McKinley students team up with Mercy to design heart health brochure

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Mercy Medical Center is partnering with neighboring McKinley Middle School on a science project involving the school's sixth grade students.  As part of a science unit on the vascular system, McKinley science teacher Michele Wilson asked Mercy nurses to present information on heart disease, risk factors, diet and exercise.  The sixth graders were then invited to design and create an informational brochure that will be used to promote heart health among their peers and throughout the community.

Of the 198 students who participated, judges from McKinley and Mercy chose one winning design which was designed by a team of three students.  The creators of this year's winning brochure are Hal Versteegh, Parks McBride and Andrew Todd. 

Mercy is printing the brochures and will distribute them at the hospital and at MercyCare clinics throughout the area.

Science teacher Michele Wilson says she's pleased with the number of students who eagerly participated in the brochure contest and says the project was a great way for students to do their own research on heart health.

The McKinley students who are part of the science unit in Wilson's class are touring heart-related areas of Mercy Medical Center on Feb. 14 and 17.  They will take part in hands-on activities in non-invasive cardiology, which includes rehabilitation, stress testing, echocardiogram and pulmonary function labs, as well as the emergency room, recovery bay and cath lab.

February is American Heart Month.