Preventing Heart Disease in Girls Before It Starts

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States.

Yet most prevention conversations don’t begin until adulthood — after habits are already formed and risk factors are already present.

Heart N Hands exists to change that.

We believe prevention begins early. By educating girls ages 10–18 about heart health, nutrition, physical activity, stroke awareness, and healthy lifestyle habits, we are equipping the next generation with knowledge that can save lives.

Our work is rooted in one powerful truth: when a girl understands her health, she gains power.

Through engaging, interactive programming, Heart N Hands provides hands-on education that makes heart health practical and accessible. Our sessions include fitness activities like dance and movement, cooking demonstrations that teach nutrition fundamentals, discussions about cardiovascular health and stroke prevention, and real-life strategies girls can implement immediately.

We meet girls where they already are — in schools, community organizations, and youth programs — creating safe, supportive spaces where they can learn, ask questions, and build confidence in their ability to make healthy choices.

We proudly partner with organizations such as Lafitte Greenway, Girl Scouts Louisiana East, Girls on the Run NOLA 5K, and Links New Orleans Chapters to extend our reach and ensure heart health education is accessible to girls across our community.

But our mission goes beyond information.

We are working to break cycles.

Heart disease and stroke disproportionately impact women and families. By reaching girls early, we are not only influencing their future health outcomes — we are strengthening households and communities. When girls bring home what they learn, families begin having new conversations about nutrition, movement, stress, and prevention.

Education becomes empowerment. Empowerment becomes prevention. Prevention becomes generational change.

Your support during GiveNOLA Day directly fuels this work.

Donations help us:

• Provide educational materials and program supplies

• Deliver interactive workshops and demonstrations

• Expand outreach to additional schools and community partners

• Ensure access for girls who may not otherwise receive heart health education

Every dollar invested in prevention today reduces risk tomorrow.

Every girl educated becomes a potential advocate for her own health and her family’s well-being.

We envision a future where young women grow up informed, confident, and equipped to protect their hearts long before disease ever has a chance to take hold.

This GiveNOLA Day, you can be part of that future.

By supporting Heart N Hands, you are not simply making a donation. You are investing in prevention. You are investing in confidence. You are investing in healthier generations to come.

Because strong hearts build strong communities.