In honor of American Heart Month – which is held each February to educate Americans to take heart-healthy measures such as choosing healthy foods to maintain a balanced diet – the Lamar County School District Police Department team is asking first responders to contribute to that cause throughout the month.
To that end, first responders – including police officers, firefighters, emergency management officials and military personnel – are invited to form teams of four individuals to participate in a month-long fitness initiative throughout February, during which each participant is encouraged to achieve a minimum of 100 cardio miles.
“February is American Heart Month, so we’re promoting physical fitness throughout that month, and we’re trying to get first responders involved,” said Tamica Hill, director of public safety for the Lamar County School District. “Whether that’s from the police side, fire, ambulance services – whatever capacity that is – we want to get you involved so that you can continue to serve the citizens.
“When you’re in a patrol car, you’re probably not having (the best diet), so this is an opportunity to get moving and get out of the car for those 12 to 14 hour shifts and move around. We want you to be a ‘healthier you’ for the community that you serve.”
To take part in the initiative, participants are encouraged to take pictures of their activities – along with logs of those activities – and post those photos to social media with the hashtag #heartofthematter. Each participating group also is encouraged to contribute a minimum donation of $100 to heart disease organizations of their choice.
Half of the proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association, while the other half will go toward health science classes at the Lamar County Center for Technical Education.
“As far as the $25 donation, that’s not required, but it’s definitely appreciated,” Hill said. “(Our technical programs) often host blood drives; they do healthy wellness visits with staff and employees.
“So this will give them a better opportunity to serve our district and our community. That’s where the donations are going to.”
The challenge is open to first responders from any county or state who wish to participate. The Lamar County School District Police Department is asking participants to form groups of four individuals, where each team member is tasked with achieving the aforementioned 100 miles of cardio. That can be accomplished by any measure, whether that be walking, swimming, biking, running or on gym equipment such as Stairmasters.
Although this is the first year the Lamar County School District has hosted this initiative, Hill said she is hoping for a good response and to continue the event in future years.
“We plan to keep doing it and keep it going year after year,” she said. “Especially in February, we have a day when we recognize National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, and that’s a whole different heart in itself.
“So this month is extremely personal for our department. We’re going to keep pushing it, keep driving it year after year, and hope that the participation grows.”
For more information, call (601) 794-1030.
