You're the Cure: Great Rivers Affiliate

Heart Health Screenings

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

How often should I get screened?

Does my age matter?

What tests do I need?

What risk factors do I have?

The key to preventing cardiovascular disease, also called coronary artery disease (CAD), is managing your risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high total cholesterol or high blood glucose. But how do you know which risk factors you have? The best way to find out is through screening tests during regular doctor visits.

Download or print a quick reference chart.

Teaching Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Obesity is one of the most expensive health care problems in America. One third of U.S. children are overweight or obese putting them at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

The American Heart Association is taking a new approach in the fight against childhood obesity. We've teamed with noted child-nutrition activist and philanthropist Kelly Meyer to create the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens planted in elementary schools across the country that become real-life learning laboratories for students to learn what it means to be healthy.

Aimed at first graders through fifth, we teach children how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce and ultimately understand the value of good eating habits

Learn More.

How to Make a Healthy Home

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Did you know that childhood obesity is the No. 1 health concern among parents in the United States, topping drug abuse and smoking? Among children today, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. If current trends continue, today’s kids could be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents. Help your child develop healthy habits early in life that will bring lifelong benefits. As you gain practical tips on helping your kids eat nutritious meals and enjoy a physically active lifestyle, be sure to apply these same behaviors to your own life. The best way to lead your child to a healthy lifestyle is to set a positive example yourself. Find out how.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Heart attack warning signs in women can be different than men. Even though heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women, women often chalk up the symptoms to less life-threatening conditions like acid reflux, the flu or normal aging. Even when the signs are subtle, the consequences can be deadly, especially if the victim doesn’t get help right away. Heart disease is preventable. Learn More

CDC Vital Signs Release on Sodium

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:00:00 +0000

February is American Heart Month and it’s a great time for us to share the latest research and information about heart disease and stroke prevention. The newest edition of CDC Vital Signs at http://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns focuses on excessive sodium in the American diet and the top 10 types of foods most responsible for it. CDC Vital Signs reports on a single, compelling public health topic each month.

Some key points of the CDC Vital Signs report on sodium include:

9 in 10 Americans aged 2 years and older eat too much sodium.
44% of the sodium we eat comes from just 10 types of foods.
65% of sodium we eat comes from foods sold in grocery stores.
25% of sodium we eat comes from foods served in restaurants.
Too much sodium can raise high blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
800,000 people die each year from heart disease, stroke and other vascular diseases.

Most of the sodium we eat comes from food sold in grocery stores and in restaurants, and not what is added at the table. Sodium is already part of processed foods and cannot be removed. Reducing sodium content of the 10 leading food sources by 25 percent would lower total dietary sodium by more than 10 percent.

Heart-Healthy Valentine's Day Tips

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This Valentine's Day, indulge with a heart-healthy gift.

Quality time is one of the most meaningful gifts. Bundle up and plan an active outing such as sledding, ice skating, or if you're feeling adventurous, visit an indoor rock wall.
If your children are having a Valentine's Day party at their school or day care, instead of sending candies, consider mini-boxes of raisins, mini-bags of pretzels, pencils or stickers.
Cooking at home is an excellent way to control the quality and amounts of what you eat.

Delaware Heart Month Proclamation

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

WHEN THE GOVERNOR CALLS . . .

Just like every other state, the First State of Delaware was awash in red on February 3. The cupola in Legislative Hall was lit in red. Two days before National Go Red Day, the governor’s office called to say that he would like to recognize the day and American Heart Month. American Heart Association Government Relations Director Jonathan Kirch gathered a group of about 15 volunteers to be there as Governor Markell presented a Heart Month proclamation and had the Secretary of Health and Human Services on hand to discuss the American Heart Association’s public policy priorities for the state.

Heart Month Presidential Proclamation

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

On January 31st, President Obama signed a proclamation declaring February 2012 as American Heart Month.

Every year, heart disease takes the lives of over half a million Americans, and it remains the leading cause of death in the United States. The President encouraged men and women across the country to take the steps necessary to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Read the full proclamation here.

Kick the Sodium Habit!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Eating too much sodium increases blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association wants to help all Americans lower the amount of sodium they consume.

Here’s what we’re doing to help:

encouraging manufacturers to reduce the amount of sodium in the food supply;
advocating for more healthy foods to be available and accessible (for example, more fruits and vegetables); and
providing consumers with education and decision-making tools to make better food choices.

To learn what you can do, please get the facts on shaking the habit.

PA Clean Indoor Air

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma (particularly in children), and low birth-weight births.

Over 38,000 people die every years in the United States and over one million illnesses in children are caused by secondhand smoke - every year! Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids

Provide a level playing field for all businesses across the Commonwealth (No Exemptions!) Clean Indoor Air legislation does not have a negative impact on businesses – in some cases, businesses grow.

