Students preparing to jump, shoot for Heart Association

    Students in the elementary grades at Chase County will be jumping and shooting at the chance to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers.
    During the week of March 13, Chase County Schools will host its annual Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops for Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association, which funds lifesaving heart and stroke research and community and educational programs for youths.
    Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart teaches students how physical fitness benefits the heart and shows them that volunteering can be a fun and positive experience for the whole community, said Jodie Schuller, CCS elementary physical education teacher.
    The need to educate children about the importance of physical activity couldn’t be timelier, she said. According to recent studies, about one-third of children ages two to 19 are overweight and obese.
    For over 38 years, millions of students have jumped rope and learned about heart health and how nutrition and physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke.
    Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and SHAPE, America-Society of Health and Physical Educators.
    The community is encouraged to support students in their fundraising effort and help others by making a donation. More information is available by calling 1-800-242-8721, or those interested can also check online at: heart.org/ jump or heart.org/hoops.