“ Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike .”
~ John F . Kennedy
on Fun wheels !
Photo courtesy allkidsbike . org
The Kids Heart Challenge photo below courtesy American Heart Association
By Karen Rice Special to Official Kids Mag
Students at Westwood Elementary School in Springdale are having more twowheeled fun , thanks to The American Heart Association . Their Kids Heart Challenge™ and American Heart Challenge™ programs gave $ 2,500 to Westwood to use to repair and replace broken parts on the bikes at their school .
The new bikes and repairs will mean the students can get more active during the school day . According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , less than 24 % of children and adolescents aged 6-17 get the recommended amount of physical activity each day .
Westwood Elementary was one of 77 schools across the country that received grant money because they participated in either the Kids Heart Challenge™ or American Heart Challenge™ during the 2023-2024 school year .
“ The American Heart Association remains deeply committed to youth through our in-school programs ,” said Tracy Shepherd , Development Director , School Engagement , of the American Heart Association . “ These programs are essential because they equip young people with the knowledge and habits needed to lead heart-healthy lives . Our future is about improving yours , and by investing in the health of our youth today , we are building a healthier future for everyone .”
Both the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge are rooted in proven science , which has shown that kids who are regularly active have a better chance of a healthy adulthood .
For more than 10 million students in 20,000 schools each year , these service-learning programs give students the opportunity to feel good , while doing good .
Students , families and staff who take part in the programs learn valuable skills , including how to make smart food choices , the importance of avoiding vaping / tobacco and the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR . Teachers receive lesson plans and resources to support their physical and mental wellbeing .
In addition to learning about heart health , students and their families have the opportunity to give back to the community by raising funds for the American Heart Association . The money raised helps researchers learn more about the heart , and helps make communities healthier .
Schools interested in the grant opportunity are encouraged to register now to participate in either Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge for the 2024-2025 school year . To learn more visit heart . org / getstarted
4 • January 2025 • www . OfficialKidsMag . com