Around 30 people walked the length of the Selma Mall several times Saturday morning, but they were not there for the shopping. They were walking for their health.

The Selma Chapter of The Links, Inc., a non-profit organization,

celebrated their 10th annual Health and Wellness Walk-A-Thon at the mall to encourage citizens to take more interest in their health.

“This is about reducing heart disease and diabetes, along with improving our overall health,” said Juanda Maxwell, president of the local Links chapter.

With the help of the Selma High School cheerleading squad, who got the walkers pumped up during the event, the group made several laps around the mall and encouraged others to join them.

Along with the Walk-A-Thon, Links also sponsored a mini-health fair.

Representatives from Vaughan Regional Medical Center, the Deep South Network for Cancer Control, and the Chi Eta Phi sorority were on hand to distribute information and perform health screenings.

Maxwell said the event was about helping out the community.

Each of the walkers donated funds to Links, which will in turn be given to the Bosco Nutrition Center.

Maxwell said every year the Selma chapter of Links gives thousands of dollars to various local community organizations.

“I really want to thank the community for helping us out with the Walk-A-Thon,” said Jeannie Evans, chairperson for the Walk-A-Thon. “This is all about raising people’s conscience about their health.”

Evans added that the simple act of walking could reduce a myriad of health problems.

“Alabama has the highest obesity rate in the country,” Evans told the walkers. “We need to do everything we can to reduce this trend.”

The honor guards for the Walk-A-Thon were Mrs. Claude Brown, wife of the founder of the Brown YMCA, and John Solomon.

At the end of the Walk-A-Thon, participants were given apples, juices and drinks, along with the knowledge of how to lead a better, healthier life.