February is American Heart Month – Be Healthy, Be Informed, Be Prepared
Follow and join the conversation with #HealthyForGood #AmericanHeartMonth, and #CPRSavesLives.
February is American Heart Month and it is the perfect time to brush up on what we all should know when it comes to heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease. The good news is heart disease can often be prevented and there are steps you can take immediately to lead a healthier lifestyle. However, even if a person takes all of the necessary precautions, there is still a chance their heart can give out. Thankfully, the American Heart Association (@American_Heart) has identified signs to look for to identify a victim of heart disease and also what can be done to help if someone suffers a stroke or heart attack.
Healthy for Good
Healthy for Good is a movement created by the American Heart Association “to inspire people to create lasting change in their health and their lives, one small step at a time. The approach is simple: Eat smart. Add color. Move more. Be well.” Simply visit their website, enter your name and email address to join the movement and receive resources and encouragement to help you on your journey. In addition, the site is packed with useful articles, videos, infographics, recipes, tips and hacks to make your transition easy and successful.
Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
According to the American Heart Association, while some heart attacks happen suddenly and without warning, most start slowly with mild discomfort and pain. Men and women are encouraged to pay attention to their bodies and err on the side of caution when signs occur. For both genders, the most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort but women often times experience much different symptoms than men and should be aware of what those are. Be sure you and your loved ones know the warning signs of heart attack.
#HeartMonth is here – a good time to remind yourself and loved ones what a heart attack may feel like. https://t.co/c29PA85lqYpic.twitter.com/dtOhDgQCiC
— American Heart Assoc (@American_Heart) February 4, 2017
CPR Saves Lives
Did you know just about every ninety seconds, someone in the United States goes into cardiac arrest and that seventy percent of cardiac arrest cases happen at home? Did you also know that less than three percent of the U.S. population receives CPR training annually and that seventy percent of Americans don’t know CPR or are afraid of hurting the victim? Hopefully, these shocking statistics will move readers to at the very least watch a video or two on what to do if someone collapses in your presence. The AHA encourages bystanders to jump in if they see someone in need of CPR and don’t be afraid, your actions can only help. Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps and can be the difference between life and death. Still need convincing? Check out how this CPR trained pair saved a fellow runner on a wooded trail with simple CPR and the Bee Gees’ song, “Stayin Alive.”
