East Side Elementary has been participating in Jump Rope for heart, under the direction of Coach Baer and Coach Heath, for the last six years.  Jump Rope for Heart is a way to teach jump roping skills that are fun while promoting the value of physical activity.  All students, grades 3-6, participate in the Physical Education portion of the unit, but a large portion of students choose to participate in the collection of donations for the American Heart Association.  Over the last six years, students have been very successful in the amount of money raised.  This year we have set a goal of $5000.  Some incentives being offered to the students are a pizza party for the classes that raise the most money.  A schedule of Jump Rope for Heart dates and events is located on a web link. (click here)

Heart disease ranks as this nation's No. 1 killer; stroke is No. 3 and a leading cause of serious disability.  Every year, about 950,000 Americans die from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.  That's nearly 40 percent of all deaths.

These diseases may remain critical problems in the future because of poor lifestyle habits among American adults and children.  For example, only one of 10 Americans participates in 30 minutes or more of vigorous activity every day.  In addition...

• Over 15 percent of children and adolescents are now overweight.
• 4 million children have above-normal blood pressure.
• 27 million children have high cholesterol.

Healthy lifestyles can help prevent heart disease and stroke.  Good nutrition, physical activity, staying tobacco free, and maintaining a healthy blood pressure and weight are all part of a healthy lifestyle.  Jump Rope For Heart helps get this message across to students.

Jump Rope For Heart is for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Jump Rope For Heart promotes the value of physical activity to elementary schoolchildren while showing them they can contribute to their community's welfare.  This is a time when children can establish the foundation for movement skills.  These are also the years when positive learning experiences can help establish a positive attitude and appreciation for participating in regular, daily physical activity for life.