Girls learn about heart disease through trip to fairyland

MILWAUKEE -- Dozens of little girls got to live their dream for a day, as fairy princesses.  They got the royal treatment Friday as part of a mother-daughter event at the Zoofari Center.  But the magical event came with a very strong message.

“Getting my hair done, getting my nails painted, my makeup,” said 4-year-old Alannah Grace.

As part of their makeovers, they received ballerina buns, manicures and glitter makeup.

“I think I look amazing,” said 9-year-old Isabella Wendorff.

Around 50 girls, plus their mothers and grandmothers, took the trip to the Zoofari Center.  Hosted by the American Heart Association, it was a time of bonding, but also a time devoted to educating.

“Learn about heart-healthy living, exercising, eating right and doing it together.  So it's not just lecturing and educational, it's fun at the same time,” said AHA Youth Market Director Mary Lee Flannigan.

It's a new take on the "Go Red" Campaign, to spread awareness of the dangers of heart disease.

“Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and actually all Americans.  Every day, over 2,500 people a day have a heart attack in America.  And by the end of the day, half of the people pass away,” said Flannigan.

In fact, the AHA says 80 percent of heart disease is preventable, so the best way to promote heart-healthy living is to start the discussion early.

“My father's had a couple of heart attacks, so I want my daughter to grow up knowing that she needs to take care of herself now,” said mother Lisa Kunz.

That means kicking the bad habits, like smoking, while encouraging the good.  And AHA officials say if that requires a little tea party or a fun fairy photo shoot to instill those values, then hopefully, the less these girls will have to worry about their heart health as they grow up.

“We have learned that when we start young, it becomes a habit,” said Flannigan.

This is the first time the American Heart Association held a fairyland event.  Because it went so well, the plan is to host it every following year.