Heart to Heart

Thank You to All Our Volunteers

2013-04-22T12:35:00.001-07:00

Every single day, all over the country, lives are saved and improved because of you. Thanks to your commitment, talent and passion as a volunteer, Americans are living healthier and lowering their chances of heart disease and stroke.

In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’d like to take a moment say thank you for the difference you make in so many lives!

Working together, we’ve made big strides in America’s health, like:

Advocating for simple medical screenings that can identify heart defects in babies
Funding research to prevent, treat and understand heart disease and stroke
Creating programs for populations most at risk
Helping women understand that heart disease is their No. 1 killer

With your help, we’ll do even more. We know that the only way we will reach our 2020 goal — to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20 percent while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20 percent — is through the time, talent and energy of volunteers like you.

Thank you - take a few minutes and see what we've been able to do with your help.

Unhealthy Teens Could Lead to a Rise in Heart Disease Rates

2013-04-19T13:32:00.001-07:00

Less than half of U.S. adolescents are living heart-healthy lives, and lack of exercise and poor diets could be creating a new generation of heart-disease patients. It's no surprise that American adolescents aren't the healthiest eaters, and that they aren't as physically active as they should be. But a new survey from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center confirms the fear that the current generation of teens could be at greater risk of heart disease than their parents if they don't change their behaviors.

A group of teens were polled and tested over a period of two years. Researchers found that these teens were a sedentary group that ate unhealthy foods. More than 80% ate what the researchers rated as a poor diet - high in fast foods and processed foods as well as sugar-sweetened drinks, and low in fruits and vegetables and whole-grain products.

The scientists ranked the children's heart-disease risk behaviors according to how well they complied with the seven factors that the American Heart Association (AHA) recently defined as critical for optimal heart health: maintaining a healthy body weight; eating a healthy diet; being physically active; keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose within normal ranges; and not smoking. If the teens met the recommended requirements, their behavior was rated as ideal; if they fell short, their compliance was considered poor; and if they fell in between, the researchers ranked them as intermediate.

Only 45% of boys and 50% of girls in the study met five or more of these criteria, and less than 1% of the teens were eating an ideal healthy diet. Read more.

World Health Day 2013

2013-04-01T12:33:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, April 7, 2013, is World Health Day, and this year's focus is on the hidden epidemic of high blood pressure across the world. Because many people do not know they have high blood pressure (it may not always cause symptoms), it leads to more than nine million deaths every year, including about half of all deaths due to heart disease and stroke.

Celebrate your health on World Health Day (April 7, 2013). Take a minute to watch this video, then take another minute to make a choice to reduce your blood pressure risk (you can find resources and information here). You only get one life…make it a healthy one!

Fit Friendly Companies Announced

2013-03-18T13:09:00.002-07:00

Congratulations to the businesses in our six-state area that were just named Fit-Friendly Workplaces. Across the United States, over 2,240 worksites were awarded, representing almost 5 million employees. Fit-Friendly Worksites are recognized by the American Heart Association as employers who go above and beyond when it comes to their employees' health. With your help, your workplace can:

Provide walking routes
Promote walking programs and tracking tools
Allow staff to wear athletic shoes on designated "sneaker days"

Congrats again to our companies! Is your company a Fit-Friendly Workplace? If not, find out how they can be here.

New Gold Awards:

Arkansas

ABC Financial Services, Inc. – Sherwood

Baptist Health- Arkadelphia - Arkadelphia

Carousel Fit 4 Life Wellness Center - North Little Rock

Gates Corporation - Siloam Springs, AR - Siloam Springs

Greater Second Baptist Church - Little Rock

Northwest Medical Center - Springdale

Windstream - Little Rock

Colorado

Colorado Springs School District 11 - Colorado Springs

Cooley LLP - Broomfield

Great-West Financial - Greenwood Village

Lockton Companies - Denver

PCL Construction Enterprises, Inc. - Denver

Pepsico - Denver

White Construction Group - Castle Rock

New Mexico

ABQ Area Indian Health Service - Albuquerque

UNM Health Sciences Center - Albuquerque

Oklahoma

CarlisleFoodService Products - Oklahoma City

Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes - Concho

Continental Resources - Oklahoma City

D&L Oil Tolls - Tulsa

DCP Midstream - Tulsa

Hall Estill Hardwick Gable Golden & Nelson - Tulsa

Hartford Insurance Group - Oklahoma City

Help Point Claim Services by Farmers - Oklahoma City

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Perkins Family Clinic - Perkins

