Suffolk News-Herald

Recently, students from Alliance Christian School got the jump on heart disease by raising over $5,000 when they participated in the &uot;Eighth Annual Jump Rope for Heart&uot; event.

Even though the school is located in the Portsmouth area, many students from Suffolk participated.

This activity is designed to teach participants about the benefits of regular exercise while promoting teamwork and building school spirit. The importance of a healthy lifestyle – including proper nutrition, exercise, not smoking, and controlling high blood pressure – is also emphasized.

Caroline Pond, activity coordinator, said everyone had a great time, but even more meaningful, students learned about the importance of physical fitness and reducing the risk of heart disease.

She also said this knowledge would pay dividends throughout their lifetimes.

The American Alliance for health, physical education, recreation and dance (Virginia affiliate) of the American Heart Association, sponsors this program annually. Money raised supports research and educational programs to fight cardiovascular diseases, the nation’s number one killer.

&uot;I am very happy about the results of this event because we had set a goal of $5,000, which was reached but raised $5,630.69 for the American Heart Association. Not only did we raise money, but also the children and I had lots of fun,&uot; Pond said.

Alliance Christian School has received a plaque every year since 1997 for the First Place School in the Portsmouth Division.

&uot;We hope to place first again this year,&uot; said Pond.