KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- It's been said that today's children will die at a younger age than their parents. The American Heart Association said one generation, in particular, will pass away before their parents do.
"This generation is the first generation that won't outlive their parents," said Erica Kiehnhoff, Senior Development Director with the American Heart Association.
Kiehnhoff is talking about Generation Z. She said the lifestyle those children are choosing to live could shorten their life expectancy.
"Now, because we have so many children that are just sedentary, always on the phone or eating the processed foods and not getting enough exercise, that's a concern," said Waymond King, Senior Director of Operations and Programs at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
That doesn't have to be the case for every child if they make a few changes. The AHA is partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City to help kids do that.
"We were thinking, who else impacts the youth in Kansas City and naturally, that's where we went was the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City," said Kiehnhoff.
On June 16, the AHA will host its annual Heart and Stroke Walk/5K Run at the Power and Light District in downtown Kansas City.
If the AHA reaches its fundraising goal of $820,000, the AHA will donate new physical education equipment to the Boys and Girls Clubs.
"We really feel passionate about engaging the youth in physical activity," said Kiehnhoff.
At their six locations throughout the metro area, King said nearly 1,200 kids visit the clubs every day, creating some wear and tear on the equipment.
Together, the AHA and Boys and Girls Clubs are working to educate youth on the importance of exercise and healthy living.
"Hopefully lay that foundation for them so that they can carry those habits into you know, their adolescence and adulthood," said Kiehnhoff.
The AHA is expected nearly 9,000 people to participate in the Heart Walk.
