February is American "Heart" Month to raise public awareness about heart disease. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to become more knowledgeable about the importance of maintaining a healthy heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. In fact, every year 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. Fortunately, heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. 

Communities, health professionals, schools, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices. The Gainesville City School System is making a difference by increasing public awareness among our students, parents, employees, and community. Our schools are hosting events such as Jump Rope for Hearts and Hoops for Hearts.  Some schools and even the district have gone a step further increasing employee awareness by offering mini-sessions on heart disease and Hands Only CPR training.

There are several ways that heart disease can be preventable. 

• Make small changes to your diet like using spices to season food instead of salt and eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables.
• Make physical activity a daily part of your routine and encourage family and friends to exercise with you. 
• Schedule regular check-ups with your health professional to closely monitor your cholesterol and blood pressure.

National School Counseling Week was celebrated the first week in February to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within school systems. Sponsored by the American School Counseling Association , the week highlighted the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. 

Enota students have been very busy in their technology classes. Fourth and fifth graders are working on projects using Google Slides that require them to think about their futures. Fourth grade students are researching careers that they are interested in pursuing after high school. They are learning valuable information such as what a day is typically like for a person in that field, the average salary of that career, and what kind of degrees are required to work in that field. Many students are researching careers in real estate, meteorology, and education. Several students are also interested in becoming doctors and lawyers!

 

Fifth grade students are researching colleges that  they might be interested in attending. They are learning about majors and activities offered at colleges of interest as well as other interesting facts that may help to drive their future decisions. The students have also learned that they need to start working hard in school by making good grades and making good choices if they want to attend the university or college of their dreams.