Students at Hillsboro Elementary School will soon be jumping for the chance to fight heart disease and stroke, the nation’s number 1 and number 5 killers.

During the week of Feb. 22, Jump Rope for Heart will be held during their physical education classes.

This is the seventh year for elementary students to be raising money for such an important cause.  The total in the previous six years has been an astounding $22, 344.46.  Students were given registration materials during PE class and can also register online at heart.org/jump.

Students who raise money can receive prizes including the Super Hero Pup, Cap’n Bark and the Ninja Pup.  The Elementary PE department also receives free equipment depending on the amount raised.  In these six years of participation, $1200 has been given for equipment purchase.

Students can also sign up to “Jump In Honor Of” someone they know who has been affected by heart disease or stroke.  They are welcome to do this even though they do not raise money for the event.  There is a place on the envelope to designate their person/people.  These will be honored on a wall in the cafeteria.

Your student is becoming a Heart Hero by taking care of his or her own heart, spreading the message of the American Heart Association and raising raisings for lifesaving research.

The average heart beats nearly 100,000 times per day.  Almost every family has someone who has been affected in some way by heart disease or stroke.  One of the best ways to take care of your heart and make it healthier is by making vigorous exercise a regular part of your everyday life.  Jump Rope for Heart teaches elementary school students the importance of developing heart-healthy habits, that being physically active can be fun and that volunteering can be fun and beneficial for the wider community.

Students will be asking for a pledge or donation that they will earn by jumping rope.  Please help them with whatever you can give.

For more information, call Becky Farra at 489-2224, ext 1620.