Once again the Pike County Heart Walk will offer a chance for local residents to come exercise, eat and win prizes – but the greatest prize will be maintaining good heart health.

Tracey Davis, Heart Walk co-chair, said the event will have some changes this year, but it will still primarily revolve around the period for people to come together and get in a good walk around the Troy Recreation Center indoor track.

“We’re going to have the Heart Walk again from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 28,” Davis said. “”Registration for door prizes will start at 5 p.m. and we will be encouraging people to walk from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Then we’ll open the kitchen to serve everyone a light meal.”

Davis said there will be some changes to the setup this year, with no prizes being given out based on the number of laps walked. Only door prizes will be given out for those who register and all prizes this year will be strictly cash prizes.

D.J. Hendock (Henry Everett) will entertain guests with music this year while they walk around the track. Dinner will sandwiches and chips provided by Walmart Distribution Center and water provided by Horn beverage.

Organizations such as Health Actions physical therapy, Shady Grove Tactical and Troy University heath and biology departments will have booths set up for more information about heart health and safety.

Davis said the Heart Walk is open to everyone. “It’s really a community event,” Davis said. “We encourage everybody to come out and and be healthy and exercise. The purpose of the event is to promote heart healthiness.”

The Heart Walk activities actually begin the Saturday prior to the walk with a breakfast for heart disease and stroke survivors and their caregivers at Park Memorial United Methodist Church.

T-shirt sales are underway to support the Heart Walk, with a design by Pike Liberal Arts freshman Drew Nelson.

Heart-shaped door hangers are also being sold for $20 each to hang on a door or window at the home or office.

Davis said anyone who is interested in coming to the breakfast, purchasing a shirt or hanger, or simply wants more information about the Heart Walk can contact her at 334-372-5099.