WEST LOGAN — A few years ago when the state of West Virginia looked into starting a health and fitness program to combat obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other ailments the most successful communities across the state in implementing "West Virginia on the Move" were in Logan County.

Which led to Logan County and communities such as West Logan and Man being chosen as pilot programs for the rest of the state.

The towns of Man and Chapmanville recently had its annual Man on the Move fitness walk and now the West Logan on the Move community walk will be returning on May 2, along with a full-house health fair courtesy of Logan Regional Medical Center.

Town Clerk Kristi Adkins spoke about the upcoming event which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the TF Burchett Ministry and Youth Center.

"We should be proud that we were chosen to be a pilot program for the rest of the state, and because Logan Regional has been so gracious in offering to set up and provide free blood sugar screenings, blood pressure screenings and other screenings and health services, we want to get the word out so we will have a very good turnout," Adkins told the West Logan councilmembers, who were recruited to go into their communities handing out fliers and leaflets for the event.

"We are inviting everyone from across the county and anywhere else who wants to attend," noted councilman Mark Mareske. "This is not just for people in West Logan only. This is for everybody and we want everybody who can to attend. Everyone is invited."

Adkins said many agencies across the county will be attending the health fair to let the public know about what they have to offer or what they are doing in the community including representatives from the Family Resource Network, PIECES the drug prevention coalition and more. Adkins also noted that free screenings can be important as many people may not be aware they have high blood sugar or high blood pressure problems.

"Even if you don't walk, please come to our health fair, because that is what this is all about. Improving the health of people in West Virginia," Adkins said.

Mayor Akers signed a proclamation making May 2 "West Logan on the Move Day."

"We hope we will get a good turnout for this, because it should be a very good event with a lot to offer people of all ages," Akers said. "Everyone is invited to attend. We need to get on the ball and get people to come out. We want good attendance."

Registration for the walk begins at 8:30 with the walk itself kicking off at 9 a.m. The event will also feature informational booths from various agencies across the county as well as free t-shirts to the first 125 people showing up.

For more information about the West Logan Walk and Health Fair call (304) 752-5474.