Student Contributor -N. Cabiad
This organization’s purpose is to make people aware and to start thinking about heart disease, “America’s No. 1 Killer”. This association raises money to fund research about heart disease and has made large strides over the years to push for a healthier youth through programs such as The Kids Heart Challenge.
This organization has made many breakthroughs in the medical field. They have won a Nobel Prize from their research as well as discovering new medicine and technology to help those with heart disease. Some of their more recent accomplishments that are funded by donations are a drug coated stent that opens blocked arteries and a mechanical pump that can assist heart failure patients waiting for a transplant. Along with these advances in the science aspects, this association has raised awareness and billions of dollars for their cause. These donations are all documented on their financial information page on their website, including IRS forms and audited financial statements, showing that they are legitimate and honest. This is a great way to get students thinking about their health, while at the same time getting involved with an organization that makes a difference.
There are many ways that you can get your school or even just your students involved with this organization. You can teach a lesson on heart disease through the American Heart Association’s “Kids Heart Challenge”, which educates students on health as well as raising donations for this cause. You can also incorporate physical education aspects into this, teaching kids good ways to stay healthy and active.
