Youngsters learn about health

Giving blood to get a cardiac ‘snapshot’, By Robin Mills Wantage — On Friday morning 15 fifth graders from Wantage School waited anxiously to take a test. For many, it was their first time. Some brought their parents with them for support. They were being tested for their cholesterol and fasting glucose levels as part of the Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Area Children (CARDIAC) Project. This is the sixth year Wantage School has participated in the project Cardiac kids. School nurse Deborah Fisher spearheaded the initiative that was co-sponsored by Newton Memorial and St. Clare’s hospitals. To participate, each student needed parental consent. The families also completed a health history questionnaire. Sandy Cerau watched as her daughter Sadie had her blood drawn. “I thought it would be a great idea for Sadie to do this because there is nothing more important than her health.” The testing was free and required each student to have a small amount of blood, approximately a teaspoon, drawn from their arm. Trenace Davenport, a phlebotomist from St. Clare’s Sussex Center, has been working with the Wantage school program for several years and finds the results invaluable. “A lot of kids eat so much fast food, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it at an early age especially with both parents working. Everything is quick, quick, quick,” Davenport said. In addition to the blood sample taken, each child had their height and weight taken, as well as their blood pressure. The project’s founder, William Neal, a pediatric cardiologist from West Virginia University, began conducting this testing to increase awareness of heart disease, stroke and diabetes, while at the same time providing early detection for those children at risk. This is what attracted Alaina Weiss to sign up her 10-year-old daughter Jacqueline. “We want to make sure you’re healthy,” she said as Jacqueline had her blood taken. “Diabetes runs on both sides of the family,” Weiss said, so she’s concerned. Looking at the big picture Left untreated, children with abnormal cholesterol levels face an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Educators say that early screening goes hand in hand with early cardiac education and making changes in eating habits including reducing saturated fat intake and increasing fiber with whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. Maintaining a healthy weight and increasing physical activity can also help combat future troubles. To help children understand the tests, the results and the implications, teachers from the Wantage School will be explaining the details.

By the numbers
Results are confidential, reviewed by school nurse Deb Fisher, and mailed parents.
37 students participated.
2 with high blood glucoses (blood sugar) will need to be follow up by family physician.
3 with high cholesterol and one with high triglycerides will need to be follow up with family physician.
22 with low HDL (good cholesterol) need to watch diet and exercise more.