A local sorority, looking to improve the heart health and overall wellness of the people around them is hosting an health event this weekend, and all you need to do to take part is lace-up your walking shoes.

The Selma Alumni Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is making final preparations for a Go Red Healthy Heart Walk to take place on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Selma Mall, located at 1391 Highland Avenue in Selma.

Cynthia West, who is the Physical-Mental Health chairperson for Delta Sigma Theta, said the group wants to make sure everyone know they are invited to take part.

“We all need to walk to better our health and statistics shows that 1 out of 100 people will suffer from some kind of heart problem,” West said. “We want people to be more proactive about their health and everybody should be exercising or walking 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.”

According to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. The site also says that roughly 715,000 Americans have a heart attacks every year.

Along with promoting the event through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, West said she has also taken event fliers to local schools and businesses, as well as to other sororities and fraternities in the community in order to reach a wide audience.

“Walking is a big thing now because it is so affordable for everyone,” West said. “During the walk we are encouraging people to do six laps around the inside of the mall during the event, and that would be one mile.”

Participants will receive one apple and a bottle of water, and will also be entered in a drawing for a Walmart gift card.