Alaskans step up to fight heart disease and stroke

More than 1200 Alaskans stepped up to fight heart disease and stroke Saturday morning.

Dustin Morris with the American Heart Association attended the event and says 80% of life-threatening events related to heart disease could be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.

“Going for a simple walk, even from your desk to the water fountain, to the bathroom several times a day, that gets your heart pumping, ”Morris added. “that get those steps in for the day, those 10,000 steps are critical, and getting a 150 minutes of exercise per week, is what's recommended for adults.”

Saturday's event raised more than $270,000 for the American Heart Association.

Funds will help support research, education and community programs.