The Lake County Health Department, in conjunction with the Waukegan Public Schools, is launching a program to teach heart-healthy habits to students, officials said.
“Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Lake County,” said Health Department Executive Director Dale Galassie. “This program will help young children learn lifelong habits to protect them against this disease.”
The Project CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum will emphasize nutrition modification and the importance of physical activity and health education.
The goal is to help students and their families, as well as school staff members, increase their knowledge of heart health, and run to decrease the risk of cardiovascular health problems, according to officials.
The program will begin Tuesday with an assembly in Greenwood Elementary School, 1919 North Ave., Waukegan. Other planned activities include a Family Fun Night and two assemblies.
Events are also being planned on asthma education and prevention of tobacco and alcohol use.