Some people will be going to jail in May in an effort to kick some bad habits and raise money for the American Heart Association.

The DeKalb County Heart Unit is sponsoring a new fund-raising event for the American Heart Association called “Cardiac Arrest,” which will take place at Northland Plaza on May 16 and 17. Participants can “turn themselves in” with the charge of “cardiac arrest.”

A mock jail will be set up where arrest candidates are “allowed” to make phone calls. Carolyn Arneson, program co-chairman said, “An arrest candidate is a person willing to find people to pledge and ‘bail’ them out of jail.”

The candidates are given sheets to make a list of friends to call for donations. Candidates also can arrest a friend for $5, Arneson said. The candidates should try for a $100 goal for themselves, she said.

Candidates for “Cardiac Arrest” are guilty if they are charged with one or more of the cardiovascular crimes which include improper diet, overweight, overwork, smoking, lack of exercise, eating junk food, excessive use of salt and other stress related activities, said Judy Warkins, one of three publicity chairmen.

There will be free blood pressure checks, aerobic demonstrations and educational material participants can pick up for further information on how to fight heart disease, Warkins said.

Money raised from the event will go toward a variety of programs including National Research Projects, Research in Illinois, Community Programs and Educational Projects and Professional Education Projects.

Kishwaukee Community Hospital also has various health education programs including weight control, stop smoking classes and a coronary club to help those who are interested in further prevention information.