By: Lindsay Starr Platt, Correspondent 

February is Heart Healthy Month and children in Nolanville had the chance to learn about the heart and its functions from a nurse. FROG (Fully Rely On God) is a weekly program at First United Methodist Church that brings in a speaker to talk to children about topics and issues that are important to them.

“This lesson is kind of like science. This nurse is good and she is a fun nurse,” said Elizabeth Salazar, age 9. “She said it is very important to exercise.”

The children got to learn about the heart, see photographs and hear facts about the heart and how to keep it healthy. They talked about the heart and the feeling of love, that is said to come from the heart. They learned to be kind to others and about God’s love.

“I was just impressed with the kids. They asked good questions and they weren’t shy. That speaks a lot about the children and the leaders they have. They are comfortable to speak their own thoughts here,” said Stacy Seacrest, R.N., Surgical Services, Metroplex Hospital.

Seacrest showed the children what a stethoscope was and what functions it performs. The highlight of the afternoon was when Seacrest gave the children a chance to listen to their own hearts with the stethoscope. They lined up and were quiet as they awaited their turn to listen to the sound of their heartbeat.

“I learned about your heart. When you exercise, it beats fast and when you sleep it is slower,” commented Adalyn Gibson, age 6.

The children received gifts of stickers and bandages from the nurse. Heart healthy oatmeal cookies were provided as a snack for the children to enjoy before they went outside to play.

“It’s wonderful! It is just fun to see the kids have a good time. The kids need structure and we try to put God in them before the weekend,” said Lisa Driver, Church Member.

FROG is held every Friday at the church activity hall. Different activities and speakers are planned for the event. In April the children will learn to build birdhouses and get to take them home after they are built. Also, a lesson about plants is on the agenda.

“I think it was wonderful. I enjoy that we get to come and spend time with the kids. One little boy like it so much here, he showed up for a service on Sunday morning all by himself,” said Marie Reis, Church Member.