Matrix Service Company - Tulsa

Morton Health Service - Tulsa

Muscogee (Creek) Nation Division of Health - Okmulgee

Northwest Treatment Center - Waynoka

Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality, Inc. - Oklahoma City

OSU Medical Center - Tulsa

Samson Resources - Tulsa

St. John Siegfried Health Club - Tulsa

Verizon Business - Tulsa

WPX Energy, Inc. - Tulsa

YMCA of Greater Tulsa - Tulsa

Texas

Accenture Dallas - Irving

Agape Christian Ministries - Round Rock

American Heart Association Dallas Division - Dallas

Amerigroup - Austin

Bethel A.M.E. Church - San Antonio

BKD, LLP - Dallas

Broadway Bank - San Antonio

Cameron International Corporation - Houston

Central Texas Medical Center - San Marcos

Cinemark USA, Inc. - Plano

Cisco Systems - Richardson

Citigroup- Irving, Las Colinas - Irving

City of Arlington - Arlington

City of Grapevine - Grapevine

City of Houston Mayor's Office - Houston

City of Houston Planning and Development Department - Houston

City of North Richland Hills - North Richland Hills

City of Rowlett - Rowlett

CPS Energy - San Antonio

Dunaway Associates, L.P. - Fort Worth

El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission - Austin

Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) - Taylor

Embassy Suites Dallas Love Field - Dallas

Embassy Suites Dallas Market Center – Dallas

Ericsson - Plano

Goodwill Industries of Fort Worth - Fort Worth

Grace Covenant Christian Center - Austin

Gus Bates Insurance and Investments - Fort Worth

Hilton Reservation and Customer Care - Carrollton

HoganTaylor LLP - Tulsa

Imperial - Tulsa

Inspirus LLC - Fort Worth

Joeris General Contractors Ltd. - San Antonio

McKinney ISD - McKinney

Mesquite ISD - Mesquite

Mission Trail Baptist Hospital - San Antonio

Mt Zion Baptist Church - Austin

North Central Baptist Hospital - San Antonio

North East Texas Public Health District - Tyler

Northeast Baptist Hospital - San Antonio

Pepsi - San Antonio

Phillips 66 - Houston

Pine Creek Medical Center - Dallas

Radioshack - Fort Worth

Raytheon Dallas Lemmon - Dallas

Richardson UHG/Optum TX023-013 - Richardson

Santander Consumer USA - Dallas

Schreiner University - Kerrville

SGS North America, Inc. - Deer Park

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation - Fort Worth

St. Davids HealthCare - Austin

St. Jude Medical - Austin

Tarrant County College Northeast Campus - Hurst

Technip - Houston

The Hockaday School - Dallas

Towers Watson - Dallas

University of Phoenix - San Antonio

University of Texas at Arlington - Arlington

White's Chapel UMC - Southlake

Worthington National Bank - Fort Worth

Xerox - Lewisville

New Gold & Platinum Awards

Amarillo National Bank - Amarillo

Brentwood Baptist Church - Houston

City of Allen - Allen

City of McKinney - McKinney

Cross Roads Community Church - Pearland

Mathis Brothers Furniture - Oklahoma City

The Beck Group - Austin

New Gold & Worksite Innovation Awards

American Fidelity Assurance - Oklahoma City

City of Albuquerque - Albuquerque

New Gold, Platinum & Worksite Innovation Awards

Nabholz Construction - Conway

Renewal – Gold Award

Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Health Central Office - Little Rock

Arkansas Heart Hospital - Little Rock

Baptist Health - Little Rock

Baptist Health Medical Center – Stuttgart - Stuttgart

Baptist Health Medical Center-Heber Springs - Heber Springs

Baptist Health Medical Center-North - North Little Rock

City of Little Rock - Little Rock

GE Capital - Bentonville

General Mills - Walmart/Sam's Team - Rogers

Johnson & Johnson - Rogers

PepsiCo NW AR - Rogers

Performance Food Group - Little Rock

The Hatcher Agency - Little Rock

Colorado

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Colorado - Denver

CH2M HILL - Englewood

Intelligent Software Solutions, Inc. - Colorado Springs

Kaiser Permanente Colorado - Denver

KONG - Golden

The Gates Corporation - Denver

ZOLL - Broomfield

Oklahoma

Boldt - Oklahoma City

Capital One Auto Finance - Tulsa

Eide Bailly - Norman

Energy One Federal Credit Union - Tulsa

INCOG - Tulsa

INTEGRIS Health - Oklahoma City

KTUL - Tulsa

Norman Regional Health System - Norman

OKHealth Wellness Program (division of Human Capital Management - State of Oklahoma Office of Management & Enterprise Services) - Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic - Oklahoma City

ONEOK - Tulsa

OPUBCO Communications Group - Oklahoma City

OU Physicians - Oklahoma City

Pepsi Beverages Company - Tulsa

Scott Rice - Broken Arrow

Sorin Group USA - Arvada

T.D. Williamson, Inc. - Tulsa

Teleflora - Oklahoma City

Tulsa City-County Health Department - Tulsa

University of Central Oklahoma - Edmond

Whole Foods Market - Tulsa

Texas

Abbott Laboratories - Irving

AEP Texas - Corpus Christi

American Heart Association - Tarrant County - Fort Worth

American Heart Association-Texas Affiliate - Austin

Army & Air Force Exchange Service - Dallas

Atmos Energy Corporation - Dallas

BDO USA, LLP - San Antonio

BDO USA, LLP - Houston

BDO USA, LLP - Dallas

Bell Nunnally & Martin LLP - Dallas

BenefitMall - Dallas

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas - Waco

BNSF Railway - Fort Worth

Brinker International - Dallas

Central Life Sciences - Dallas

Charity Dynamics - Austin

CHRISTUS Hospital - Beaumont

Cigna HealthCare, Plano, TX - Plano

Cintas First Aid and Safety - Coppell

City of Bedford - Bedford

City of Cedar Hill - Cedar HIll

City of Fort Worth - Fort Worth

City of Grand Prairie - Grand Prairie

City of Houston – Office of Business Opportunity - Houston

City of The Colony - The Colony

City of Watauga - Watauga

Collin College - Plano

ConocoPhillips - Houston

Cooper Aerobics - Dallas

Dallas Area Rapid Transit - Dallas

Dallas Fire-Rescue Department - Dallas

Denton Regional Medical Center - Denton

East Texas Medical Center - Tyler

Ernst & Young - Dallas

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas - Dallas

First Command Financial Services - Fort Worth

FLuor Corporation - Irving

Freescale Semiconductor Inc - Austin

Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. - Dallas

Hawk Electronics, a Teletouch Company - Fort Worth

Healthcare Payment Specialists - Fort Worth

Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center - Waco

HollyFrontier Corporation - Dallas

Homeward Residential - Coppell

Houston Airport System - Houston

Huguley Memorial Hospital - Burleson

Integra Realty Resources - Fort Worth

JCPenney Corporation, Inc. - Plano

LabAnswer - Sugar Land

Lockton Dunning Benefits - Dallas

Mary Kay Inc. - Adddison

Myron F. Steves & Co. - Houston

NEI – Plano - Plano

Omni Corpus Christi Hotel - Corpus Christi

Oncor - Dallas

Park Plaza Hospital and Medical Center - Houston

PepsiCo, Inc. - Business Information Solutions - Plano

Peterson Regional Medical Center - Kerrville

Pier 1 Imports, Inc. - Fort Worth

Plaza Medical Center - Fort Worth

PricewaterhouseCoopers – Denver - Denver

Reliant Energy/NRG Energy - Houston

Safety-Kleen Systems - Richardson

Sanden International (U.S.A.) Inc - Wylie

Sewell Automotive Companies - Dallas

TDIndustries - Dallas

TELOS Fitness Center - Dallas

Texas Health Resources - Arlington

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children - Dallas

The Reynolds Company - Fort Worth

The University of Texas at Dallas - Richardson

Trinity Industries, Inc - Dallas

UnitedHealthcare - San Antonio

UNT Health Science Center-Ft Worth - Fort Worth

UT Southwestern Medical Center - Dallas

Verizon Wireless - Southlake

XTO Energy - Fort Worth

Renewal – Gold & Platinum Awards

Apex Capital Corp - Fort Worth

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield - Little Rock

Baylor Health Care System - Dallas

Chesapeake Energy Corporation - Oklahoma City

CHICKASAW NATION - Ada

Colorado Springs Utilities - Colorado Springs

Concentra Inc. - Addison

Department of Veteran's Affairs Health Administration Center at Purchased Care ("VA--PC@HAC") - Denver

