ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The American Heart Association wants everyone to get healthy and stay that way.

The American Heart Association says poor diet is the No. 1 health problem in the United States. So to have a healthy heart means having a healthy lifestyle.

That means taking care of your body and your mental health by eating lots of fruits and vegetables and limiting alcohol use and avoiding tobacco.

Exercise is also important: Taking a walk during your lunch break helps. Regular exercise increases the average lifespan.

"To prevent heart disease, you really want to prevent the risk factors for heart disease," said Dr. Himabindu Vidula, URMC cardiologist. "Those risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and smoking. The patients who do best are the ones who eat less and move more."

Spectrum News is helping the American Heart Association raise money. We invite you to join and donate to our Heart Walk team — 81 cents of every dollar raised in Rochester stays local.

The American Heart Association's goal is to raise $800,000.

The Heart Walk & Run is on April 14th.