WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 3, 2024) – More than 90,500 students in Palm Beach County are ending the school year with special training to improve their heart health, get active and boost their mental health, thanks to their participation in the American Heart Association’s school-based programs: Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. More than 25,000 schools participated in the programs this year, including 116 schools in Palm Beach County.
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge™ is designed for elementary school students, and American Heart Challenge is for middle school and high school students. The programs offer a variety of physical activities to get students’ hearts pumping including dance, basketball and jumping rope, paired with training to learn the life-saving skill of Hands-Only CPR™. These programs have more than 40 years of proven success, rooted in scientific research showing that kids who are regularly active feel better, improve their mental health, build self-esteem and decrease and prevent conditions such as anxiety and depression[1].
“Science has shown us that our early years play a critical role in the development of healthy habits,” says Molly Hietapelto, American Heart Association Palm Beach County youth market director. “These programs help students get active, learn about heart health and get trained in CPR to give kids the skills they need to lead long and healthy lives.”
This year, 116 Palm Beach County schools participated in Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge – find participating schools here.
In addition to the health benefits experienced by participants, the funds raised by the programs support the American Heart Association’s scientific research and outreach, paving the way for breakthroughs and advancements to improve health outcomes nationwide.
“What we love about these programs is that they teach important skills, but they also encourage students to get active and have fun,” says Principal Nina Montez of Lighthouse Elementary School in Jupiter. Lighthouse Elementary was the No. 1 fundraising public school in Palm Beach County this year. “Pairing that excitement with raising funds for children who have heart conditions allows our students to think about wellness for others, along with their own health.”
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans [2] only 20% of kids get enough activity to meet physical activity recommendations. In addition to improved physical health, the benefits of physical activity for children include better grades, school attendance and classroom behavior.
Schools interested in participating in the Kids Heart Challenge or American Heart Challenge can register online at www.heart.org/getstarted.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.
For Media Inquiries:
Nina Barbero, APR
[1] Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx
[2] Department of Health and Human Services, 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines, page 14. Available for download here: https://health.gov/paguidelines/default.aspx