Enventure Global Technology, LLC - Houston

Good Shepherd Medical Center - Longview

Harbison-Fischer - Crowley

Higginbotham - Fort Worth

Kimray - Oklahoma City

Monitronics - Dallas

The Beck Group - Dallas

The Medical Center of Plano - Plano

The T - Fort Worth

Tyler Police Department - Tyler

University of Colorado Hospital - Aurora

Viverae Inc. - Dallas

Renewal - Gold, Platinum & Worksite Innovation Awards

JPS Health Network - Fort Worth

Texas Instruments - Dallas

The Facts About Childhood Obesity

2013-02-11T09:41:00.001-08:00

Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled and today, nearly one in three children in America is overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African-American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If we don’t solve this problem, one third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma.

The American Heart Association is working hard to help defeat this issue both through advocacy and educational programs. Check out this handy infographic to see some of the latest stats on childhood obesity and what we're doing as an organization.

Advocates Get In the Red!

2013-02-06T08:42:00.001-08:00

It's legislative season and You're the Cure Advocates across the affiliate have been busy showing their red and meeting with government representatives.

Last week, the American Heart Association had its first advocacy event in Cheyenne in four years. A total of five volunteers attended the Go Red Lobby Day. The morning began with an advocacy training and overview of our Stroke and STEMI Hospital Designations bill. After that our advocates spoke with Representative Esquibel and our bill sponsor Senator Craft. They were able to share thanks and hand out Go Red for Women pins.

The group was not only recognized in the Senate, they were able to watch the third reading of SF 147 (Stroke/STEMI Designations) which passed unanimously! They were also recognized on the House side.
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On Friday February 1st, Colorado Celebrated its Go Red For Women Lobby day. We had a great turn out, with over 21 attendees, including 15 advocates. The morning started off with a meet and greet (and bagels and coffee) with 13 legislators who stopped by to chat and mingle with our advocates. The volunteers then made their way to the Senate floor where they were able to hear a resolution declaring February 1 as Wear Red Day, and be recognized. They were able to do the same on the House side.
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And finally, in Albuquerque, Mayor Richard J. Berry, his wife, Maria, and the Albuquerque Police Department Mounted Patrol joined the American Heart Association on Friday to celebrate women who have triumphed in the fight against heart disease. The group came together on Civic Plaza wearing red and made the shape of a heart for the annual “Go Red for Women” national campaign. (Jim Thompson/journal)

Thanks for the (bright red) show of support! We appreciate all our You're the Cure advocates and volunteers.

American Heart Association Announces Top 10 Research Advances for 2012

2013-01-04T07:43:00.002-08:00

Resuscitation, cell regeneration, a new high blood pressure treatment and developments in devices for treating stroke are among the key scientific findings that make up this year’s top cardiovascular and stroke research identified by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

“At this time of year, it’s gratifying to reflect on scientific progress in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke,” said Donna Arnett, Ph.D., president of the American Heart Association. “Cardiovascular disease research is truly helping people lead longer, healthier lives and the American Heart Association is pleased to be at the forefront of supporting, promoting and translating many important discoveries into practice.”

The association has been compiling an annual list of the top 10 major advances in heart disease and stroke research since 1996.

The association’s top research advances for 2012 include:

1. Extended CPR saves lives

The effect of the duration of CPR on meaningful recovery is uncertain. A study of hospitals using the Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation quality improvement program found survival was higher for cardiac arrest patients who received CPR for a longer amount of time. Patients at hospitals with the longest median duration of 25 minutes for resuscitation efforts had a 12 percent higher likelihood of being revived compared with patients at hospitals with the shortest median time of 16 minutes. Patients who survived after longer efforts did not appear to have substantially worse neurological function vs. patients who responded early. This study’s unique findings raise critical questions about resuscitation duration and have the potential to change medical practice.

2. Converting “non-beating” heart cells into “beating” heart cells

Myogenesis (methods for growing new heart muscle) is an emerging frontier, with promise that robust approaches can be found to replace heart muscle lost or injured in heart attacks or other disorders, or not appropriately formed as is the case with some types of congenital heart disease.

Two studies showed methods for reprogramming readily available “non-beating” heart muscle cells (non-cardiomyocytes) into “beating” heart muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) that could be used to replace heart cells and repair scarring.

3. Biopsied heart cells improved heart function and reduced scars

Two human trials, each using different types of cells, showed that cells from heart biopsies could be purified and replaced into the patient’s own heart, improving heart function and reducing scarring.

4. “Disconnecting” the kidneys might be the key to treating high blood pressure

The sympathetic nervous system controls most of the body’s internal organs. A hyperactive sympathetic nervous system is believed to be a major contributor to hypertension. Now, four studies conclude that renal denervation — a procedure that reduces the functional connection between the sympathetic nervous system and the kidneys — is safe and effective at lowering high blood pressure resistant to other treatments. Surgery is not required; instead a catheter delivers small bursts of radiofrequency energy to ablate, or reduce, part of the sympathetic nervous system’s connection to the kidneys.

5. Progress for children in transplant bridging and Kawasaki Disease

Two studies found significant improvements for treating children with heart disease. A study led by U.S. researchers highlights a new procedure that dramatically extends the life of children under age 16 who are awaiting a heart transplant. Traditionally, these children would have been placed on ECMO, an external device that helps deliver oxygen-rich blood through the body when the heart is unable to. But a smaller device called VAD (ventricular assist device) may buy time for children awaiting transplant.

A second study conducted in Japan identified a new and highly effective treatment to prevent coronary abnormalities in children suffering from Kawasaki disease — a rare but deadly autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and long-term damage to the blood vessels.

6. Why children and adolescents should “just say no” to sugary drinks

Although we’ve known for years about the association between consuming sugar-sweetened beverages and overweight and obesity, two clinical trials this year provided definitive evidence. Both independently concluded that reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages reduces weight gain in children and adolescents. The studies are the first-ever randomized controlled trials showing that calories from sugar-sweetened beverages can harm children’s health.

