Fronteras jumps for heart health

MAT-SU — Fronteras Charter School showed off its heart last week when 38 students and some parents arrived at the school to start jumping rope early in the morning as part of the school’s fourth annual Jump Rope For Heart event to raise money for the American Heart Association, which continues through Oct. 21.

American Heart Association funds lifesaving heart and stroke research and community and youth education programs.

Jump Rope For Heart teaches students how physical fitness benefits the heart and shows them that volunteering can be a fun and positive experience for the whole community. The need to educate children about the importance of physical activity couldn’t be timelier. According to recent studies, about one-third of children are overweight and obese. Statistics show heart disease and stroke are the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers.

“Fronteras Charter currently has an outstanding long-term substitute teacher for physical education who jumped at the opportunity to help, Cheryl Jorgenson,” said Kymberlee Wood, Alaska American Heart Association youth director.

To kick off her heart health lessons, Jorgenson shared the story of her daughter’s best friend, Michael, who she said is alive today because of the American Heart Association.

“Jump Rope for Heart is an amazing program that saves lives,” she told her students. “Fronteras has inspiration from Michael and many other hearts in our Mat-Su Valley that have the opportunity to beat.”

Middle school students set a goal of raising $5,000, which Jorgenson said she thinks is reachable.

“The enthusiasm of our Fronteras students to make a difference is amazing,” she said. “Students are coming to school at 7:15 a.m., to Jump for Heart because of a wonderful parent volunteer who is doing her part to save a heart. I am excited Fronteras is demonstrating community outreach and making a difference for the lives of many.”

Wood agrees.

“By including physical activity into their daily routines, kids can significantly reduce the onset and burden of heart disease,“ Wood said. “By raising money through Jump Rope For Heart, we are preventing heart disease and obesity for the next generation of Americans. Kids are literally jumping into a heart healthier life while becoming passionate about raising money for other kids with sick hearts.”

For more information, contact (907) 865-5300, kymberlee.wood@heart.org or visit americanheart.org/jump.