Healthy Heart Schools’ Program
Healthy Heart Schools' Program Overview
In 1985 Heart Niagara Inc. established a school-based program in the Niagara Region with the support of the school boards and public health unit. These services are available to address the need for heart health education at younger ages. Materials and training are tailored to each grade to ensure that they are accessible and age-appropriate.
"Fantastic program! The students enjoy the hands-on learning and take pride in receiving the Heart Saver (A) card." - Teacher in St. Catharines
Heart Niagara's Healthy Heart Schools' Program provides several opportunities for educational enrichment related to Ontario's Health and Physical Education and Science curricula. Where applicable, programs have been approved by the District School Board of Niagara and Niagara Catholic District School Board's ethics committee.
The Healthy Heart Schools' Program helps families identify their risk for heart disease and provides prevention education while assisting teachers in delivering heart health education. Heart Niagara is now assisting the 2nd generation of families in the program, with current participants parents previously assessed when they were in grade 9!
This program has provided a unique research opportunity to gain knowledge surrounding cholesterol and cardiovascular health in adolescents. Currently, our program is the only one in Canada which collects data about heart health in such a large population of adolescents.
To book any program, email Heart Niagara or call (905)358-5552.
Grade 7: Heart Health and CPR Training
The Healthy Heart Schools' Program for grade 7 students takes place over 2.5 hours of class time and usually takes place in a gym. Students will have a heart assessment completed, attend a health living presentation, and will get trained and certified in Heartsaver A CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use. Valued at $45 a student, Heart Niagara offers this program for only $5 a student. Click here to download a .pdf with more information.
Grade 9: Heart Health and CPR Training
The Healthy Heart Schools' Program for grade 9 students is a two-day program designed to support the Health and Physical Education curriculum while also providing students with the opportunity to learn about heart health. The program takes place during regularly schedules Physical Education periods with the first day educating students about personal risk factors for heart disease through an assessment, finger prick cholesterol test, and height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure measurements. Following the assessment students will be given a copy to take home and Heart Niagara will also mail a copy to health care providers for follow-up if needed. The second day will have students trained a certified in Heartsaver A CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use, and their importance in the 'Chain of Survival.' Through fundraising efforts, Heart Niagara is able to offer the grade 9 program at no chare to your school/students. Click here to download a .pdf with more information.
Grade 11 Specialist High Skills Major First Aid Training
Call 905-358-5552 for more information.
“The instructors are friendly, knowledgeable and able to relate to the students well. We always enjoy this program!” – Principal in St. Catharines
Check Out Our CPR and AED Demo at Gordon Public School on May 7, 2014http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGjNP-nsy4s
"My class thoroughly enjoyed learning the basics of CPR and AED use, and several are very interested in obtaining first aid/CPR certification when they are older.” – Teacher in Niagara Falls.
On April 14, 2015, Heart Niagara celebrated the success of the We Belong project with the District School Board of Niagara. Heart Niagara was chosen to pilot this project in Niagara by Physical and Health Education Canada.
