Baptist Heart Center medical director Patrick Withr ow, M.D., spends time with McNabb Elementary students.

With the Baptist Heart Center now providing the latest in cardiac services, Western Baptist Hospital has pledged $30,000 to fund a two-year national fitness program at two area elementary schools. Paducah’s McNabb Elementary and Graves County Central Elementary were selected as grant recipients by Project Fit America, a non-profit, public charity. They have received teacher training and curriculum resource materials, as well as indoor and outdoor exercise equipment.

Cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., director of the new heart center, said one of the heart center’s goals is community education, so it is a natural fit to work as partners with the two schools. He said the program will help children change unhealthy diet and exercise habits, which are leading to heart disease in younger people.

“Childhood obesity is on the rise, and Kentucky leads the nation in smoking,” said Dr. Withrow. “We need to intervene early to educate children, parents, teachers and anyone involved in their care to make their adult lives healthy and happy. That’s why a program like Project Fit America is so important.”

McNabb Elementary School principal Kim Bryant agrees.

“With the help of this grant, we hope to teach our students skills about good nutrition and exercise they can use at school and at home,” said Bryant. “Nearly 93 percent of our students come from economically disadvantaged homes, and with that often comes the risk of poor nutrition and exercise habits. We are thrilled to be chosen as a Project Fit America school and are encouraged about the changes we hope to instill in the community.”

Stephanie Elliott, a spokesperson for Project Fit America, said the two schools were chosen from several applicants because of their commitment to fitness.

“These students already were involved in physical education classes or activities most days of the week,” she said. “Project Fit America will expand their programs to make fitness a long-term part of their lives.”

Outdoor playground equipment was installed at both schools this summer.