by William Crum
On Wednesday the Girl Scouts from St. Elizabeth School in Kansas City, Mo., learned about healthy heart habits at the University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan.
Girl Scouts from all ages earned the Change of Heart patch by taking part in a hands-on presentation program.
The program director is Karen Morgan, who grew up in Wyandotte County. She went to St. Peter’s and is a graduate of Ward High School, class of 1978.
The program started in 2007 and it was in 2012, some five years later, that things started to happen.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women. This program is developed teach young girls between the ages of kindergarten through the eighth grade healthy heart habits.
During the discussion Morgan said program participants talk about what healthy habits are, and they use a heart model and stethoscope to help girls listen to their hearts. They also talk about risk factors of heart disease, what they can change and what they cannot, she said.
“We also stress not smoking,” Morgan said. “Teenage girls and boys are the largest group of new smokers.”
She said they also stress the importance of exercise, and show what proper food proportions are. Regular physical activity is also discussed within the program.
“We want to catch them when they’re young by teaching them good healthy habits,” Morgan said, “not only eating properly but proper exercise as well. In a short time the program has been around it has gotten rave reviews from various civic officials and the public as well.”
If you want to learn more call 913-588-1227 or email [email protected].
