Hoops, Hops, and Hearts!

Heart disease is the # 1 killer; stroke is the #3 killer, and a leading cause of serious disability. Overweight and diabetes are increasing at an alarming rate among our nation's youth. More than 9 million children are overweight and 23 percent get no exercise. In Talladega City Schools, two of our employees have been involved for many years in an annual event to help children serve the community and learn about fitness, too.

Janice Rigdon (Adaptive Physical Education teacher) and Cheryl Ford (District Test Coordinator and counselor for Graham School) coordinate "Jumprope for Heart and Hoops for Heart", an annual event that benefits the American Heart Association. This year fifty-three students in

grades 3-6 participated and will make a difference in Talladega County. Each year students manage to raise around $1,000, but this year they exceeded their mark by raising $1,700!

Through this event, students have an opportunity to serve the community, learn about fitness, and fund lifesaving heart and stroke research and educational programs, plus they have FUN!

Each school that participates receives an educational kit that focuses on children and physical inactivity. These heart-healthy lessons extend into the classroom. The event also helps physical education standards to be met.

Grades 5th and 6th participated in "Hoops for Heart" and 3rd and 4th raised money through "Jumprope for Heart." Although these students will receive small prizes for their efforts, they are getting so much more out of the experience. They are learning that children can make the world a healthier place for everyone.