MOUNT VERNON – In celebration of American Heart Month and with Valentine’s Day around the corner, students at Mount Vernon City School District showed their dedication to heart health last Friday morning! At Hamilton School, young athletes skipped rope, drummed, tackled push-ups, held planks, and rotated through various fitness stations to promote cardiovascular wellness.
And without skipping a beat, they transitioned into a calming yoga session, focusing on stretching and breathing techniques to center their minds and reduce their heart rates.
This event was part of a district-wide effort to promote heart health creatively, bringing together physical education, music, art, and library media teachers to engage students in memorable activities.
“This activity brilliantly connects rhythm and heart health,” said music teacher Jissette Vargas-Castillo. “When we explore rhythm, we can visualize our heartbeat as it mirrors the beats of a drum.”
As students played different drums, they recognized that their own hearts maintain a steady tempo throughout the day.
At Edward Williams School, the focus shifted from heart-strengthening activities to the critical skill of responding to a cardiac emergency. Students learned to recognize signs of cardiac arrest and were educated on the role of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in restoring normal heart rhythms.
The hands-on practice was particularly engaging. Working in teams, students practiced CPR on training dummies, focusing on maintaining the technique of locking their arms straight and effectively using body weight for chest compressions. They also learned the ideal rhythm for CPR—about 100 to 120 beats per minute.
“Promoting heart health is essential for our kids and the families in our community,” stated Lisa Mayzun, the district’s leader in health and physical education. “Everyone should understand the significance of healthy habits, from nutrition to exercise, all contributing to the overall well-being of our bodies.”
Mayzun emphasized the importance of teaching these concepts in engaging ways that kids will remember. “As physical educators, we incorporate lessons about the heart and heart rate year-round. Events like this reinforce those lessons in fun, memorable ways. Even young children can learn skills that might save lives.”
This heart health initiative is a collaborative effort throughout the district, with schools like Lincoln and Grimes holding events earlier this week and additional activities planned for Mandela, Pennington, and Traphagen schools after the break.
Whether through exercise or lifesaving skills, the core message was clear: caring for your heart and knowing how to help someone else is one of the most profound acts of love.
Conclusion:
Promoting heart health in children’s lives is vital, encouraging not only physical fitness but also teaching them critical lifesaving skills. Activities like those organized by the Mount Vernon City School District serve as excellent reminders of how fun and engaging fitness can be. Let this initiative inspire all of us to prioritize our heart health and that of others in our communities. Remember, a strong heart can beat the rhythm of life!
