American Heart Walk aims to knock out heart disease

Local residents striving to wipe out heart disease hit the pavement at LSU Shreveport this morning.

The American Heart Association's Northwest Louisiana Heart Walk aims to raise funds to support heart disease and stroke research.

Today's event featured music, healthy snacks, a kid's zone area and free blood pressure screenings.

The association also works to provide educational programs in our area.

"We had a great turnout here at LSUS, really happy with everyone that came out to support the Heart Association. All the money stays right here in Northwest Louisiana and we had over 25 companies locally raising money this year and raised probably close to $125,000," says Emily Gillespie, Director of the American Heart Association

Experts say brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day has proven health benefits such as increased energy and circulation.