Schools Encouraged To Think Of Heart Health During February
Feb. 16, 2006 - The WCPSS's Changing Hearts Program has been designed to help WCPSS schools take part in Cardiovascular Health Awareness Month during February with a menu of information and activities to help staff and students think heart healthy."We have schools and administrative offices that are doing a wonderful job taking part in the program," said Kelley Creech, RN, WCPSS Health officer. "With childhood obesity in the spotlight this program is a good example of how the schools can encourage cardiovascular health."
The program encourages activities for children such as Jump Rope or Hoops for Heart, a community service project that incorporates jump rope or basketball into an activity that raises money for heart disease and stroke research. At the same time, children participate in an event that helps them understand the importance of heart health. The program suggests February is a good time for visits to the Poe Center for Health Education or heart healthy art and coloring projects.
The Changing Hearts program offers an array of screenings, classes and courses and suggests a Move the School Day. On that day, everyone at the school would be encouraged to take part in structured physical activities, which are inclusive, educational and enjoyable. Schools can direct staff and parents to seminars and classes offered at WakeMed on heart health during February. School staff can take part in CPR, AED, First Aid Courses during the school year by contacting WCPSS Safety Officer Robin Pace.
The Changing Hearts Program reminds school staff of the red dress projects and red wrist bands, symbols that raise awareness that heart disease is the nation's number one killer of women.
The program has also assembled some online sites with heart health education
material.
| WakeMed | www.wakemed.org |
| Be Active | www.beactive.org |
| Centers for Disease Control | http://www.cdc.gov/cvh/announcements/american_heartmonth.htm |
| American Heart Association | www.americainheart.org |
Creech and other school administrators have helped build partnerships with WakeMed, Wake County Human Services and the American Heart Association as part of the program.
For more information on the WCPSS's Changing Hearts Program, contact Kelly Creech at 856-8145.
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