Kids Heart Challenge concludes at DES

Posted on: Mar 6, 2019

DES students began the Kids Heart Challenge on Valentine’s Day, a familiar program put on by the American Heart Association.

During the campaign, which concluded March 5, students learned jump rope skills and how their heart works while raising money to help kids with “special hearts.” They also prepared for success in terms of physical and emotional well-being.

“Talking with kids early and often about taking care of their hearts, that’s one step we can take toward having healthy adults later in life,” said Summer Hagy of the American Heart Association, who visited Delano on Thursday, Feb. 14, to kick off the event. 

A portion of the funds raised go back to the DES physical education program, and phy. ed. teachers were able to access lesson plans that tied the campaign into their normal activities.

“We want to engage all students, regardless of if they decide to fundraise or not,” said Hagy.  

Hagy said the American Heart Association aims to raise awareness through the campaign, which then leads to donations, which fund research, which provides hope.

Why is DES participating?
Did you know that cardiovascular diseases and strokes are the leading cause of death in Minnesota (25.9 percent)? 

Hagy said that one in 100 people are born with heart defects, so many can, or eventually will, be able to relate to the work done by the American Heart Association.

“Many of us know someone who has been affected, and our fundraising efforts through the American Heart Association can really make a difference,” said DES physical education teacher Tim Lyngen. “Over the last decade, death rates from heart disease and stroke have been declining, and the American Heart Association’s advocacy, quality and research efforts have played a major role in this. Partnering with the Kids Heart Challenge provides us with a great opportunity to educate students about heart health and preventative care while engaging in a fun and exciting community service project.”

More information can be found at american.heart.org/kidsheartchallenge/.

Post Categories: Elementary School