Meadowthorpe mom ‘excited to be alive,’
reminds students to keep hearts healthy

By Tammy Lane
Fayette County Public Schools

Even as they exchange valentines, kids at Meadowthorpe Elementary are keeping “healthy hearts” in mind all month long.

PTA vice president Jesi Bowman and P.E. teacher Monica Nicholson are leading February’s campaign to emphasize both the serious side and the fun side of exercise and fitness.

“I’m excited to be alive and want to raise awareness that you’re never too young, too active or too cute for strokes and heart disease,” said the 34-year-old Bowman, who two years ago suffered the first in a series of four strokes.

Last October, doctors discovered that atrial fibrillation combined with antiphospholipid syndrome were to blame.

“I had to re-learn to walk and regain the use and function of my left hand. I love challenges so I never lost hope, worked hard and am sharing my story to inspire and encourage other patients,” said Bowman, who will be recognized at this year’s Central Kentucky Heart and Stroke Ball. “Thanks to medication and a healthy lifestyle, my symptoms are controlled. I recently started working out again and look forward to staying ‘heart healthy.’”  

Bowman continued to volunteer at Meadowthorpe during her recovery.

“Our students and staff have seen firsthand the effects of stroke and heart disease,” she said. “They asked questions as to what happened and why I was in a wheelchair, and then celebrated each small victory with me.”

Most recently, she teamed up with Nicholson on this month-long initiative to highlight the importance of heart-healthy habits.

The school’s lobby and hallways are plastered with red construction-paper reminders of Heart Heroes’ efforts such as “I play tennis,” “I don’t take drugs” and “I eat healthy foods.” Fliers also promote the Girls on the Run club, a community blood drive and the schoolwide Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. In addition, everyone was invited to celebrate the American Heart Association’s National Wear Red Day, and the PTA awarded prizes for the most creative and craziest outfits.

Nicholson is on board with daily fun facts and “15 seconds for your heart” during Meadowthorpe’s morning show, when the kids jump up and down to music to raise their heart rates before classes begin. She also shares new jump-rope skills during P.E. sessions, noting, “It’s a total body workout using your arms, your legs and your heart.”

Posters in the gym remind the children of the risk factors for heart disease and of better food choices. Meanwhile, they use Wii, GeoMats and Zumba to stay active indoors and run relay races outside during recess.

“They love the challenge,” Nicholson said. “My goal is for them to find something they like to do and stay fit and healthy for life.”