MIDLANDS AREA — The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that 219 million Americans are overweight or obese, placing more than one-third of the working age population at risk for chronic illness, including the number one killer: heart disease.

Obesity-related diseases account for nearly 10 percent of all medical spending in the United States, and just three chronic conditions—asthma, diabetes and hypertension—are associated with 164 million lost work days per year at a cost to employers of $30 billion.

It’s no wonder that 60 percent of CEOs cite health care as their No. 1 cost pressure. Many people know the problem; now we can be a part of the solution.

As a leader of the Newberry Business Community, Murray Coleman, director of development for the Midlands Heart Walk invites the community attend the 2013 Midlands Heart Walk Newberry Leadership Breakfast where he and other area leaders will discuss how to improve the health of our employees, their families and our community.

“Since this is an issue that touches all of our lives, we need to work together in order to inspire healthy change in our community,” said Coleman.

The event will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m on Jan. 31 at the Newberry Community Hall, located on the second floor at 1209 Caldwell St,.

The guest speakers for the event will be local physican Dr. Oscar Lovelace and Newberry College President Dr. Maurice.

“We want the Midlands to move toward better health by implementing daily physical activity, making sensible eating choices and fostering healthy habits in our children. Learn how healthier employees lead to lower health care costs for companies, and how your company can make an impact,” said Coleman.

RSVP to Jennifer Soellner at 803-806-3092 or Jennifer.Soellner@heart.org by Jan. 23 if you plan to attend the event.