“Awesome” was the word 10-year-old Shelby Reeves used to describe what she learned at Cardio for Kids Feb 16. Reeves and other youngsters were taught how to administer CPR and how to use an AED — automated external defibrillator — at the event presented by Columbus Cardiovascular Care on Willowbrook Road. It was a topic CCC office manager Kathy Long thought was important to talk about with children, especially during February, which is American Heart Month.

“Every year we have done something different, and this year we wanted to do something for kids,” said Long, who has grandchildren who are at home after school. She knows many other families have children who could benefit from learning how to react in a health emergency.

“We can’t start young enough educating our children about heart health and exercise,” said cardiologist Dr. Julius Kato who, along with Dr. Chadwick Mayes, spoke to Cardio for Kids participants. “So many of our children now are glued to cell phones and games that they are not exercising or eating right.”

Many parents don’t realize heart disease can start as early as 10 years of age, Kato noted.

During the three-hour workshop, kids got to practice administering CPR on a mannequin. They also learned about avoiding drugs and heard from retired Columbus police officer Keith Worshiam, who spoke about safety and harmful narcotics. Arleen Weatherby of Prevention Services Community Counseling donated book bags, paper, pencils, markers and drug prevention materials for participants, who had positive reactions to their heart-healthy seminar.

“I learned how to do CPR and not be scared and to not do drugs,” said Cooper Strickland, age 10.

Anna Woodard, 8, added, “I feel better about babysitting my siblings now.”

KeAmber Conner, 12, said, “It was very educational, and I know it’s important to stay calm to do CPR.”

Long remarked, “A lot of our children are home alone waiting for parents to get off work, and we all know the more you talk about things with kids, the more they can relate back to that.”

In addition to organizing Cardio for Kids, Columbus Cardiovascular Care donated about 20 books about the heart to the New Hope School library, partnering with Allegro.

“We hope to make this an annual event,” Long said.

Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.