The American Heart Association and PROCON are working together to make Manchester, New Hampshire a healthier place for children and their families. The American Heart Association’s Growing Healthy Hearts program, locally sponsored by PROCON, has been brought to Gossler Park Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester. The program will distribute monthly messages to the students and their families about important health topics such as the importance of eating right, the dangers of cigarettes and vaping, and the benefits of physical activity.
The goal of this program is to provide families with the information they need to live healthier and to inspire children to keep their hearts healthy. The program was kicked off at both Gossler Park Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester with an interactive presentation to the students on how important it is to take care of your heart.
Healthy habits start at a young age and nearly one in three kids or teens in the U.S. is overweight or obese. Kids who are active have better bone health, physical fitness, brain function, attention and academic performance. They also stay at a healthier weight and have fewer symptoms of depression. The American Heart Association recommends 3 hours of a variety of light, moderate, and vigorous activity for children ages 3-5 and at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous activity for children ages 6-17. The American Heart Association and PROCON are working together to combat unhealthy habits in Manchester’s youth to build longer, healthier lives.