Brianna Rhodes, Talent, Culture and Engagement wellness team member, greets attendees and shares information about upcoming events and resources Feb. 10 at College Park Center. Rhodes described the event as bittersweet and said it’s important to spread awareness about cardiovascular health.
People gathered at the Maverick Activities Center and College Park Center for UTA’s Heart Walk raising awareness for heart health this month.
Allia Lewis, Office of Talent, Culture and Engagement event planner, said she believes heart health month is important, noting that many people do not notice the signs of a heart issue.
Heart disease symptoms depend on the type of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. If individuals experience chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, it is recommended they seek medical help.
Faculty and staff collect Heart Walk pins at the registration table during the 2026 Heart Walk on Feb. 10 at College Park Center. Water and nutritious snack bars were provided.
Nearly half of all U.S. adults have some type of cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association, a volunteer organization that informs people about heart disease and stroke.
Lewis gave tips during the event on how to stay heart healthy.
“You can continue to do something as simple as just walking to get your heart healthy,” Lewis said.
While the turnout was small, the attendees’ presence meant more than the numbers.
Faculty and staff walk during the 2026 Heart Walk to celebrate heart health month Feb. 10 at College Park Center. The event encouraged employees to wear red and connect with colleagues to promote healthy living and raise awareness for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Laura Penuel, business operations manager for the College of Education, said she attended the walk to support heart health while meeting colleagues.
“I’d like to be able to go to these things too, where they’re like, ‘Yeah, staff are welcome to come out and participate,’” Penuel said.
Beyond community support, Brianna Rhodes, Talent, Culture and Engagement wellness assistant, stressed the health risks the event aimed to address, noting that heart disease often goes unnoticed.
“I think that it’s a silent killer,” Rhodes said. “It’s important that the resources, the information about it is brought forth to our TCE [Talent, Culture and Engagement] and UTA communities. So this is just a moment to be aware.”
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