Westchester Intermediate School fourth-grader David Dowdle of Westchester believes if you stay active you have less chance of getting heart disease, and stuff like that.
David was one of about 370 pupils who participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event sponsored by the American Heart Association at the school March 1. The pupils raised $3,200, primarily solicited from family members, which has been donated to AHA for research and education purposes.
Not only did they work up a sweat, according to David, they learned some valuable life lessons as well.
“I think it really got us working and got us active,” David said. “I wasn’t hurting, but I was sweating.”
David has pledged to eat healthier and take better care of himself as a result of what he learned from the event. Heart health is part of the curriculum taught throughout the year.
Physical education teacher Kevin Jesswein coordinated with AHA and developed a program for the physical part of the event.
During their 30-minute physical education classes, groups of six students stepped up to five different jump rope stations designed to increase their heart rate. Participants performed the limbo at the sixth station.
Principal Don Mrozik said the event is a good fit for the school’s predisposition on healthy living.
“This ties in nicely with our wellness initiative, drawing attention to life-long healthy habits in eating and physical activity, as well as overall healthy choices that affect the body and mind,” Mrozek said.
He added that the fundraiser for AHA “is a great avenue in stressing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
So, what would David do if a nice, big pizza was delivered to his door?
“I would probably eat one or two pieces but not all of it,” he said.
