This week's Try It Tuesday is one we all should take time to learn and that is "Hands Only" CPR. You know thinking back to when I was even in High School I knew I needed to learn CPR but honestly never went through the "certification" process. Well, let me tell you! Now there is no CPR Certification .... it's not about signing up for a class .... it's about talking a few minutes to learn the simple two steps that can help save a life. You never know when this could happen to anyone around you, the best thing we can do is be prepared. To think, most cardiac arrests don't happen at the hospital, they happen at home or in public. The more people that know the steps to "hands only CPR" the more lives saved. I really enjoyed spending time with David Morris, Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Jonathan Kirch, Government Relations Director and Representative Melissa Minor-Brown who is a nurse by trade. I learned so much about what they are doing here in Delaware to improve our health, not only for adults but kids too!
Let's talk more about what the American Heart and American Stroke Association is doing and why it's so important here in Delaware. Heart disease is the #1 cause of death around the world, in the U.S. and right here in Delaware. Stroke is the #2 cause of death around the world, #5 in the U.S. and #4 right here in Delaware.
So what about Delaware? Studies have shown that unfortunately Delaware is a VERY unhealthy state. It's not just one county either, it's state-wide. We are not eating the right foods, consuming too much sugar, not getting enough physical exercise, a smoking and vaping epidemic, more and more people are considered overweight or obese and many have un-diagnosed cases of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, diabetes and cholesterol.
What is the American Heart Association doing here in Delaware to combat this? For starters, they are educating our youth through partnerships with schools across the state. The American Heart Association is a research organization, investing close to $5 billion in research in their 90-year history. Including nearly $1 million in research ongoing at UD right now. They also are partnered with all six health institutions here in Delaware and all three county EMS systems to provide the greatest care for Delawareans. They work with community partners to educate in healthy eating, living and CPR. And work with local, state and national government to create a healthier environment. Examples of some big WINS recently in Delaware is T21, healthier kids meals and Social Determinants of health funding.
February is Heart Month! So, I am sure by now you are wondering, how can you get involved? February 7th is National Wear Red Day, so join me in wearing red on 2/7! You can also join the movement by following The American Heart Association on Social Media @aha Delaware on Instagram and Twitter and Facebook.com/ahadelaware. Visit www.heart.org/Delaware for more information. And/or participate in their Workplace Health Achievement Index.
They also have many events throughout the year:
- Wilmington Heart Ball on Saturday, February 22, 2020
- STEM Goes Red Event on March 18, 2020
- Southern Delaware Go Red for Women on March 19, 2020
- Southern Delaware Heart Ball at Hyatt Place in Dewey Beach on May 2, 2020
- Wilmington Go Red for Women on May 13, 2020
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