Exeter-Milligan School Update: Kindergarten, First and Second Graders

The Kindergarten, 1^st and 2^nd graders from Exeter-Milligan Elementary in Exeter participated in the Jump Rope for Heart event sponsored by the American Heart Association on Friday, March 26.

Jump Rope for Heart is important for many reasons. Participation in JRFH and Hoops for Heart is vital to the AHA’s efforts to raise dollars that fund lifesaving research. Heart disease and stroke are America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers and touch all of our lives. More than 9.2 million children and adolescents (ages 6-19) are considered overweight or obese, based on the 95^th percentile or higher of body mass index (BMI). Overweight adolescents have a 70% chance of becoming overweight adults. Obesity increases a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke and many other chronic illnesses, and it leads to higher healthcare costs. JRFH raises funds for research and programs to reduce heart disease, stroke and their risk factors and improve health in people of all ages. Since 1978, JRFH has raised more than $703 million in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

It has been found that regular periods of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (3-5 times per week) enhance children’s health, academic performance, attitudes and classroom behavior. A number of studies have demonstrated that increased physical activity is linked to better school performance, and JRFH is a great way to promote fitness. Jumping rope is a skill that students can learn now and enjoy for the rest of their lives.

The event held in Exeter was a huge success! 23 K-2 students from Exeter-Milligan raised nearly $1,800! The students had a lot of fun jumping rope with the high school student helpers and their teachers. Special thanks to everyone who helped with the event in any way, especially my high school helpers; Lana Kennedy, Vinnie Castro, Coleen Colson, Andrew Colson, Chloe Breitbach, MiKayla Ruhl, Austin Stride, and Taylor Slezak. A special thanks to the parents who let their children participate in the fund-raising part of the event and to everyone for their generous support of both the students and the American Heart Association!

Mrs. Darcy White

Event Coordinator

Physical Education Teacher