7. Global impact: ECHO screening for rheumatic heart disease

Rheumatic heart disease is a major global health problem, especially in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, affecting more than 15 million people. A clinical trial done in Ugandan children showed that an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is highly effective at screening for rheumatic heart disease — an inflammation of the heart valves that occurs as a result of certain types of Streptococcus infections. In this largest-ever screening trial of African children, the echocardiogram detected three times as many cases of rheumatic heart disease as the traditional use of the stethoscope only.

8. Devices for stroke

This year marked several important developments in the use of medical devices for treating stroke. The SOLITAIRE and TREVO devices were found to more effectively clear blocked blood vessels in the brain than the MERCI device, benefitting a significantly greater percentage of patients. On the other hand, the CLOSURE trial found that devices that closed small holes between the upper chambers of the heart (patent foramen ovale) in certain stroke patients did not prevent subsequent strokes any better than standard medical treatment.

9. Ideal cardiovascular health practices lead to longer life, lower risk

Two notable studies this year highlighted the huge impact lifestyle factors can have in lowering heart disease and stroke risk and in helping people extend their lives. People with “ideal cardiovascular health,” as measured by seven components — health behaviors (not smoking, regular exercise and healthy diet) and health factors (ideal body mass index, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose) had the lowest risk.

10. Bypass surgery vs. drug-coated stents for diabetes patients

A large clinical trial found that patients with diabetes who had multiple clogged heart arteries fared significantly better when treated with bypass surgery vs. drug-coated stents. These patients were less likely to die or have a heart attack within five years if they underwent bypass surgery compared to treatment with drug-coated stents. Patients like the ones studied represent about a quarter of all patients undergoing heart procedures in catheterization labs. The study suggests that bypass surgery should be considered an important treatment option for such patients.

Find out more about these advances.

Thanks to Our Texas Volunteers

2012-12-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all the volunteers who joined us for Texas Lobby Day on December 10, 2012. You helped us set the stage for the upcoming 83rd Legislative Session which is set to convene January 8, 2013. Special thanks to Marcie Wilson (Austin), Curtis Popp (San Antonio), Rachel Naylor (San Antonio), Olaf Roeke (Austin), and PKaye Washington (Austin) for sharing your stories with legislative staff. We appreciate you!

Special thanks to all that recruited volunteers and continue the wonderful collaboration with our team! Here’s to a successful lobby day and even more successful upcoming session.

Listen To Your Heart

2012-11-13T13:58:00.001-08:00

It was a normal day in Adrienne Hergert’s fourth grade PE class at Reinhardt Elementary in Rockwall, Texas. Adrienne planned the day’s lesson around jumping rope, but before class began, a fire alarm went off and everyone quickly exited the building.

After they returned, Jackson Pigott’s best friend, also named Jaxon (with an x), asked Ms. Hergert to feel his friend’s heart. She had previously taught her students where to find their hearts and what a normal heartbeat should feel like. And since they had not yet begun exercising, Adrienne was shocked to discover Jackson’s heart pounding rapidly in his chest.

Jackson was calm and aware of his surroundings. He was neither pale nor sweating, and he wasn’t complaining of any pain. Adrienne knew his pulse rate was far too fast, so despite Jackson’s protests, she persuaded him to take trip to the nurse’s station down the hall. There, a quick blood pressure and pulse check compelled the nurse to call an ambulance. Jackson was immediately transported to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, where he was admitted upon arrival.

Over the next few hours, and then days, doctors performed a series of tests, and five days later Jackson went into the operating room for surgery. He was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, which is a condition that often remains hidden or asymptomatic, but carries a risk of sudden cardiac death. WPW is caused by abnormalities in the electrical system between the atria and ventricles in the heart, often resulting in a unique type of tachycardia, or faster than normal heart rate. Jackson’s condition came as a complete shock to his mother, who had no previous knowledge of any family history of heart disease.

Knowing your body and listening to your heart is critical when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Every second counts, and thanks to the quick action of all involved, Jackson was at the hospital within 30 minutes of his first symptom. He is now a happy, active fifth grader. He has no restrictions and is currently not on any medication for his heart. In March, after two surgeries, is doctors cleared him and in April, Reinhardt Elementary held a Jump Rope for Heart celebration in his honor. The school raised over $9,000 -- nearly twice as much as they raised the year before.

Thank you to everyone who played a part in this survival story – and to everyone who helps raise funds to support the AHA’s life-saving mission!

Thank You For A Successful Fall Heart Walk Season!

2012-11-13T13:56:00.001-08:00

The leaves are falling, the air is getting crisp, the days are getting shorter … and the AHA is putting feet on the ground! This fall, the SouthWest Affiliate will host a total of 26 Heart Walks across our six states. And thanks to your generous support, we’re off to a great start.

Through October, our affiliate’s Heart Walk Campaign has raised $6.4 million for the fight against heart disease and stroke, a 10 percent increase over this time last year. In September, our Dallas and Fort Worth Walks combined for over $4.9 million. And in October, Austin came in strong with over $550,000. In addition to our October totals, our early November results are also encouraging – including the Houston Walk, which passed the $2 million mark for the first time.

Your support is changing lives every day! Please watch this inspiring video for just a few examples. Then share the video with your family and friends on Facebook and Twitter.

A Powwow For Heart Health

2012-11-13T13:53:00.002-08:00

American Indians die from heart disease at younger ages than any other ethnic group in the United States. And the SouthWest Affiliate is home to the AHA’s largest Native American population. To reach these at-risk communities, the AHA presented its first-ever powwow in Concho, Oklahoma earlier this month to

encourage healthy eating and physical activity.

The Daily Oklahoman provided some great publicity for the event, and more than 200 Native Americans attended. A traditional dance honored those lost to heart disease and stroke, and undefeated professional boxer George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah spoke about physical fitness as a way to achieve heart health.

In partnership with Walmart, volunteers demonstrated a heart-healthy recipe for Green Chile Stew that attendees could learn to prepare at home. And you can too!

Learn to Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.

2012-11-13T13:49:00.003-08:00

The AHA/ASA has partnered with the Ad Council and New York-based pro bono advertising agency Grey Healthy People to develop a campaign to increase awareness of the warning signs of stroke and the need to call 9-1-1 at the first sign(s).

The campaign includes public service announcements (PSAs) for TV, radio, print, online, and outdoor placements. It also features an all new design for our Stroke Warning Signs page. The PSAs are being distributed to more than 30,000 national media outlets. For the first time, we are using the F.A.S.T. acronym (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) to convey the warning signs.

