MAPLEWOOD JUMPS

It is February, Heart Month, time for Maplewood’s annual Jump Rope for Heart Event reported Ann Acosta from the American Heart Association who spoke at the Town Meeting Monday, February 7 at 2:30pm. During that meeting a group of Maplewood 5th graders demonstrated some advanced jump rope skills preparing for the event.

Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer; stroke is the No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious disability. Since 1996 these kids have joined in the fight against heart disease and stroke by asking family, friends, and businesses to donate to the cause.

Students from Maplewood Elementary School practiced hard for the Jump Rope For Heart day that was held on February 25, 2005 at Maplewood. “We jumped rope all day long,” commented organizer for the event, Ms. Darla Davis, physical education instructor. “Jump Rope for Heart involved jumping rope any which way you can and learning about the heart.”

By jumping rope and securing sponsors, the students raised $1500 for the fight against heart disease and stroke, all while learning about the seriousness of heart disease and stroke. This is the fourth year in a row they have reached their goal. The top money raising class this year was Mrs. Schopfer’s 4th grade and second place went to Mrs. Gjertson’s 4th grade class. Prizes went to Mariah Petrucci, Haley Milledge, and Louis Sablic for raising the most pledges individually.

A SURPRISE visit to the children at Maplewood this year was the “SUB MAN.” SUBWAY was the National Jump Rope For Heart sponsor. Mr. Umber at Ace Hardware was also a continuing sponsor, along with Arby’s and Professional Federal Credit Union.

The American Heart Association website has tons of information about healthy hearts and Jump Rope for Heart. There is still time to donate to the cause, just Email Ms. Davis at Darla.Davis@fwcs.k12.in.us.

 

Why Jump Rope For Heart?

• More than 9 million children are overweight and 36 percent get no exercise.

• Obesity among the nation’s youth has tripled in the past 15 years.

• Cardiovascular disease ranks as the No.3 cause of death for children under age 15.

• Congenital cardiovascular defects are the most common cause of infant death from birth defects.

• Obesity is the fastest growing cause of illness and death in the U.S.

• For the first time in history, children’s life spans are predicted to be less than their parents because of inactivity and obesity-related illnesses.