Like blood streaming through an artery, participants in the Sentara Obici Hospital Heart Walk streamed along walking paths both inside and outside of the hospital as they participated in Saturday’s walk, which was favored with sunshine and pleasant temperatures ahead of storms later in the day.

Participants in the walk included cardiac patients at the hospital, as well as supporters.

“We want to show our patients and the community that getting out there and walking to exercise is possible,” said Marianne Walston, director of patient care services for the hospital. “Everybody can walk. You don’t have to be an athlete. You don’t have to be in perfect health.”

Participants chose an indoor or outdoor walk based on what they thought they could handle. A health fair also preceded the walk in the hospital’s garden level classrooms.

Visitors got information on how to prevent stroke and how to prevent or better manage heart disease and diabetes. They got stress-relieving massages, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, bone density screenings, free pedometers, information on advance directives and more.

Guests were able to view models of the heart and brain that came apart so they could see inside, learning about the effects of stroke on the heart and brain. They also got heart-healthy recipes and learned about how to make their favorite foods heart-healthy.

“Today is about reaching our patients,” Walston said.

The event is in its fourth year, she added.

A cardiovascular support group, which is open to all, meets at Sentara Obici Hospital on the third Tuesday of every month from 5 to 6 p.m. at Classrooms A and B, near the cafeteria. The next meeting is May 17. RSVPs are requested to Ciara Jones at 934-4579. A free low-sodium meal is provided.