American Heart Month – Fast Facts
As we Celebrate and Educate with American Heart Month it’s important to look at some facts and remind ourselves of the work ahead.
From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
As of April 26, 2010
Teens/Youth
• About 5,900 children 18 years old and under suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year from all causes – including trauma, cardiovascular causes and sudden infant death syndrome.
• The incidence of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest in high school athletes ranges from .28 to 1 death per 100,000 high school athletes annually in the U.S.
• The American Heart Association does not have a minimum age requirement for people to learn CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength rather than age.
• Studies have shown that children as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills.
American Heart Month – Fast Facts
As we Celebrate and Educate with American Heart Month it’s important to look at some facts and remind ourselves of the work ahead.
From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
As of April 26, 2010
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
• Unless CPR and defibrillation are provided within minutes of collapse, few attempts at resuscitation are successful.
• Even if CPR is performed, defibrillation with an AED is required to stop the abnormal rhythm and restore a normal heart rhythm.
• New technology has made AEDs simple and user-friendly. Clear audio and visual cues tell users what to do when using an AED and coach people through CPR. A shock is delivered only if the victim needs it.
• AEDs are now widely available in public places such as schools, airports and workplaces.
Today I was invited and spoke to women at a local Curves Fitness Studio on Maryland Parkway in Las Vegas. My friend Marilyn from Mended Hearts and The American Heart Association arranged the presentation.
I was able to speak about Heart Disease and Obesity and share some tips on weight loss and fitness.
Every couple of months they invite speakers and have a heart healthy lunch for their members. It was real nice to see the studio and its members celebrating American Heart Month.
What impressed me about this particular club was how close everyone was. There was a real sense of companionship between members and I could tell how much they supported and encouraged each other. Linda, the owner, has fostered a wonderful culture at this studio.
All of the potluck dishes that were served were heart healthy and full of flavor. They’re even working on a Curves cookbook that will include all of their healthy recipes. It was a great group and I wish them all the best in their continued effort to get healthier. – Keith
American Heart Month – Fast Facts
As we Celebrate and Educate with American Heart Month it’s important to look at some facts and remind ourselves of the work ahead.
From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet
Fact Sheet
As of April 26, 2010
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Less than one-third of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.
• Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
• The American Heart Association trains more than 12 million people in CPR annually, including healthcare professionals and the general public.
• The most effective rate for chest compressions is greater than 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive.”
American Heart Month – Fast Facts
As we Celebrate and Educate with American Heart Month it’s important to look at some facts and remind ourselves of the work ahead.
Fact Sheet – As of April 26, 2010
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
• EMS treats about 300,000 victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the U.S.
• Less than eight percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive.
• Sudden cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors.
• Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack. Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest.
Darth Vader and a Survivor?.
Did you see the Volkswagen Passat commercial that aired during the Super Bowl?
The kid behind the Darth Vader mask had his first heart Surgery at 3 months old to implant a Pacemaker. The Universe never looked so good:)
You Tube Video Link Below
Las Vegas was Red all over the city.
Events were held all day and night. The Freemont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas went Red. It was the largest GoRed display in the world.
I heard survivor stories and stories of cardiac death that bought tears to my eyes.
Although February 4 was a day of awareness and education, the fight against heart disease continues every minute of every day.
Please get involved.
See what you can do to make a difference in your community and even your home.
Celebrate and Educate. Heart Healthy Days Ahead – Keith
Please feel free to share:)
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In the time it takes you to read this post, 1 person will die of Cardiovascular Disease. According to the
Center for Disease Control one person dies every 39 seconds from CVD representing 800,000 deaths each year.
Two common risk factors happen to be the most preventable: high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Get checked, if you’re on medication stay on it, get active, reduce your sodium intake, and follow a heart healthy diet.
Celebrate and Educate – Keith
The British Heart Foundation posted this video on You Tube.
It’s a very strong message and one I felt worthy of sharing. You wonder if a Public Service Announcement like this would be shown in the US.
I personally experienced several of these symptoms during my Heart Attack. – Keith
Remember in America, in case of emergency call 911
YouTube – Watch Your Own Heart Attack