Students at Howard Elementary in Niles are jumping at the chance to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s number one and number four killers.
From March 20 through 24, Howard Elementary will host its ninth annual Jump Rope For Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association, which funds lifesaving heart and stroke research and community and educational programs for youth.
Jump Rope For Heart aims to teach students how physical fitness benefits the heart, while showing them that volunteering can be a fun and positive experience for the whole community.
The school emphasizes educating children about the importance of physical activity. According to recent studies, about one-third of children ages two to 19 are overweight and obese.
“By including physical activity into their daily routines, kids can significantly reduce the onset and burden of heart disease,” said an AHA representative. “By raising money through Jump Rope For Heart, we are preventing heart disease and obesity for the next generation of Americans. Kids are literally jumping into a heart healthier life while becoming passionate about raising money for other kids with sick hearts.”
For more than 37 years, millions of students have jumped rope to help fight against heart disease and stroke. Students learned about heart health and how nutrition and physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Jump Rope For Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Howard Elementary encourages the community to help students help others by making a donation. Those interested in helping can call the American Heart Association office at 1-800-AHA-USA 1 (1-800-242-8721) or visit its website at heart.org/jump.