February is the American Heart Association's National Heart Month, and Friday was National "Wear Red" Day to raise awareness. Rockingham Memorial Hospital participated in the campaign by hosting "Walk the Walk."

This program is a trail walking event to encourage people to fight back and prevent heart problems. Participants wearing red walked the mile-long trail around the RMH campus.

The first 100 walkers received a free red scarf to kick off the first year of the event. In the past, the hospital has displayed red dresses around the hospital, handed out carnations and red pens.

RMH employees said they hope visitors will be motivated by the event to make changes to stay healthy.

"They're encouraged, and they see the example of a health care fitness, or health care environment, that encourages wellness by walking," said RMH Heart Health Navigator Maria Hostetter.

Heart specialists say that besides exercise, lowering sugar intake and hard dietary fats can help reduce your chances for heart disease.

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