Students at Koelsch Elementary School in Boise are jumping rope to fight heart disease and stroke in the seventh annual Jump Rope for Heart event. Students and staff have raised more than $18,000 over the last six years.

“If we can help students learn now how to care for their own heart and bring that home to the families, it will go a long ways,” said Corinne Morgan a P.E. specialist at Koelsch Elementary School. “Last year we raised about $2,000 and this year we hope to beat that.”

Over the last 36, years, millions of students across the nation have jumped rope and learned about heart health and physical activity to help prevent heart disease and stroke. Jump Rope for Heart is co-sponsored by the American Heart Association and SHAPE American-Society of Health and Physical Educators.