk will soon take place in Murfreesboro. WGNS' Scott Walker spoke to Saint Thomas Registered Nurse Kim Saar about heart issues (6 min and 37 sec)...

The Rutherford Heart Walk is Sept. 9th (Sat.). Festivities will begin at 8 AM and the walk will begin at 9 AM.

To register:

Visit RutherfordHeartWalk.org