SKS fifth graders participated in the annual CARDIAC Program. CARDIAC stands for Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Area Children. Several schools in the area participate in the program that is sponsored by CoxHealth and Children's Miracle Network. The purpose of the screening program is to find kids who are at risk of heart disease or diabetes. Early detection helps families make informed changes in their child's life that will protect and better their health.
Students first began this journey by taking a class with the CoxHealth nurses. In class, they discussed that the heart is a muscle that needs exercise and how beneficial walking is for your heart. They also learned how to check their own pulse. School Nurse Duke Denton is the organizer for SK students. Nurse Duke makes sure all permission slips are signed and he reassures s few nervous students before their blood draw.
The actual screening involves two parts. In the first part, students have their weight and height measured. They also have their BMI (Body Mass Index) calculated. The last step is having the skin on the back of their neck checked for a darkening process called "Acanthosis Nigricans" or "AN." Should there be darkening present, this is an indicator of risk for Type II Diabetes.
The second part of the screening includes a blood draw. On the scheduled day, students come to school having fasted for 10 hours. A CoxHealth nurse draws about a teaspoon amount of blood from a vein in the student's arm. The blood is then screened for cholesterol levels and other fats found in the blood. Once both parts of the screening process is complete, parents receive a letter with their child's results. If parents receive negative results, they can also have their own blood drawn and tested. All of this is free of cost to the families.
Once everything was completed, participating students received a watch that tracks their steps, tells time and tells how many calories have been burned for the day. The students that had their blood drawn also received a $5 walmart gift card and the whole class is going to get a pizza party. When asked if the blood draw hurt, 5th grader Audrey said, "it feels like you poked yourself with a pen you write with." This is an excellent, free program for our students promoting good heart health.