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Jumping rope is
about healthy hearts
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Nearly two dozen kids jumped hurdles, tried their skills
at hula hoops and jump ropes, bounced on miniature trampolines and
figured out calisthenics on large ‘jumpy’ balls. Some were even
moderately successful on pogo sticks.
They were part of East School’s week-long 21st “Jump Rope for your
Heart” events on Feb. 27. According to Cindy Rose, P.E. instructor,
it’s about healthy hearts and part of the American Heart Association’s
annual healthy heart promotion. AHA has been promoting the event for 35
years.
“Be a heart hero,” Rose told the kids as they lined up to return to
their class. “You can be an example to others… your family and friends.
Even people on the street; they see you exercising.” Rose said one
student said her mom was exercising now, “and she’s losing weight!”
Physical Education is part of the curriculum at East School (and
Woodland Heights), so it was easy to work the “healthy heart” event in
so all kids could participate. “We’re lucky we still have it (P.E.),”
Rose said, noting many districts no longer had gym or P.E. as part of
their curriculums.
“Mr. McGreevy (GCSD Director of Curriculum) was here a little while
ago,” she added. “We’re trying to get Supt. Fries here… he did it with
the kids last year.”
Rose played music for the kids as they tested their skills with the
various exercise games. Then every few minutes she’d blow a whistle and
each group of students would move to the next set of exercises.
“A healthy heart is so important,” she said. “Teaching children about
this, especially at this age, leads to lifelong commitments to health.
Eating, sleep, exercise… even brushing teeth.” Rose noted tooth decay
can get into the blood stream and harm the heart. “Thirty years ago we
didn’t know as much as we know now.”
Some of the equipment the students used came from Rose’s stash,
accumulated over the years. Other pieces of equipment were purchased
with the help of donations from the PTA. Healthy hearts is a concept
Rose carries outside of East School into her volunteer work as the
Darke County Special Olympics director. “We have a lot of physical
activity,” she said, “ranging from track to softball and more.”
Published courtesy
of The Early Bird
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