Studies on health and obesity are usually unkind to the South, Alabama and Chilton County.

One local resident hopes to make a difference.

Jemison resident Ginny Hallmark has organized the first “Get Moving Jemison” fun walk and fitness expo for 9 a.m. on March 26 at the Jemison Municipal Complex.

Hallmark said the purpose of the event is to bring awareness to the community about the importance of exercise, which decreases the risk of heart disease and cancer and alleviates pain associated with arthritis.

Hallmark, a mother of two that offers personal training out of her home, has seen how a busy lifestyle can have a negative effect on women’s health.

“Sometimes, women tend to place themselves low down on their priority list while placing their children, families and careers first,” she said. “This is detrimental to women’s health. As women, if we do not take care of ourselves, we will not remain healthy enough to continue to care for our families and children.

“Our loved ones also learn good habits from the example we set for them. Let’s show them good habits.”

The fun walk will begin and end at the Municipal Complex, looping around to Jemison City Park and covering about two miles.

Following the fun walk will be the expo, which will last until about noon.

Eighteen businesses, most of them focusing on healthier lifestyles, will set up booths in the complex auditorium.

Hallmark has a degree in sports medicine and has participated in charity races and triathlons in the Birmingham and Mobile areas.

“I just felt like God was leading me to do something for the community,” she said. “So far, I’ve had really good feedback.”