Walking is good for your heart, and walking for the American Heart Association is good for other people’s hearts too. New Yorkers in several Lower and Mid-Hudson Valley counties can get their heart rates up and support the local work of the AHA by participating in Heart Walks this spring or fall.

The Dutchess Heart Walk will take place April 13 at Dutchess Community College; the Putnam Heart Walk will take place April 28 at Brewster High School; the TriCounty (Orange/Rockland/Sullivan) Heart Walk will take place May 5 at Harriman State Park; and the Westchester Heart Walk will take place October 5 at Kensico Dam.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and the most expensive chronic condition. Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death. Half of American adults have high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and 99 percent of American adults have at least one of seven cardiovascular health risks.

Heart Walks fund the AHA’s research and awareness programs. Participants can join as individuals or as a team of friends, co-workers or family. Many local organizations have signed up teams for the spring Heart Walks already. Businesses often participate as a team to encourage a healthier workforce, which is more productive, has less absenteeism and requires less healthcare spending by employees and employers.

To register for the Putnam event, visit PutnamHeartWalk.org. For questions or information about other Heart Walks, contact Megan Lucas at 203.984.9128 or [email protected].