The American Heart Association is asking Missourians to make healthier eating choices … and start walking.

The American Heart Association is kicking off its “Eating Healthy Day” tomorrow. Spokeswoman Becky Collier says employers can take the lead in giving employees better options.

The Heart Association is recognizing businesses in Missouri this week that set up walking programs in their building, offer work-out time and equipment and encourage healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

hartCollier says Missouri is unique in that there are two research facilities here. She notes that Missouri has two cardio research facilities: one at Washington University in St. Louis and the Dalton Research Center in Columbia. Because of that, Missouri received $10 million for research last year.

Collier says their 2010 impact goal was to reduce cardio-vascular deaths by 25 percent, but Missouri was able to accomplish that a year early because of research that’s funded here.

Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3]



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