Canfield kids jump into a healthy life

By ELISE FRANCO

Two doctors tell pupils a balanced diet and exercise are the key to a healthy heart.

CANFIELD — Energy was high in the C.H. Campbell Elementary gymnasium, as the fourth-grade class helped kick off the Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser.

In its 15th year at the school, Jump Rope For Heart serves as a way for pupils to raise money to fund educational programs and research through the American Heart Association.

“Every year we have this kickoff assembly,” Ronie Haurin, physical education teacher, said. “The oldest students do jumping rope for everyone to get the younger kids excited about the project.”

The entire student body, kindergarten through fourth grade, gathered for a jump-rope presentation and short speeches by two local doctors Thursday afternoon.

Dr. Ron Mikolich, chief of cardiology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Roots-town, explained to the pupils what they could do to take care of themselves now to avoid health problems later in life.

“Eat right, exercise, and don’t smoke,” he said. “You need to be balanced. You don’t want to be too heavy, but you don’t want to be too thin, either.”

Dr. Lynn Mikolich, director of physical medicine and rehabilitation at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, explained that a healthy heart only comes from working out other muscles in your body.

“The body is made up of hundreds of muscles,” she said. “By exercising all those other muscles, you help keep your heart healthy.” After the speeches, fourth-graders took to the floor to show off their jump-roping talents.

Brandon McFall, 10, said he and his classmates practiced for two weeks to get their moves perfect.

He said he thinks jumping rope is a good way to have fun and exercise at the same time.

“It can help your heart,” said Brandon, who also plays basketball and football.

Bridget Sweeney, 10, said she also enjoys the activity. “I like it because it keeps your body moving,” she said.

Bridget is involved in several other activities, including softball, basketball, tennis, dance and swimming.

The schoolwide jump-roping begins Oct. 20 and continues through Oct. 24.

Pupils may continue to collect donations until the day their class is scheduled to jump rope.

Principal Kent Polen said he fully supports the program.

“It gets the kids to understand how important the heart is,” he said.

“It’s great to see the kids go out to recess and pick up the jump ropes. They’re exercising without even realizing it.”

He said it makes him happy to know the older kids have such a good influence over the younger ones when it comes to the Jump Rope For Heart program.

Both doctors shared Polen’s sentiments.

“I think this is fantastic,” Ron Mikolich said. “They’re at the perfect age to start practicing healthy habits — eating right and exercising.”

efranco@vindy.com