WCPSS Encourages Training for a New Lifestyle
February 1, 2008 - Students and educators are being challenged to think smart and act smart when it comes to their heart, during the Wake County Public School System’s Changing Hearts program that kicks off February 1.
The Changing Hearts program: “Training for a New Lifestyle: Climb aboard the Wellness Express” will encompass the entire Wake County Public School System. The program challenges schools, administrative areas and the community to make healthy lifestyle choices by promoting cardiovascular health.
“February is our premier heart health month, but our system goal is to provide education and screenings that will encourage our students and staff to make an on-going commitment to their health and well-being,” said Kelly Creech, WCPSS Health Officer.
WCPSS is encouraging students and educators to take part in a variety of activities in which schools can choose to participate. During the month of February, everyone will be encouraged to wear red on Friday in celebration of heart health. Schools can obtain American Heart Association Learn and Live wrist bands or make their own for students. Schools will be taking part in Jump for Heart where students use jump ropes or Hoops for Heart where students use basketballs to focus on heart healthy activity. Schools will be encouraged to provide opportunities to be active for at least 20 minutes each day.
WCPSS will work with community partners to provide opportunities for educators to take part in free health screenings (body weight, body fat composition, flexibility, strength, blood pressure, and diabetes), healthy cooking classes and nutrition, stress management and safety courses. The Wellness Express will visit different WCPSS administrative offices on Fridays during the month of February to encourage employees to be heart healthy.
“It’s more to get people to look at what they’re doing and compare it to a healthier lifestyle,” said Creech. “We’ll ask employees to continue to think about this during the year by offering an e-mail on a health topic that will remind them of steps they can take toward wellness.”
WCPSS is partnering with American Heart Association, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Rex UNC Healthcare and Wake County Human Services in the Changing Hearts program.
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