Heart disease is the number one killer among women nationally and statewide. According to 2002 Illinois data, nearly 22,000 females died from cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke. East Side Health District plans to combat this problem at an early age through the Heart Smart for Teens (HSFT) program. The Heart Smart for Teens program is a grant funded program from the Illinois Department of Women's Health. The overall goal of this program is to engage teen girls (ages 10-14) in the importance of nutrition and physical fitness. The program aims to help teenage girls understand the importance of developing healthy eating and exercise habits at an early age in life. Heart Smart for Teens is a nine week program that is offered in East St. Louis School District 189, Lovejoy School District 188, Cahokia School District 187 and Charter School in East. St. Louis.   The program covers everything from the food guide pyramid to the complications of eating disorders.