Demopolis Middle readying for Hoops for Heart event

Demopolis Middle School will be hosting its annual Hoops for Heart Event Friday at 9 a.m. in the DMS gymnasium. Hoops for Heart is a community service learning program of the American Heart Association that teaches students the importance of developing heart-healthy habits.

The program seeks to help students gain a deeper understanding of cardiovascular health, including basic knowledge such as the value of physical activity.

“Raising funds to support cardiovascular research and education helps save lives in (the students’) community and across the nation,” Jesse Bell, head of the DMS Hoops for Heart initiative, said. “Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer. Our children are developing significant health issues that can shorten their life expectancy. Almost a third of U.S. children and adolescents from age two to 19 are overweight or obese. Children who are obese are more than twice as likely to die before age 55. Sixty-one percent of children from age nine to 13 aren’t physically active outside of school.”

The program sends students into the community to raise donations for the American Heart Association. Students who participate in the event are afforded the opportunity to participate in an array of basketball competitions in the DMS gymnasium the Friday before spring break.

“Our goals are to increase students’ knowledge of practices and methods to care for the heart. We also desire to honor those in our community who have been affected by heart disease and raise funds to support the American Heart Association’s efforts to build healthier lives,” Bell said. “We would like to thank our community and citizens across the country for the support for this important event. If you have any questions concerning this event, please contact our Hoops for Heart coordinators at 334-289-4242.”