Learn the signs and save a life! We hope you’ll watch our first powerful TV spot and help us spread the word.

On the Go? Grab our new Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook

2012-09-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Fall is a busy season for families getting back into the groove after summer break. Trying to balance work schedules and after-school activities can put healthy eating at home on hold, but it doesn’t have to. The American Heart Association’s new Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook will help you, and your family, create delicious meals that are ready when you get home.

The Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook makes creating a healthy home-cooked meal easy—even on the busiest of days. Order your copy today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or WalMart or check your local bookstore.

All the dishes featured in the cookbook—including Shrimp Jambalaya, Chicken Tortilla Soup and Cinnamon Quinoa with Peaches—meet the American Heart Association’s dietary recommendations. Want a sneak peek, or taste? Try out one of these recipes today!

Make sure and check out our other available cookbooks.

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Cinnamon Quinoa with Peaches A bowl of hot quinoa topped with sweetened fat-free half-and-half and peaches makes a nutritious, protein-rich breakfast. The quinoa doesn’t need tending to while it cooks, allowing you to get yourself and the kids ready for the day while the slow cooker does the work.

Serves 6; 1/2 cup quinoa, 1/4 cup peaches, 1/4 cup half-and-half, and 1 tablespoon almonds per serving
Slow cooker size/shape: 3-quart round
Slow cooking time: 2 hours on low, OR 1 hour on high

Cooking spray
2 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed well under cold running water and drained
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1 1/2 cups fat-free half-and-half
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups frozen unsweetened peach slices, thawed and sliced or diced
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, dry-roasted and coarsely chopped

Lightly spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. Pour in the water. Stir in the quinoa and cinnamon. Cook, covered, on low for 2 hours or on high for 1 hour, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.

Just before the quinoa is ready, in a small bowl, stir together the half-and-half, sugar, and vanilla until the sugar has dissolved. Spoon the quinoa into bowls. Top with the peaches. Pour in the half-and half mixture. Sprinkle with the pecans.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)Calories 254
Total Fat 7.0 g
Saturated Fat 0.5 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.5 g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.5 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 65 mg
Carbohydrates 42 g
Fiber 4 g
Sugars 17 g
Protein 10 g

Dietary Exchanges2 starch
1 fruit
1 lean meat
1/2 fat

This recipe is reprinted with permission from American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, Copyright © 2012 by the American Heart Association. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, a division of Random House, Inc. Available from booksellers everywhere.

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Shrimp Jambalaya

The word “jambalaya” is thought to come from jambon, the French word for ham. It’s a given, then, that ham is one of the primary ingredients of jambalaya; however, you don’t need much when you use smoked ham and chop it finely to distribute its distinct flavor throughout the dish.

Serves 4; 1 1/2 cups per serving

Slow cooker size/shape: 3- to 4 1/2-quart round or oval

Slow cooking time: 5 to 6 hours on low plus 30 minutes on high, OR 2 1/2 to 3 hours on high plus 30 minutes on high

1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added tomatoes, undrained

1 cup water (if cooking on low) or 1 1/2 cups water (if cooking on high)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 medium rib of celery, sliced crosswise
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
2 ounces lower-sodium, low-fat smoked ham, all visible fat discarded, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
2 teaspoons dried parsley, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 medium dried bay leaf
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8 ounces raw medium shrimp, thawed if frozen, peeled, rinsed, and patted dry
1 cup frozen cut okra, thawed
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley

In the slow cooker, stir together the tomatoes with liquid, water, onion, celery, bell pepper, ham, parsley, oregano, garlic, thyme, cayenne, and bay leaf. Cook, covered, on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.

If using the low setting, change it to high. Quickly stir in the shrimp, okra, and rice and re-cover the slow cooker. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Discard the bay leaf. Serve the jambalaya sprinkled with the parsley.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)
Calories                             196
Total Fat                          2.0 g
   Saturated Fat               0.5 g
   Trans Fat                      0.0 g
   Polyunsaturated Fat     0.5 g
   Monounsaturated Fat   0.5 g
Cholesterol                    78 mg
Sodium                       472 mg
Carbohydrates                 30 g
   Fiber                                4 g
   Sugars                             7 g
Protein                              14 g

Dietary Exchanges
1 1/2 starch
2 vegetable
1 1/2 lean meat

This recipe is reprinted with permission from American Heart Association Healthy Slow Cooker Cookbook, Copyright © 2012 by the American Heart Association. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, a division of Random House, Inc. Available from booksellers everywhere.

___________________________________________________________________________

Chicken Tortilla Soup A garnish of avocado bits, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and crisp tortilla strips adds texture and color to this popular soup.
Serves 4; 1 1/2 cups per serving
Slow cooker size/shape: 3- to 4 1/2-quart round or oval
Slow cooking time: 6 to 8 hours on low, OR 3 to 4 hours on high

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, all visible fat discarded, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn, thawed
2 cups fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth
1 14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ancho powder
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
**********
2 6-inch corn tortillas, cut into 1/4-inch-wide strips, and 1 6-inch corn tortilla, torn into pieces, divided use
2 to 4 tablespoons snipped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup finely chopped avocado
1/4 medium red bell pepper, cut into matchstick-size strips

In the slow cooker, stir together the chicken, corn, broth, tomatoes with liquid, onion, sugar, ancho powder, garlic, and salt. Cook, covered, on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F.

Arrange the tortilla strips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crisp. Transfer the baking sheet to a cooling rack. Let the strips stand for about 15 minutes, or until cool. Transfer to an airtight container and set aside.

When the soup is ready, transfer 1 cup to a food processor or blender. Stir in the tortilla pieces. Let the mixture stand for 1 minute so the tortilla pieces soften. Process until smooth. Stir the mixture into the soup. Stir in the cilantro.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the avocado, bell pepper, and reserved baked tortilla strips.

Cook’s Tip: Adding the processed soup and tortilla mixture to the rest of the soup gives the finished product more body and distributes the tortilla flavor.

Nutrition Analysis (per serving)Calories 292
Total Fat 5.5 g
Saturated Fat 1.0 g
Trans Fat 0.0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.0 g
Cholesterol 73 mg
Sodium 350 mg
Carbohydrates 33 g
Fiber 5 g
Sugars 8 g
Protein 30 g

Dietary Exchanges1 1/2 starch
2 vegetable
3 lean meat

Thank You!

