Keith Ahrens

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.

The American Heart Association shares statistics and facts about Heart Disease and Stroke on their website.

From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

As of April 26, 2010

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

Check out their website a Curves.com

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.

The American Heart Association shares statistics and facts about Heart Disease and Stroke on their website.

From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

As of April 26, 2010

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.

The American Heart Association shares statistics and facts about Heart Disease and Stroke on their website.

From the American Heart Association Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet – As of April 26, 2010

I decided to try something different for cardio today.  I went to my first Zumba class.

I first saw Zumba being taught as a breakout session at one of my speaking engagements and knew it was something I wanted to try.

When we take a class for the first time we always worry about how stupid we may look or be afraid of not keeping up.  These are natural feelings.  Zumba is a great class for all levels of fitness.  It’s just a matter of doing what you can and making the effort to keep up.

It’s my experience that anyone can quickly pick up the “moves” after attending 2 or 3 group classes of any type.  I probably had 75{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7} of the moves down by the end of the class.

The instructor was very good.  Her name was Jen and what I liked about her style is that she moved often throughout the class.  She would constantly reposition herself so everyone could get the steps and moves down.

I’m guessing there were about 40 people in this class of which 5 were men. It was very clear and refreshing to see participants at ALL levels of fitness having fun in this class.  It goes to show you, anyone can do it.

Since my knees aren’t the best, I was very careful with my foot movements. There were a few times when I just slowed down my movements.  Sometimes I compensated with larger arm movements to keep my cardio rate high.

Overall, I really enjoyed it.  I believe that variety is the spice of life and when it comes to fitness you need to keep it fresh and exciting.  Zumba certainly made it fun.

If you’re doing the same routine and you feel you need to “shake” things up.  See what classes your local gym or recreation center may offer.

I’m looking forward to another Zumba class.

So for now – Cha, Cha, Cha:)

Heart Healthy Days Ahead for us all, Keith

Have you heard the saying, “Don’t be so concerned about overeating between Christmas and New Years but rather be more concerned about overeating between New Years and Christmas?”

This saying makes perfect sense.

Well, it’s not Christmas so I guess now’s a great opportunity to seize the moment. Just think of the possibilities and what you can accomplish in just 3 short months. Summer is around the corner and June 1 will be here soon enough.

By slightly reducing your daily caloric intake and slowly increasing your daily activity you’ll see significant changes in your body’s physiology.

By thinking heart healthy when you go grocery shopping and while you prepare meals will not only make you feel better but also help you shed a few unwanted pounds before summer. – Keith

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:)

Read the full story here or click on the pictures. MSNBC Super Bowl

Las Vegas was Red all over the city.

My friends at the  American Heart Association, Mended Hearts, and all the volunteers went all out this year.

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:)

Check with your local American Heart Association office to see some of the events in your area.

These are some of the events planned for the Las Vegas Area on Friday Feruary 4. Please feel free to join in any of the activities.

Come out to Macy’s in the Galleria Mall from 10am-2pm and share your heart story. Free mini makeovers for those in attendance! 10 stories will be featured in the Go Red for Women luncheon. For more info. please call (702) 367-1366.

Please check out Fremont Street go Red for Heart Month! On Feb. 3rd from 6PM-8PM Hennessey’s Tavern on Fremont will have reserved space to kick-off the celebration with drink and appetizer specials. RSVP a spot @ (702) 367-1366

Visit Findlay Toyota for free barbeque and games to celebrate their heart month new car fundraiser! For the month of February $50 for every car sold will go back to  the American Heart Association.

Check out the fountains at the Miracle Mile shop as they  go red for Heart Month! In addition to going red all of the coins tossed into the fountain for that day will be given back to the American Heart Association. So be sure to stop by and make a wish!

Stop by Desert Springs Hospital on February 4th where they will be celebrating National Wear Red Day! Free complimentary blood pressure checks and chair massages from 8AM-11PM. There will also be a red carpet fashion show from doctors & nurses as well as a survivor story at 11:30PM.

Reserve a seat for the Annual Go Red for Women Luncheon on February 17th at the Paris Hotel & Casino.

For more information please call (702) 367-1366.

learn the keys to financial health. $1 will be donated for every woman wearing red. RSVP at www.nsbank.com/event

Shalimar Studios is dedicated to heart health! To show their support 50{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7} of every portrait session purchased during the month of February will go back to the American Heart Association.  For more information or to set-up an appointment please visit

www.shalimarstudios.com

Register early for the Heart Walk and send a special American Heart Month email to your friends and family. (We have provided the email in your Heart Walk fundraising headquarters.)  Then invite a friend to join you in your heart healthy mission.