There is a dedicated Comprehensive Clean Indoor Air Facebook page for Pennsylvania! Everyone in Pennsylvania deserves clean indoor air. No more clean indoor air exemptions!

Please “like” the Clean Indoor Air for All Pennsylvanians Facebook page and share your thoughts and ideas.

It's Wear Red Day!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:00 +0000

CELEBRATE WEAR RED DAY!

About 8 million women in the U.S. are living with heart disease, yet only one in six believes heart disease is her greatest health threat. This represents a significant disconnect between women’s beliefs about their heart health status – and reality.

We must learn the truth about our No. 1 killer so we can save our own lives, and the hearts of the women we love. Learn the facts:

Common symptoms for women included pain of the jaw, arm or back, but most reported a delay in seeking treatments after the symptoms began of anywhere from 15 minutes to two weeks.
Learn your personal risk of heart disease – including family history, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar – and make simple lifestyle changes that can save your life.

Take action against women’s No. 1 killer – wear RED and visit GoRedForWomen.org.

Foods in Red

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0000

February 3rd is National Wear Red Day! Make every part of your celebration “Red” by enjoying these red foods and drinks!

Red Berry Squares: Make strawberry-flavored gelatin mixed with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Cut into squares before serving.

Frozen Watermelon Bites: Alternate frozen cubes of watermelon and mint leaves on a skewer and serve cold.

Ravin’ Red Smoothie: Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, ½ cup frozen strawberries, ½ cup frozen raspberries and 1 frozen banana.

Red Pasta: Cook whole-wheat spaghetti and top with low-sodium marinara sauce, diced tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes.

Baked Red Apple Dessert: Fill 1 whole red apple (cored) with ¼ cup chopped almonds, ¼ cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. brown sugar. Bake for 15 minutes at 350° or until sugar bubbles.

Perfect Polenta: Cook polenta and mix with roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper and sun-dried tomato.

Stuffed Red Bell Peppers: Stuff 1 red bell pepper (cored) with ½ cup cooked brown rice, ¼ diced red onion, ¼ cup ground turkey (browned), 1 tbsp. parsley, salt and pepper. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until pepper is heated through.

Roasted Red Cabbage Salad: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups chopped red cabbage (roasted), ½ cup red onion (thinly sliced and sautéed), ¼ cup red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp. olive oil and sea salt.

Red Bean Salsa: Combine 2 cups red beans, ½ cup diced red onions, 1 cup diced red tomato, ¼ cup diced jalapeño (remove seeds), ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, salt and pepper.

For heart-healthy recipes visit GoRedForWomen.org/betterU

Roll Out Your Red

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Join the Wear Red Day Challenge!

Join the excitement of our first-ever Wear Red Day Challenge as we spotlight our most spirited supporters in a friendly competition. Go to Facebook.com/GoRed to review the 13 Wear Red Day Award categories. Submit your videos or photos on the Wear Red Day Challenge tab on our Facebook Page from Jan. 23 to Feb. 23. Encourage others to vote for you by “liking” your submissions; winners will be announced Feb. 25.

Women and Heart Disease

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Go Red on Wear Red Day, February 3rd 2012, and help fight the #1 killer of Women.

Heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of women, taking the life of one woman every minute.
More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer.
Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease.
The facts are clear. More women die of heart disease than all forms of cancer combined. Unfortunately, the killer isn’t as easy to see. Heart disease is often silent, hidden and misunderstood.

The truth is, our lives are in our hands. We can stop our No. 1 killer together by sharing the truth. We can be the difference between life and death.

Help us stop our No. 1 killer, GoRedForWomen.org

Walking Clubs

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Walking Clubs provide a simple, free way to get fit in the New Year

Regular walking is one of the most effective forms of physical activity that delivers substantial health benefits and improves heart health. To make it fun and easy to get moving, the American Heart Association created Walking Clubs.

By joining or forming an American Heart Association Walking Club you can connect with others who share your goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies - and do it all free.

Read more to learn how you can join an existing Walking Club or form your own.

Atrial Fibrillation Study

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Middle-aged men with upper-normal blood pressure at risk for atrial fibrillation

Middle-aged men at the upper end of normal blood pressure have an elevated risk for atrial fibrillation later in life, according to new research in Hypertension: Journal of the American Heart Association.

Atrial fibrillation is a common heart rhythm disorder in which irregular heartbeats can lead to stroke and other heart-related complications; it affects over 2.7 million Americans. While hypertension is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, the health consequences of upper-normal blood pressure are not yet fully understood.

...more

What is a Serving?

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

I can’t possibly eat that many servings of vegetables, etc.!

Before you decide that you can’t eat as many servings of ANYTHING as suggested, think small fist, baseball, hockey puck and a computer mouse. These are all things that describe a “serving size.” The comparisons will help you eat more of the things you need and less of the things you don’t.

