Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 Program

Empowering Kids for a Healthier Future

At a time when children are forming lifelong habits, it's essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices. This is where the Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 program comes in. Designed specifically for 5th and 6th grade school groups, this program brings an engaging and educational experience into the classroom, focusing on the importance of cardiovascular and pulmonary health.

Education for Healthier Living

The primary mission of the Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 program is to enhance the science curriculums of local schools by educating students about the critical importance of maintaining a healthy heart and lungs. We emphasize the negative effects of smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise, while also diving into the fascinating mechanics of how the heart and lungs work.

What to Expect: A Blend of Lecture and Hands-On Learning

The Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 program is divided into two main sections: a lecture and interactive stations.

1. Lecture Portion:  During this segment, students are introduced to the anatomy and function of the heart and lungs. One of the highlights is a video of an open-heart surgery, which gives students a rare glimpse into the medical world and a deeper appreciation of the heart's complexity.
2. Interactive Stations:
   • Pig Heart and Lung Dissection: Students have the unique opportunity to touch a real pig heart and lungs.
   • Stroke Awareness: This station involves a flashcard game where students learn how to recognize the signs of a stroke.
   • Diseased Lungs: Students get to see the differences between a set of healthy lungs and a set of diseased lungs.
   • Healthy Eating: This station involves a MyPlate game where students place food magnets into the correct categories.
   • Stethoscope Practice: Students learn how to use a stethoscope to listen to their heart.
   • AED Training: Students learn how the basics of hands-only CPR and how to use an AED.

Program Details

Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 is directed at 5th and 6th grade school groups. Each session can accommodate up to 75 students and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Sessions are offered once a month from October through May.

Why It Matters

The habits and knowledge that children develop in their formative years can influence their health for the rest of their lives. By providing students with an immersive, hands-on learning experience, Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 empowers them to make informed decisions about their health. They learn about the dangers of smoking, the importance of good nutrition, the value of regular exercise and proper sleep - lessons that can help prevent heart and lung disease later in life.

We believe that every student deserves the knowledge and tools to live a healthy life. Healthy Hearts & Lungs 101 is a step in that direction, equipping young minds with the information they need to keep their hearts and lungs healthy for years to come.

Unable to Attend the In-Person Program?

A shorter version of our in-person curriculum is also available in a 13-minute video. Our video covers the following topics:

• Heart and lung anatomy.
• How the heart and lungs work together.
• Heart disease and how to prevent it.
• Healthy food and where you can find it.
• Healthy habits for overall health.
• Smoking and how it affects the body.

Questions?

For any questions about our program, please email Danielle.smith@trinity-health.org.