Akron General and Summa health systems are putting competition aside to co-sponsor an event to raise money for obesity research, education, prevention and treatment.
The Walk for Obesity will take place Saturday at Firestone Metro Park, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron.
The seventh walk supports the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Obesity Action Coalition.
The national organizations estimate 93 million Americans are considered obese. Obesity is the leading cause of preventable death and increases the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The cost of the walk is $25 for participants who preregister online at www.walkforobesity.com or $35 the day of the event. Children under 12 are free with a paid parent or guardian.
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. at the Tuscarawas Shelter.
All registrants receive an official Walk for Obesity T-shirt.
For more information, contact Debbie Pasini at pasinid@summahealth.org or 330-375-6590.
Free vascular screening
The Akron General Heart & Vascular Center is offering a free vascular screening for high-risk uninsured and underinsured adults.
The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at Akron General Medical Center’s Heart & Vascular Center, 1 Akron General Ave. (formerly 400 Wabash Ave.).
The screenings will include atrial fibrillation, abdominal aortic aneurysm, stroke risk and peripheral vascular disease.
People are at higher risk for these conditions if they have a family history of heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm or stroke.
Patients with two or more of the following risk factors also are considered high-risk: hypertension, diabetes, nicotine use, high cholesterol, inactive lifestyle, obesity and age over 65.
Appointments are required. For more information or to register, call 330-344-2462.
Think Pink event
The Aultman Cancer Center is joining with the American Cancer Society for a Think Pink event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 2 at the McKinley Grand Hotel, 320 Market Ave S., Canton.
Think Pink will feature a free dinner and other giveaways, as well as information about breast health and free mammograms available at the Aultman Breast Care Center. The event is open to all women but targets uninsured and underinsured patients.
Register by Sept. 20 by calling 330-363-6025 or emailing breasthealth@aultman.com.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or cpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.