Wheaton students learn about heart health

It may have looked like just another fun day in gym class, but Longfellow Elementary students were being taught some important lessons as they rode scooters through red play tunnels Friday at the Wheaton school.

"They're learning the job of the heart," said physical education teacher Barb Williams.

That included key facts about the circulatory system, such as how the heart pumps blood and circulates oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Earlier in the week, Williams said, the students had to go through the course with obstacles in the way, to help them understand that blood supply to the heart can get clogged if they make unhealthy choices.

Other activities emphasized how eating well and staying active are necessary to keep the heart healthy for years to come.

A heart rate monitor was available for the students to use and a cow heart on display gave them a chance to touch the organ and compare it to the human heart.

Several parents participated in the "heart adventure" too. Williams said she hoped the event taught the kids the importance of making healthy choices "throughout their lives."