Frequently Asked Questions
1. What happens in the Healthy Heart Schools Program?
2. Will the finger prick cholesterol test hurt?
3. What do the letters stand for on my cholesterol sticker?
4. Why do my cholesterol results look different than my friends?
5. Is the blood pressure test like the one in the drug store?
6. Will anyone see my weight?
7. What is BMI?
8. Am I healthy?
9. Do I get a certificate for taking part in the CPR day?
10. Can I download a copy of the questionnaire?
1. What happens in the Healthy Heart Schools Program?
Grade 5
There is 1 class for the Healthy Heart Schools Program. On the Assessment Day you learn about cholesterol, blood pressure and body measurement tests. There is also a healthy lifestyle questionnaire and consent that the teacher gives you to fill in before you can participate. You will receive a take home sheet with all your results.
Grade 7
There is 1 class for the Healthy Heart Schools Program. On the CPR/AED Day you learn about saving lives. There is also a healthy lifestyle questionnaire and consent that the teacher gives you to fill in before you can participate.
Grade 9
There are 2 classes for the Healthy Heart Schools Program. On the CPR/AED Day you learn about saving lives and on the Assessment Day you learn about cholesterol, blood pressure and body measurement tests. There is also a healthy lifestyle questionnaire and consent that the teacher gives you to fill in before you can participate. You will receive a CPR certificate and take home sheet with all your results.
Before Heart Niagara comes to the school the teacher has probably already had classes on the heart, heart disease and not smoking. We do not test for blood sugar and diabetes in this program.
2. Will the finger prick hurt?
The finger prick lasts less than a second and feels like someone flicking your finger. Many kids and adults with diabetes do this every single day.
3. What do the letters stand for on my cholesterol sticker?
TC - Total Cholesterol; the good and bad cholesterol levels are included in this number.
HDL - High Density Lipoprotein; your healthy / good cholesterol (you want a lot of this).
Non-HDL - everything that is not your healthy cholesterol.
TC/HDL - a ratio of how much total cholesterol (TC) you have compared to how much good cholesterol (HDL) there is in your body.
For more information on cholesterol's click here.
4. Why do my cholesterol results look different than my friends?
There are many factors that affect your cholesterol values including your family history, nutrition, physical activity levels and age. Your results may look very different from your friends but both of you are still perfectly healthy. Remember, you do not have to show anyone your results.
5. Is the blood pressure test like the one in the drug store?
Yes and no. We use a machine called BpTru and it is the same one used in research, hospitals and health care provider clinics. We put a cuff on your arm that blows up with air and deflates slowly. It is uncomfortable but does not hurt. It takes less than 2 minutes to figure out your blood pressure. If you move around, flex or talk when the machine is working then we will likely have to repeat it to get a more accurate BP.
6. Will anyone see my weight?
No one will see your weight unless you show them. Your height, weight and waist circumference measurements are all done behind a screen to ensure that they are kept private.
7. What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a comparison of your weight compared to your height. BMI alone does not mean very much as other factors need to be considered. In the Healthy Heart Schools' Program, BMI and waist circumference are used together to decide if your size and shape will put you at risk for developing diabetes and heart disease in the future. New research is showing that even if your body size and shape is above the limits, you can protect your heart as long as you are physically active.
8. Am I healthy?
YES! Even if you need to follow up with your family doctor or nurse practitioner, you're still healthy! Seeing your family health care provider can only help to keep your heart healthy in the future. Regardless of your body size and shape, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure all the research is showing your good health depends on your Physical Activity levels, how much you eat and what you eat.
9. Do I get a certificate for taking part in the CPR day?
After you successfully complete your course in CPR, you will be given a HeartSaver (A) certification card that is valid for 2 years. This certification can be useful when applying for jobs so be sure to keep it in a safe place.
10. Can I download a copy of the questionnaire?
YES!
Please see the links below and download the appropriate questionnaire for your grade level.
Grade 5 questionnaire booklet
Grade 7 questionnaire booklet
Grade 9 questionnaire booklet
back to top