One serving of raw leafy vegetables or a baked potato should be about the size of a small fist. A serving is a lot smaller than most people think.
A cup of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt, or a medium fruit should equal about the size of a baseball.
A half a bagel is about the size of a hockey puck and represents a serving from the grains group.
Three ounces of cooked lean meat or poultry is about the size of a computer mouse. Three ounces of grilled fish is about the size of a checkbook.
A teaspoon of soft margarine is about the size of one die.
An ounce of fat-free or low-fat cheese is about the size of six stacked dice.

2012 Ohio Events

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:31:00 +0000

       Date                                 Event

February 11, 2012           Akron Heart Ball

February 11, 2012           Youngstown Heart Ball

February 17, 2012           Cleveland Go Red Event

February 23, 2012           Columbus Go Red Event

February 25, 2012           Canton Heart Ball

February 25, 2012           Cincinnati Heart Ball

Yoga Could Boost Heart Health!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Why yoga?

Thinking prevention? As part of an overall healthy lifestyle, yoga can help lower blood pressure, increase lung capacity, improve respiratory function and heart rate, and boost circulation and muscle tone.

Yoga also has proven benefits for those who have faced cardiac arrest, heart attack or other heart events.

Yoga is is designed to bring about increased physical, mental and emotional well-being. After your first yoga class, your blood pressure will likely be lower, you’ll be relaxed and you’ll feel better.

To learn more . . .

Protein and Heart Health

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

How much protein do you actually need?

Most of us are getting far more protein than we need — especially when it comes to meat. The main problem is that often the extra protein is coming from meats high in saturated fats, which can add to elevated cholesterol levels of the LDL — or “bad” — cholesterol.

You need to find the balance and choose the right amount and kind of protein.

When choosing protein, opt for low-fat options, such as lean meats, skim milk or other foods with high levels of protein. Legumes, for example, can pack about 16 grams of protein per cup and are a low-fat and inexpensive alternative to meat.
Choose main dishes that combine meat and vegetables together, such as low-fat soups, or a stir-fry that emphasizes veggies.
Watch portion size. Aim for 2- to 3-ounce servings.
If you’re having an appetizer, try a plate of raw veggies instead of a cheese plate. Cheese adds protein, but also fat.

Learn more . . .

Grief Linked to Higher Heart Attack Risks

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Grief over losing loved one linked to higher heart attack risks

Your risk of heart attack may increase during the days and weeks after the death of a close loved one, according to research reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.

A study of 1,985 adult heart attack survivors showed that after a significant person's death, heart attack risks increased to 21 times higher than normal within the first day and were almost six times higher than normal within the first week.

more . .

'Hot in Cleveland' Goes Red

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

The American Heart Association is thrilled that in support of Go Red For Women, TV Land's Hot In Cleveland will feature a Go Red For Women/heart disease-related storyline set to air on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 10 p.m. CST. In addition, in honor of Betty White's 90th birthday on Jan. 17, watch for the parallel birthday mention of Betty's character Elka. Mark your calendars to see how the women learn about their heart health!

AHA Initiatives Will be Focus of Health Broadcast in West Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

CEO Nancy Brown will discuss Go Red For Women and other AHA initiatives in a Jan. 17 interview on "From the Heart," a program on the WV Library Television Network.

"From the Heart" airs statewide various times each month and is also available online. It focuses on AHA activities in West Virginia, from the Charleston Heart Ball to Heart Walks, Hands-Only CPR and health issues/programs in the Mountain State.

"From the Heart" is hosted by Kevin Pauley, communications director for West Virginia at the Great Rivers Affiliate. Pauley has been hosting and developing episodes for the past six years.

The Jan. 17 broadcast is at 2 p.m. CST.

See the program and past episodes.

Secondhand Smoke on the Decline in England

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Levels of secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmoking English adults declined significantly after smoke-free laws went into effect, according to a new U.K. study.

Exposure to secondhand smoke, as measured by the percentage of the population with undetectable salivary cotinine, declined from 1998 to 2008. The percentage of the population who had undetectable cotinine was 2.9 times higher and the geometric mean cotinine declined by 80 percent over the term, Michelle Sims, Ph.D., from the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies at the University of Bath, and colleagues found.

After the implementation of the legislation, there was also a significant fall in exposure, they reported in Environmental Health Perspectives.

National Wear Red Day is February 3rd!

noreply@blogger.com (You're the Cure GRA) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:30:00 +0000

Too many women die each year because they are unaware that heart disease is their No. 1 killer. One in three women suffers in silence, and almost one woman dies every minute of this largely preventable disease.

Together, we can bring a voice to this silent killer to help save lives. We can listen to what our hearts are telling us, wear red on National Wear Red Day (February 3rd, 2012) and spread the word to our friends and community about making the right choices and taking action.

Speak Up to Save Lives. Start by visiting GoRedForWomen.org.