School District Joins American Heart Association In Its Fight Against Heart Disease
The School District of Palm Beach County has teamed up with the American Heart Association to promote Jump Rope for Heart events at all elementary schools. Wayne Gent, School District of Palm Beach County Superintendent, stated, “We look forward to partnering with the American Heart Association and joining their fight against coronary heart disease.” The annual kickoff Jump Rope for Heart event will take place during the week of October 22 – 26, 2012, at Marsh Point Elementary School.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) claims more lives than the next four most common causes of death combined, including cancer. On average, an American dies of CVD every thirty five seconds. Today, one in three American children are overweight or obese, a rate that has tripled since 1963. According to the American Heart Association, we may see the first generation that will be less healthy and have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to the increasing rates of obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and physical inactivity. The School District of Palm Beach County is joining the fight to end CVD through participating in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart events.
During the 2011-12 school year, seventy six Palm Beach County elementary schools participated in a Jump Rope for Heart event at their school sites. Michelle Cooper, Senior Youth Market Director for the Greater Southeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association, states, “Palm Beach County has always been a supporter when it comes to fighting heart disease, and this year we are striving for 100% participation from all elementary schools.”
Conducting a schoolwide Jump Rope for Heart event can be completed in one day and may take place anytime throughout the year. In most cases, the physical education teacher manages the school event; however, it can be organized by anyone on the school’s campus. Schools that raise money can earn gift certificates to purchase new physical education equipment through US Games. Last year, the American Heart Association provided Palm Beach County elementary schools with $9,000 in redeemable certificates for physical education equipment.
Please contact Michelle Cooper, Senior Youth Market Director for the Greater Southeast Affiliate of the American Heart Association, at 561-889-2210 for additional information regarding participation in a Jump Rope for Heart event.
