Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, making heart health education essential for students from an early age. Teaching students about heart health can:
- Encourage lifelong healthy habits, including regular exercise and balanced nutrition.
- Reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease later in life.
- Promote mental well-being by emphasizing the connection between physical activity and emotional health.
- Inspire students to take action and support those affected by heart conditions.
The Kids Heart Challenge & American Heart Challenge
The Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are service-learning-based fundraising programs designed to engage students in heart-healthy activities while positively impacting their schools and communities. These programs align with national health and physical education standards, providing:
- Interactive activities that teach students about heart health and encourage movement.
- Social-emotional learning (SEL) components that promote kindness, teamwork, and resilience.
- Fundraising opportunities that allow students to raise money for the American Heart Association, supporting research and community programs that benefit individuals with heart disease.
- Flexible curriculum and resources for educators to seamlessly integrate heart health lessons into their classrooms.
The Texas Heart Institute’s Project Heart
The Texas Heart Institute offers K6 Project Heart lessons aligned with the National Health Education Standards (NHES). These are written expectations for what students should know and be able to do in grades K-6 to promote personal, family, and community health. Project Heart covers all eight standard levels of NHES, ensuring a comprehensive approach to heart health education. Educators can utilize these resources to teach students about cardiovascular health, prevention strategies, and the importance of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. More information about Project Heart can be found here.
How Schools Can Get Involved
Schools can quickly implement heart health education by leveraging the free resources provided by the American Heart Association. Educators can:
- Incorporate heart-healthy lessons into health and physical education classes.
- Register for the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge to bring hands-on learning experiences to students.
- Encourage school-wide participation in heart-healthy initiatives, such as jump rope challenges, fitness competitions, and heart health awareness campaigns.
- Engage families and the community by sharing heart health tips and organizing events that emphasize cardiovascular wellness.
Creating a Generation of Heart-Healthy Students
Schools can empower students with the knowledge and motivation to make heart-conscious decisions by prioritizing heart health education. Programs like the Kids Heart Challenge, American Heart Challenge, and Project Heart provide a meaningful way for students to learn, take action, and contribute to a healthier future for themselves and others.
For more information on bringing heart health education to your school, visit the American Heart Association’s school programs page or explore the Texas Heart Institute’s Project Heart. Let’s work together to create a generation of heart-healthy students!
About Suzanne Rogers
Suzanne M. Rogers is an accomplished, passionate, technology-inspired educator, experienced conference presenter, and yoga enthusiast. She is the Assistant Director of Public Relations at LISA Academy Public Charter Schools. In addition to her 20 years of work in education, Suzanne also serves on the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Educator Advisory Board, the UCA Executive Advisory Board, the UCA MAT Program Advisory Board, and the SAU ERZ Advisory.
Suzanne’s passion for education and her community is evident in her involvement in these organizations, where she works tirelessly to support students and educators. As an #ArmyMom and former #AFbrat, Suzanne brings a unique perspective to her work, understanding firsthand the sacrifices made by military families. Suzanne exemplifies dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
