Heart Health Programs

    The American Heart association is increasing the awarness of educational and physical programs on health in the school systems. The youth of today is beginning to develop "adult" diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure at younger and younger ages. Not only do genetic disorders explained most of heart problems among children today but also the increase in obesity and related insulin resistance. School Systems need to work with parents and child to increase awarness in the risk of obesity. Teachers help the studens make connections about diet and good health by reviewing school meals, vending machine contents, and mandatory physical education. Programs which are currently active in the school systems are Jump Rope for Heart, Hoops for Heart, NFL Play 60 Challenge, and Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Healthy Schools Program. These programs all strive to provide students with lifelong physical activity and healthful eating as well as cross-curricular educational content for teachers to educate students about living a heart-healthy life.
Schools can create environments where there are consistent and clear messages that physical activity and healthy eating are important and encouraged -- in the classroom, cafeteria, gym, hallway, and schoolyard.

  Jump Rope for Heart is a program that I am familiar with. When I was in elementary school, my school actively particpated in this program every year. We were not only taught the skills of jumping roping but also how to interact with others without really realizing the added benefit to our health. I always found it fun to create the posters and solicite the community for further help with the program. I know this is just one of many ways schools promote health to young students. With the increase in obesity among young children, I believe these programs are increasingly important. If children do not learn healthy habits at a young age it may hard to correct them later. I am glad that there are programs established to guide students to healthier lives. I hope as a teacher that I can encourage my students to make healthy choices in and out of school. I also hope that I may lead by example so that students will have a model to look to.

Resources:
Delisio, Ellen. Heart Health Programs Move into schools. published 2/2/2010.  http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat254.shtml