| [Image: SJA] |
| [Image: SJA] |
| [Image: SJA] |
Cynthia Clifton, LSU AgCenter family and consumer science agent, and Kelly Perret, AgCenter 4-H agent, presented the Smart Bodies Program to the students at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. The Smart Bodies Program is sponsored by LSU AgCenter and Blue Cross and Blue Shield and teaches students, teachers and parents about eating healthfully. The school assembly was held on September 9, 2009.
Characters, called “The OrganWise Guys," were introduced to the students. The students’ favorite organ character was Hardy Heart. Hardy Heart is one of the leaders of the organs because he pumps blood to all parts of the body through long tubes called arteries and veins. Hardy Heart reminded the students that he is counting on them to make healthful choices to keep their arteries and veins clean so he can keep the blood flowing. Props were shown to the children of what clogged arteries look like if they eat things like french fries, butter and other foods loaded with fat all the time. They were also shown props of what nice clean arteries look like if they ate french fries once in a while. When you get regular exercise, it helps your arteries stay clean and healthy. When you run around on the playground, take walks with your family, ride your bikes, play sports, dance or do any other fun physical activity, that keeps your body moving and helps keep your arteries clean.
Kindergarten- through third-grade teachers are teaching the OrganWise Guys and Take 10 in class for the next 12 weeks. At the end of the 12 weeks, the students will experience the Body Walk, where they will actually walk through a simulated exhibito of the body -- starting with the brain and ending at life’s healthy pathway.
The students had to learn four rules before they could be inducted into the OrganWise club. The rules were LOW-FAT, HIGH FIBER, and LOTS OF WATER AND EXERCISE. The students made a cheer out of the rules so that they could remember them at the end. They also learned the club song: Hi, my name is Hardy, I pump blood to all part s of my body. A friend came up to me and said, “Hardy, are you a smarty?” Yes, I’m OrganWise, That’s why I like to exercise.
The students and teachers really enjoyed the school assembly and can hardly wait until the Body Walk on November 10-11, 2009. Have a happy, healthy day!