2012-09-18T08:39:00.001-07:00

We just wanted to send out a big thank you to all the walkers, runners, participants, fundraisers, sponsors, companies and online supporters we have this year for the heart walks. We also wanted to pass on a big thank you from a few special folks.

If you'd like to participate in a heart walk in your area, head to our website and enter your zip code.

Area hospitals “Get With The Guidelines”

2012-07-17T13:52:00.001-07:00

Hospitals across our six-state area have been recognized for achievement in using evidence-based guidelines to provide the best possible care to patients through the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® and Mission: Lifeline® programs. The honored hospitals are featured in a special advertisement in US News & World Report, published online at www.usnews.com, and in the publication’s “Best Hospitals Guidebook,” available in print this August.

Over 100 SouthWest Affiliate hospitals were among 1,041 nationwide to receive recognition under Get With The Guidelines, a hospital-based quality-improvement program that helps hospitals follow scientific guideline-based treatment for heart failure and stroke patients. Hospitals are recognized based on reductions in patient deaths within 30 days of leaving the hospital, and lower rehospitalization rates. Award levels—Gold Plus, Gold, Silver Plus and Silver—are based on length of adherence to the quality measures.

Area hospitals recognized for the Gold-Plus Get With The Guidelines achievement (HF - heart failure, S - stroke):

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX (S)
Centennial Medical Center, Frisco TX (HF)
Cristus Hospital - St. Elizabeth, Beaumont, TX (HF)
CHRISTUS Saint Michael Health System, Texarkana, TX (S)
CHRISTUS Spohn - Shoreline, Corpus Christi, TX (S)
Citizens Medical Center, Victoria, TX (HF)
Conroe Regional Medical Center, Conroe, TX (S)
Corpus Christi Medical Center, Corpus Christi, TX (S)
Covenant Medical Center, Lubbock, TX (S)
DeTar Healthcare System, Victoria, TX (S)
East Texas Medical Center, Tyler, TX (S)
Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, Wheat Ridge, CO
Good Shepherd Medical Center, Longview, TX (S)
Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center, Waco, TX (S)
Houston Northwest Medical Center, Houston, TX (HF)
Integris Baptist Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK (S)
Integris Southwest Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK (S)
Jane Phillips Medical Center, Barlesville, OK (HF)
Kingwood Medical Center, an HCA Affiliated Hospital, Kingwood, TX (S)
Lake Pointe Medical Center, Rowlett, TX (HF, S)
Las Palmas Medical Center, El Paso, TX (S)
Littleton Adventist Hospital, Littleton, CO (HF, S)
Longview Regional Medical Center, Longview, TX (S)
Lovelace Medical Center, Albuquerque, NM (S)
Medical Center Hospital, Odessa, TX (S)
Medical Center of Plano, Plano, TX (S)
Memorial Medical Center of East Texas, Lufkin, TX (S)
Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Richardson, TX (S)
Midland Memorial Hospital, Midland, TX (HF)
OakBend Medical Center, Richmond, TX (S)
Parker Adventist Hospital, Parker, CO (HF)
Parkland Health & Hospital, Dallas, TX (S)
Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, CO (HF)
Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, Colorado Springs, CO (S)
Plaza Medical Center of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX (S)
Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver, CO (HF)
Providence Healthcare Network, Waco, TX (S)
Providence Memorial Hospital, El Paso, TX (HF, S)
San Jacinto Methodist Hospital, Baytown, TX (S)
Scott and White Healthcare Round Rock, Round Rock, TX (S)
Shannon Medical Center, San Angelo, TX (HF)
Sierra Providence East Medical Center, El Paso, TX (HF)
Sparks Health System, Fort Smith, AR (S)
St. Anthony Central Hospital, Denver, CO (S)
St. David's Medical Center, Austin, TX (S)
St. John Medical Center, Tulsa, OK (S)
St. Joseph Health Medical Center, Bryan, TX (S)
St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, TX (S)
St. Mary's Hospital and Medical Center, Grand Junction, CO (HF, S)
Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO (S)
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital - WNJ, Sherman, TX (S)
The Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora, CO (S)
The Medical Center of Plano, Plano, TX (S)
The Methodist Hospital - Houston, TX, Houston, TX (S)
Trinity Mother Frances Health System, Tyler, TX (S)
United Regional Healthcare System, Wichita Falls, TX (S)
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR (S)
University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO (S)
University of New Mexico Hospitals, Albuquerque, NM (HF,S)
Valley Baptist Medical Center - Brownsville, Brownsville, TX (HF, S)
Valley Baptist Medical Center - Harlingen, Harlingen, TX (HF, S)
Wadley Regional Medical Center, Texarkana, TX (S)
Wyoming Medical Center, Casper, WY (S)

Additionally, 39 SouthWest Affiliate area hospitals were among the 225 nationwide honored for achievement in Mission: Lifeline, a coordinated system of care that helps communities speed up and streamline the process of diagnosing and treating heart attacks – from the first 911 call to in-hospital treatment. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were given to both receiving hospitals (those that meet standards for lifesaving heart attack treatments such as angioplasties that restore blood flow); and referral hospitals (facilities that meet standards for promptly diagnosing heart attacks, providing initial care, stabilizing patients and transporting them to a receiving center for further treatment). In addition to the US News & World Report advertisement, you can use the new interactive map at heart.org to find the nearest award-winning hospital in their region.

“The American Heart Association is pleased to recognize its top Get With The Guidelines participants,” said Stephanie Chapman, senior director of Quality & Systems Improvement with the American Heart Association’s SouthWest Affiliate. “Healthcare providers who use Get With The Guidelines are armed with the latest evidence-based guidelines and immediate access to clinical decision support, using a set of tools that have been shown to improve delivery of evidence-based care. The goal of this initiative is to improve the quality of life and help reduce deaths and disability among patients with heart disease and stroke.”

“Published scientific studies are providing us with more and more evidence that Get With The Guidelines works,” said Kent Ferguson, board chairman for the American Heart Association’s Capital Area Division. “Patients are getting the care they need when they need it, resulting in improved outcomes. We salute the local hospitals chosen by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to be honored in US News & World Report.”

SouthWest Affiliate Inducts New Chairman and President

2012-07-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

On July 1, the SouthWest Affiliate welcomed new volunteer leadership. Jim Fullerton of Denver and John Warner, MD of Dallas became SouthWest Affiliate Chairman and President, respectively. Jim and John will serve two year terms in these roles, through June 2014.

