Hands Only CPR

Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful day with all you loved ones.

When you have time, please check this website http://handsonlycpr.org/

CPR. A lifesaving action.
When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. That’s why the AHA has simplified things.

Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.
It’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse, but if you do, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help. Take a minute and look around this site and invite your friends! Increasing the number of people who know about Hands-OnlyTM CPR will increase the chance that someone can help when an adult suddenly collapses, and more lives can be saved.

Check out this video to see Hands-Only CPR in action. http://handsonlycpr.org/

Know the Facts about Cholesterol

Learn the facts about cholesterol and how you can reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Here is the American Heart website: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1516

Heart Attack and Stoke Risk Assessment on line

Just found a risk assessment for heart attack and stroke from the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Answers the questions and find out your personal health and risks. The report will also provide tips on ways to improve your health. Click on this link:
http://tinyurl.com/mtpayz

Smoking can make H1N1 effects worse

Smoking can make H1N1 effects worse

By Jennifer Love
Published: Saturday, November 21, 2009 8:26 AM CST
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has named groups of people at a high risk of developing serious complications from H1N1 Influenza.

In keeping with the last two subpopulation releases which were focused on pregnant women and breastfeeding moms, the Sedgwick County Health Department will continue to send monthly releases focused on different subgroups.

Currently, one of the highest-priority groups consists of persons with chronic respiratory conditions.

These types of conditions, including asthma and heart disease, often arise from smoking.

Influenza is a contagious viral infection of the nose, throat, bronchial tubes and lungs.

Smoking can trigger asthma, lead to chronic obstructive lung disease (emphysema), heart disease, cancer and a greater risk of developing pneumonia, flu or bronchitis. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), smoking interferes with the body’s mechanisms that keep bacteria and debris out of the lungs.

Those who are exposed to smoke or tobacco are more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses and are more likely to develop serious complications. Additionally, studies by the CDC show a higher mortality rate from influenza for smokers versus non-smokers.

To prevent severe, life-threatening complications from the flu, it is important to stop smoking.

The flu virus irritates respiratory tract tissue as it moves through the body. Smoking further irritates the tissue and slows the body’s immune response to the virus.

There are hair-like cells that line the nose and airways. These cells are responsible for sweeping away incoming viruses before they have the chance to infect the body.

Smoking paralyzes these cells, making it impossible for them to stop a virus from entering and infecting the body.

Perhaps one of the most noteworthy pieces of information is that it is not only the smoker who is in danger.

Those who are exposed to second hand smoke also can develop severe complications. Children who have been exposed to second hand smoke have been found to have more severe complications from the flu.

While smoking does not make one eligible to receive the vaccine, individuals age 25 through 64 years who have an underlying health condition (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes) are currently being served by the Sedgwick County Health Department’s vaccine clinic (4095 E. Harry).

Continue to watch, read and listen to the local media for information on when more individuals will be eligible for vaccination. Also, stay up to date on vaccination plans by visiting www.cowleycounty.org. A fact sheet on vaccines is available at this site. Call 221-1430, Winfield office, or (620) 442-3260, Arkansas City office. with H1N1 questions.

Whether you want to quit now or get information for a loved one, the Kansas Tobacco Quitline can help.

The 24-hour toll-free Kansas Tobacco Quitline provides screening, counseling, support materials and referral for tobacco cessation assistance based on an individual's readiness to quit.

The program provides comprehensive follow-up counseling for Kansas citizens who are ready to quit or are contemplating a cessation attempt. For more information on quitting call the Kansas Tobacco Quitline at 1-800QUIT-NOW (784-8669).

Jennifer Love is the health coordinator for the City-Cowley County Health Department.

How to Tell if You Have Pre-Diabetes - American Diabetes Association

November 1-7 is National Diabetes Week
Having diabetes significantly raises the risk for heart attack and stroke.
Risk Facators for diabetes

1. Obesity
2. Sedentary Lifestyle
3. Unhealthy Eating Habits
4. Family History and Genetics
5. Increased Age
6. High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
7. History of Gestational Diabetes
Click on website belwo for more information!
How to Tell if You Have Pre-Diabetes - American Diabetes Association

PSA Tin Woodman American Heart Association

Let's all take care of our Hearts...and pass this on.

Today is World Stroke Day! Please view the video below and pass it on. Call 911 or the emergency number in your area at the first sign of a stroke!

Recognise stroke F.A.S.T.

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month

Know the signs and learn what to do if you see someone having a cardiac arrest. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of surviving. Your actions could help save someone's life.

Go to www.americanheart.org to find a CPR class near you.

American Heart Association Start! Video

Heart Attack Warning Signs

American Heart Association: Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.

Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too. It is best to call EMS for rapid transport to the emergency room.

Recognize Stroke FAST

Time is critical in a stroke. Knowing and understanding stroke symptoms can save lives and reduce disabilities.

Act F.A.S.T. by recognizing and responding to stroke symptoms using the F.A.S.T. method:

F = Face Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A = Arm Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one are drift downward?

S = Speech Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Does the speech sound slurred or strange?

T = Time If you observe any of these signs, it’s time to call 9-1-1 or get to the nearest stroke center or hospital.

Please check this out! An Easy way to recognize Stroke FAST:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHzz2cXBlGk

Welcome to YOUR BLOG , STROKE ED. My name is Marcie Wilson. I am an RN and the Stroke Outreach Coordinator for the Brain and Spine Institute at University Medical Center at Brackenridge. My role is to educate our community on Stroke signs and symptoms, risk factors, preventation, what to do in case of a stroke and new treatments. This Blog is published for you. I would appreciate any advice or comments that would make this a user friendly blog.

Definition of Stroke:

By Mayo Clinic staff

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to a part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die.

Stroke is a medical emergency, and prompt treatment of a stroke is crucial. Early treatment can minimize damage to your brain and potential stroke complications.

The good news is that strokes can be treated, and many fewer Americans now die of strokes than was the case 20 or 30 years ago. Improvement in the control of major risk factors for stroke — high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol — is likely responsible for the decline.