The Syracuse City School District is fighting childhood obesity with a new program called "Growing Healthy Hearts." 

According the American Heart Association, about 37% of kids and teens in Syracuse are overweight or obese. 

Obesity can lead to other health problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

So, how do you get ahead of it?

Well, the school district has partnered with the American Heart Association and St. Joseph's Health to create the program. 

Throughout the year, students will have access to health activities and messages.

Each month will have its own theme and "Heart Hero" to help teach healthy habits. 

October focuses on drinking water instead of sugary beverages and its Heart Hero is "Splash," a funny character promoting the cause.

"I think part of what we're trying to do is while the message is pretty basic in terms of what's out there, we're trying not to just reinforce it but to make it more engaging and more fun. When the kids come home to something on their backpacks, their parents can say, 'Well, what is that. Where did you get that?' It starts the conversations at home as well," said Franklin Fry, American Heart Association Executive Director.

Students will also receive a monthly newsletter to take home to their families, so the entire community can get involved.

The program kicks off this year in five elementary schools. 

Organizers hope to expand to local corner stores, libraries and other community locations.