See photos of the 2011 'Jump Rope for Heart'
Submitted by the Santee School District
Students at all nine schools in the Santee School District in Santee are jumping at the chance to fight heart disease and stroke, our nation’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. During the month of February, each school will host its annual Jump Rope For Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association, which funds lifesaving heart and stroke research and community and educational programs for our youth.
In 1999, Pepper Drive School started participating in this event. Since then the Santee School District has raised over $140,000 for this important cause.
Jump Rope For Heart teaches students how physical fitness benefits the heart and shows them volunteering can be a fun and positive experience for the whole community.
The need to educate children about the importance of physical activity couldn’t be timelier. According to recent studies, about one-third of children ages 2 to 19 are overweight and obese.
“By including physical activity in their daily routines kids can not only significantly reduce the onset and burden of heart disease, but studies show it also contributes to improved academic performance.” said Dr. Laura Spencer, Chair of Santee School District’s Wellness Committee.
“By raising money through Jump Rope For Heart, we are working to
prevent heart disease and obesity for the next generation of Americans. Kids are literally jumping into a heart healthier life while becoming passionate about raising money for other kids with sick hearts.”
For over 33 years, Jump Rope For Heart has raised more than $818 million for the fight against heart disease and stroke. Millions of students have jumped rope and learned about heart health and how nutrition and physical activity can help prevent heart disease and stroke. Jump Rope For Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.
Please help our students help others by making a donation. If you would like to help more, call your nearest American Heart Association office at 858-410-3837 or call 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721). You can also visit us online at
heart.org/jump.
