A healthy heart is critical to a healthy lifestyle, which is why Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana has teamed up with the American Heart Association to promote heart awareness.
“Girl Scouts is committed to providing educational programming about healthy living for girls, including physical health, mental health and emotional health,” said Candice Schmidt, Director of Program for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. “We’re grateful to collaborate with the American Heart Association on the importance of heart health.”
According to the American Heart Association, about one of three American kids and teens are overweight or obese. Through the patch program with the American Heart Association, Girl Scouts will learn more about healthy eating habits, how to prepare healthy snacks and how to determine their own family history and risk factors for heart disease.
“We are inspired by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s commitment to the health of young girls and the impact they will make in this program. This partnership will give Girl Scouts the tools and educational resources they need to lead a heart healthy life, as well as spread awareness of our number one and number four killers – heart disease and stroke,” said Anne Schullo Community Engagement Coordinator for the American Heart Association. “We are grateful for the Girl Scouts’ generosity and willingness to work with us to tackle a tangible solution and look forward to an exciting relationship.”
The American Heart Association program includes a program guide, which entails five opportunities, and patch available for $3 per girl. Path opportunities include: Simple Cooking with Heart Kids to make cooking at home less daunting; Life Simple 7 for Kids to learn wellness tips; Celebrate the AHA in Your Own Way all year round; Little Hats, Big Hearts to benefit babies born in February at participating hospitals; and Hands-Only CPR. To receive the program materials and patches, please visit www.gcnwiprograms.org.