Kids Heart Challenge
One of the best things abut being a school nurse is the tremendous value to the school in our networking. I have enjoyed four different types of nursing over the four decades since I became a Registered Nurse, and none have been as rewarding as that of the community of school nurses. One hot tip I received in a recent zoom meeting of district nurses was about the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge
I am excited to announce that our school is participating in this program! This fun and educational initiative is designed to teach our students about heart health, learn CPR, and raise funds to help kids with special cardiac needs.
The Kids Heart Challenge is a nationwide program that encourages students to engage in physical activities, learn about heart health, and raise money for the American Heart Association. Through this challenge, students will participate in activities like jumping rope, dancing, and basketball, all while learning the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
Participating in the Kids Heart Challenge offers numerous benefits for our students:
- Heart Health Education: Students will learn about the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and how to take care of their hearts. Students today spend so much time on screens that they are moving and exercising far less than generations before them, and as a result, heart failure incidence, prevalence, and mortality in our youth is on the rise.
- Life-Saving Skills: As part of the challenge, students will learn Hands-Only CPR and how to recognize the signs of a stroke. These are both important skills that can save lives and spread knowledge through the larger community.
- Community Impact: Funds raised during the challenge will support the American Heart Association’s efforts to help children with heart conditions and fund life-saving research.
- Knowledge is Power: Did you know that one of the main contributing factors of cardiac death outside the hospital is that bystanders did not feel confident in their ability to initiate CPR – even among those who had learned it? We can fix this!
How to Get Involved
Getting involved is easy! Please allow the school to register your child for the Kids Heart Challenge and encourage them to participate in the activities and fundraising efforts. Our special assembly will be held on February 19th with the exact time to be announced. You can find more information on the America Heart Association’s website: http://www.heart.org.
Thank You Gifts
As a token of appreciation, students who participate in the Kids Heart Challenge will receive thank-you gifts based on their fundraising efforts. These gifts are a fun way to reward their hard work and dedication to helping others.
Join Us in Making a Difference
We are proud to be part of this important initiative and look forward to seeing our students learn, grow, and make a positive impact on their community. Thank you for your support and participation in the Kids Heart Challenge!
Sincerely,
Lynne Kelly, RN