Jim Fullerton is the President and Commercial Banking Manager of Colorado Business Bank. His current responsibilities include the management of diversified commercial and private banking relationships. Prior to joining Colorado Business Bank in 2001, Jim was a Senior Vice President and Manager of Corporate Banking for Wells Fargo Bank in Denver.

Jim is a graduate of University of Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the Daniels School of Business. He served previously as Chair of the former Pacific Mountain and Colorado Affiliates. He has also served on the Denver Division Board and in the role of Chair. He is currently Chairman of the SouthWest Affiliate Nominating Committee, a member SouthWest Affiliate Corporate Operations Committee, and a member of the national Budget Review Subcommittee.

John Warner, MD, MBA is an interventional cardiologist and CEO of University Hospitals and Clinics for UT Southwestern Medical Center. He is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, where he holds the Jim and Norma Smith Distinguished Chair for Interventional Cardiology and the Audre and Bernard Rapoport Chair in Cardiovascular Research. He serves as the Medical Director of the UT Southwestern Heart, Lung and Vascular Center.

John attended medical school at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, and performed an internship, residency, and chief residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. He completed fellowships in Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology at Duke University Medical Center. His research interests lie in acute coronary syndromes, adult congenital heart disease, and risk factors for coronary artery plaque rupture and progression of atherosclerosis.

John is a member of the Dallas Division Board and has served in the in the role of Division President. He is also a member of the SouthWest Affiliate Nominating Committee and the national Mission: Lifeline Advisory Working Group.

SWA Volunteer Becomes 2012-13 National AHA Chairman

2012-07-16T13:03:00.002-07:00

Dallas businessman Ron W. Haddock was named national chairman of the American Heart Association for our 2012-13 fiscal year beginning July 1. As chairman, Ron is responsible for the overall administration of business affairs, public relations and fundraising and will preside over meetings of the board of directors and administrative cabinet.

Ron is chairman of the board and interim CEO of AEI Services, LLC, and is also chairman of both Safety-Kleen and Rubicon Offshore International. He was chairman and CEO of FINA from 1989 until his retirement in 2000.

An AHA volunteer for more than 10 years, Ron recently completed a two-year term as chairman of the SouthWest Affiliate and is also a past chairman of the Dallas Division. He has significantly increased corporate involvement in association activities – particularly in the Dallas area – by recruiting dozens of senior executives to local boards and committees. In 2010, Ron received the Dallas Division’s first One In A Million Award for his outstanding volunteer service.

Last year, a $1 million gift from Ron and his wife Sandi allowed the AHA to establish the Ron Haddock American Heart Association/American Stroke Association International Impact Award to recognize outstanding contributions to the organization’s global efforts. The gift also supports increased participation in SouthWest Affiliate fundraising campaigns.

In this video, recorded in late June, Ron and 2012-13 President Donna Arnett, PhD talked with CEO Nancy Brown about the year ahead.

Oklahoma City Volunteer Named AHA Physician of the Year

2012-07-16T12:59:00.001-07:00

On June 27, Mary Ann Bauman, M.D., was named American Heart Association Physician of the Year. This national award is presented annually to a practicing physician who has rendered outstanding contributions to the accomplishment of the AHA’s mission to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

Mary Ann is medical director for Women’s Health & Community Relations at INTEGRIS Health, Inc., in Oklahoma City. She was honored for her enthusiastic leadership on the AHA’s behalf at the local, affiliate and national levels, and for her commitment to educating patients about cardiovascular disease risk.

As a past member of the Strategic Planning Task Force that created the Association’s 2010-13 Strategic Plan, the AHA mission and goals are always at the forefront of Mary Ann’s volunteer service.

Referred to by colleagues as a true “ambassador for health and wellness,” she has made numerous presentations on cardiovascular health and the AHA mission, and is actively involved in Oklahoma City’s Heart Walk and Go Red For Women’s Circle of Red. As a primary care physician, she provides constant reminders to patients of the vital importance of cardiovascular health to overall well-being.

Mary Ann was the 2010-12 president of the SouthWest Affiliate and she currently serves as the national HeartChase chairperson. She is a member of the national Consumer Health & Quality Coordinating Committee, Diversity Leadership Committee, Hospital Accreditation Business Management Committee, and The Guideline Advantage Committee. She also serves on the SouthWest Affiliate Nominating and Corporate Operations Committees. She is a past president of the Oklahoma City Division and was co-chair of the Oklahoma City Heart Walk in 2008 and 2009.

Congratulations to Mary Ann on this great honor!

We're Saving Lives in Wyoming!

2012-06-22T12:01:00.000-07:00

Every day in Wyoming, approximately 51 people are diagnosed with heart disease. This diagnosis means they are at a greater risk of experiencing a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. And, from the moment the first heart attack symptoms begin, the survival clock starts ticking. Every second counts in a race against time to stop the heart attack or arrest and to restore blood flow to the heart — ideally within the first hour, which can be challenging in a frontier state such as Wyoming.

A $5.9 million grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to the SouthWest Affiliate of the American Heart Association (AHA) will help Wyomians beat the clock by implementing Mission: Lifeline Wyoming, a community-based approach to improving the system of care for heart attack patients throughout the state by closing the gaps that separate heart attack patients from timely access to care. The three-year initiative, managed by Wyoming-based AHA staff, will be a collaborative effort involving hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS) providers and first responders. Mission: Lifeline Wyoming will coordinate and streamline protocols to reduce the amount of time it takes for heart attack patients to receive lifesaving treatment by ensuring equipment compatibility, consistent training and uniform protocols for both transporting and treating heart attack patients across the state.
Want to find out more? Head to www.heart.org/mlwyoming.
Want to follow our progress? Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ahawyoming.

Saving Lives in Dallas County

2012-06-07T09:38:00.001-07:00

Every day in Dallas County, approximately 30 people suffer a heart attack and depend on the seamless delivery of emergency medical services to increase their chances of survival and quality of life. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of all Americans and current survival rates in Dallas County are lower than the national average. For the past few years, we've been working with the Dallas medical community to change those statistics.

Thanks to funding from the W.W. Caruth Jr. Foundation of Communities Foundation of Texas, the collaboration has the power to transform patient care for future heart attack victims in Dallas and to position the county as a national leader in heart attack treatment and survival. This innovative regional collaboration will work to ensure equipment compatibility, consistent training and uniform protocols for both transporting and treating heart attack patients across the region. Watch the video below to see the impact we've already had in the Dallas community!

