JACKSON, MS (WLBT) -
Patrick House, the Season 10 winner of NBC's hit the Biggest Loser, returned to his state to participate in Sunday's American Heart Association Heart Walk.
Thousands joined him at the State Capitol for the annual fundraiser.
Brandon native Patrick House warmed up with 2011 Heart Walk participants before they hit the one and three mile course in downtown Jackson.
More than 4,000 converged on the Capitol to get in their exercise for the day and most importantly raise money for the American Heart Association.
Just 20 or 30 minutes of walking can help you live a healthier lifestyle...Unfortunately we're leading the charge in obesity in the nation. I'm willing to be the face of obesity in the state to really make a difference in that category," said House.
After the warm up they hit the pavement, some pushing strollers to add to the workout, others running and going full throttle.
Charlease Jordan of Ridgeland sits behind a desk most of the day at her job in the business office of St. Dominic's Hospital, but she knows the importance of exercise.
"It's actually important to get out and move and move those muscles and work out. I've learned since I've been here that it takes more energy to sit down than it does to get up and move around," said Jordan.
Local hospitals set up tents on the lawn of the Capitol offering screenings, information and heart healthy food choices.
Medical experts say cardiovascular diseases kill more than 870,000 Americans each year.
Fifteen year old Emily Walker traveled from Meadville to participate and was the first female to finish the one mile course.
"I came today because my boyfriend's cousin has heart disease and had heart surgery when he was young. I just think that we need to be more healthy to fight obesity and heart disease and things like that," said Walker.
The 2010 event fell short of its goal.
This year organizers hope the walk will raise $350,000.00.
Health Management Associates has donated $100,000.00 to the cause.
"I've traveled over the country and I've realized that the state that needed the most help was right here in Mississippi, my home state," added House.
If you would still like to donate to this year's Heart Walk you can do so for 30 more days by logging on to http://metrojacksonheartwalk.kintera.org.
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