LISD goes red for women

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), "more than one in three female adults have some sort of cardiovascular disease...Each year the disease claims the lives of nearly 500,000 American women." Still, many aren't paying attention to these devastating statistics, but Lewisville ISD (LISD) is and it's doing something about it.

"Several years ago, LISD partnered with the local (AHA) chapter in support of its 'Go Red for Women' ('Go Red') campaign," said LISD Director of Health Services Melanie Vincelette.

The AHA created the "Go Red" initiative "to dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women" and "empower women to take charge of their heart health." LISD's partnership with the AHA and participation in "Go Red" provides an opportunity to educate employees and kids about heart disease, especially in women, while also being part of a bigger nationwide awareness initiative that helps save lives annually.

"When we first began 'Go Red' we asked school nurses to do something, anything, to help educate faculty, both men and women," Vincelette said.

That request has manifested itself in an array of activities for both staff and students on campuses district-wide. As part of "Go Red," campus nurses provide things such as healthy meals, CPR training and organize activities such as walks and volleyball games for staff; they decorate entryways and put up informational bulletin boards for all to enjoy and learn from. Many science teachers guide students through a study of the heart, physical education teachers help students understand how cardiovascular activity contributes to heart health and cooking classes prepare heart-healthy meals.

"The AHA's 'Go Red' is so important to school districts like LISD, because it provides education to all adults on the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle," said Susan Elizondo, AHA vice president of youth market, Dallas. "Administrators and nurses in LISD provide visible and creative ways for staff to have a good time and contribute to an important cause. Be it building a literal food pyramid, learning a quick exercise routine or finding ways to celebrate each other -- this community embraces us and our mission."

The first week in February marked the official "Go Red" week, but LISD celebrates the initiative throughout the month, which is also deemed "Heart Awareness Month" by the AHA. On some campuses, events even trickle in to March and, in some cases, evidence of the campaign is still visible throughout the district.

Campuses that led the district's effort this year include Coyote Ridge Elementary, Creek Valley Elementary (Valley Ridge), Degan Elementary, Downing Middle School, Durham Middle School, Hedrick Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Highland Village Elementary, Homestead Elementary, Lamar Middle School, Marcus High School, Old Settlers Elementary, Stewarts Creek Elementary, Tom Hicks Elementary and Valley Ridge Elementary.

"The commitment of our school nurses that make this initiative possible is awesome," Vincelette said. "Not only has it helped raise awareness for a worthy cause, it has helped staff members understand that nurses are there for them not only to take care of kids, but also to help provide information and promote wellness."

Though participation in fundraisers that benefit "Go Red" is not required, many campuses have chosen to help financially through various projects. As a result of this overwhelming support from staff, students and parents, LISD has been the number one school district supporter of the AHA in the north Texas area the last several years.

"We (LISD) are rock stars to the AHA," Vincelette said. "They look forward to our involvement every year and I look forward to what our nurses are going to come up with every year too. I'm proud that we (LISD) are such a strong supporter of 'Go Red'."

Elizondo said, "We (AHA) are so proud of LISD, as they are one of our leaders in the state of Texas for raising donations and providing education through 'Go Red.'"

"The purpose of 'Go Red' is meaningful to all of us," LISD Superintendent Dr. Stephen F. Waddell said. "Thank you to our school nurses who go above and beyond to make all of these enrichment activities possible in our district."

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