Cardiologist PATRI CK WITHRO W, M.D., medical director of the new Baptist Heart Center, portrays the Wizard of Health to children at Paducah’s McNabb Elementary, including kindergartener Al easha Moore.

Children’s unhealthy diet and exercise habits are leading to heart disease in younger people. That’s why cardiologist Patrick Withrow, M.D., medical director of the new Baptist Heart Center, is passionate about making children—and their parents and caregivers—heart-wise.

He and his daughter, McNabb Elementary School writing teacher Carol Withrow, created a fun, interactive program to teach children the importance of living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Carol Withrow wrote The Wizard of Health, a play based on The Wizard of Oz characters, to teach children what happens if they choose bad heart habits like smoking, overeating and not exercising.

Dr. Withrow, as the wizard, explained portion control, fitness habits and lifestyle choices to help the characters on the yellow brick road to heart health.

“This is a fun way to reach out to children and pique their interest early on,” said Dr. Withrow. “Childhood obesity is on the rise, and Kentucky leads the nation in smoking. We need to intervene early to educate children, parents, teachers and anyone involved in their care to make their adult lives healthy and happy.”

Get active with your children this summer. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Go swimming. Play outside. Spending time together outdoors is great exercise for you and your kids.