Support Healthy Kids - Donate Today!

2012-05-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Kids today are struggling with weight. About 1 in 3 American kids and teens are overweight or obese. They're also dealing with adult-sized, obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Here’s where the American Heart Association is helping kids and families to live heart-healthy lives:
Our Jump Rope For Heart and Hoops For Heart programs have been in schools for more than 30 years, helping kids get active and learn the value of community service.

Kylee Shea (watch her video above) got a second chance at life because her school was equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and bystanders were trained in CPR. We’re working to have all schools equipped with these life saving tools.

We’re advocating legislation promoting quality physical and health education and increased physical activity opportunities in schools.

Got water? Or milk? Or even juice? We hope so because we collaborated with the beverage industry to get sugary sodas out of schools. Got broccoli or carrots? Great! We continue to work toward improved nutrition standards for K-12 graders.

And you can help. You + Us = healthy kids and a better future. Consider donating today to make a difference in children's lives.

May is Stroke Month

2012-05-15T12:55:00.000-07:00

Stroke can happen to anyone, at any time and at any age. Learn to recognize a stroke, because in a stroke emergency, time lost is brain lost. For every minute you don’t get help, more brain cells die. Learn more about stroke at strokeassociation.org.

Every 40 seconds someone has a stroke — and if a stroke doesn’t kill, it may cause physical or mental disability. Call 9-1-1 immediately and say “I think this is a stroke” if you or someone you’re with has any of these stroke warning signs:
o    Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
o    Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or trouble understanding
o    Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
o    Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or loss of coordination
o    Sudden severe headache with no known cause

We sat down with some of our Affiliate Board Members to hear more about stroke initiatives across the affiliate.

AHA Announces Multicultural Scholarship Recipients

2012-05-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Reed

Through the Go Red For Women campaign, the American Heart Association recently announced recipients of the first 2012 Go Red Multicultural Scholarship Fund. Sixteen $2,500 scholarships were awarded to multicultural women pursuing careers in healthcare that aspire to help their communities.

The scholarship fund is designed to inspire and support women in their studies and expand the much-needed pipeline of diverse nursing and medical students, while increasing cultural competence in health care. Research shows that numerous ethnic groups — including African-Americans and Hispanics — are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and risk factors, confront barriers to diagnosis and care, and experience worse health outcomes than their Caucasian counterparts.

Crystal Vasquez

As a condition of the scholarship, the winners must perform community service in their areas and will have exposure to healthcare professionals in their fields. The scholarships will be available to the 16 women during the fall 2012 school year, including three recipients in the SouthWest Affiliate:

•    Chelsea Reed, 18, Stephen F. Austin State University, of Missouri City, TX
•    Crystal Vasquez, 19, University of New Mexico, of Albuquerque, NM
•    Guadalupe Sinyard, 19, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic University, of Brownsville, TX

Guadalupe Sinyard

The Go Red Multicultural Scholarship is made possible by the Macy's Multicultural Fund. Macy's is a national sponsor of Go Red For Women and Go Red Por Tu Corazón and has helped raise more than $28 million for the cause since 2004.

Vestido Rojo Sweeps Through The SWA

2012-05-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

The SouthWest Affiliate has been hard at work this spring, bringing our life-saving message to the Hispanic community. We recently wrapped up another successful Vestido Rojo season, with our best results ever.

Vestido Rojo events give women the opportunity to receive complimentary health screenings, learn their risk of CVD, and participate in classes on healthy living. We hosted events in six cities with a total attendance of 1,776 women (up 18% from last year) and provided over 900 health screenings. San Antonio hosted the largest event in the nation, with over 600 attendees. Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin also boasted their largest Vestido Rojo events ever this year.

One of the most exciting elements of our Vestido Rojo events is that we celebrate the importance of getting active with a little Zumba and salsa aerobics. The growth, excitement, and energy behind Vestido Rojo continues to grow largely to the implementation of our Madrina concept.

A Madrina (Godmother in Spanish) is a community member who serves as a health ambassador by inviting friends and family members to attend the event and be a guest at a Madrina’s table. The Madrina also works with her group to encourage them to participate in break-out sessions and become familiar with healthy messages. This concept has gained so much popularity and support that we were able to recruit over 155 Madrinas this year, contributing directly to the growth of our events.

While Vestido Rojo features a lot of beneficial education and health screenings, it was a life-saving event for one Fort Worth attendee. After a health screening, Diane Ortiz was told her blood sugar count was 432 (showing she is diabetic) and her blood pressure was over 200. The health professional examining her recommended Ms. Ortiz go the emergency room as soon as possible. Ms. Ortiz had a friend take her to the emergency room at Baylor All Saints hospital in Fort Worth, where she was immediately admitted. The doctors told her it was likely she would have died within a week if she hadn’t come to the hospital. We were happy to her that Ms. Ortiz is now out of the hospital and doing much better. She contacted our Fort Worth team to let them know that she is improving and truly believes that Vestido Rojo saved her life.

Advocacy Team Makes History in New Mexico

2012-05-15T11:36:00.001-07:00

February 22 marked an historic day in the SouthWest Affiliate and set a national precedent for the AHA. On the heels of unanimous passage from the New Mexico Legislature, Governor Susan Martinez signed House Bill 33 into law surrounded by 560 American Heart Association supporters at the Albuquerque Go Red For Women Luncheon.

House Bill 33 allows the state of New Mexico to officially recognize hospitals that meet national guidelines as Primary Stroke Centers. Primary Stroke Centers are critical because they can quickly diagnose and treat stroke victims, giving them the best chance of survival. When a stroke occurs, time lost is brain tissue lost, and Primary Stroke Centers ensure the best care is given in accordance with national standards. This bill encourages more hospitals to reach Primary Stroke Center certification and give more New Mexicans access to quality stroke care.

Before the bill signing, the Governor met privately with Albuquerque Circle of Red members. During lunch she spoke in support of the AHA and our mission by encouraging healthier living and relaying her own family’s history with CVD.

The SouthWest Affiliate is greatly appreciative of the Governor’s presence at the Albuquerque luncheon and strong commitment on this issue. We also thank the Co-Sponsors of this legislation: Representative Conrad James, who was also in attendance at the Luncheon, and Senator Howie Morales. This big win was the culmination of a lot of hard work of many volunteers, including Dr. David McCraney and Circle of Red Co-Chairs Kristie Bair and Melanie Burns.