HEARTBEAT '94 TODAY AT WEST PARK MALL KICKS OFF AMERICAN HEART MONTH EVENTS

To promote healthier lifestyles among young people, this year's American Heart Month message, "Kids who use their brains use their bodies," encourages young people to take care of their hearts.

"Recent studies show that 25.8 percent of high school seniors who smoke tried their first cigarette while in the sixth grade," said Cynthia Seabaugh, regional coordinator for the American Heart Association.

Combined with poor nutrition habits and lack of physical activity, young people are establishing lifestyles that may result in increased numbers of deaths related to heart disease in the decades to come, she said.

February is Heart Month, and the Heart Association has planned a number of educational programs.

The education process in Cape Girardeau includes Heartbeat '94 at West Park Mall today.

Throughout the day, blood pressure screenings, children's education programs and other events are planned. Both Southeast and St. Francis Medical Center will have informational booths and giveaways.

As part of Heartbeat '94, the American Heart Association and Southeast Missouri Hospital sponsored a children's poster contest. The winners will be announced today and the posters displayed at the mall.

On Sunday, a "teleparty" is planned. Four teams will be making calls Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Jump Rope for Heart is planned Monday when the Fox Flyers jump rope team skips into town. This marks the third year the team has performed in Cape Girardeau. They will perform at all the public elementary schools in Cape Girardeau along with Cape Christian School and St. Mary's Elementary.

In addition, students at each of the schools will be jumping rope during the day.

Hang Your Heart is a fund-raising effort by the Health Promotion and Leisure Club at Southeast Missouri State University. Students are selling cardboard hearts to be displayed in businesses. Last year, the club raised $2,000. The hearts sell for $1 for red hearts, $5 for silver hearts and $10 for gold hearts.

Other events throughout the month include a Heartwalkers party for those people participating in the 16-week exercise program. Since October, 155 walkers have been making tracks in five locations.

Throughout the month a residential fund-raising campaign is also being conducted.