You're the Cure: Great Rivers Affiliate

My Life Check

We're empowering Americans to take a big step towards a better life. With My Life Check, you can get your personal heart score and a custom plan with the seven simple steps you need to start living your best life.
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Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of CPR!
In 1960, a group of resuscitation pioneers combined mouth-to-mouth breathing with chest compressions to create Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, the lifesaving action we now call “CPR.” This action, when provided immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, can double – even triple – a victim’s chance of survival.

Join us throughout this anniversary year as we celebrate CPR and the people whose lives it has saved over the last 50 years!
You're the Cure

You don't have to be a doctor to save lives. Just be willing to deliver a lifesaving message to public officials whenever you can. Maybe you've already participated with the American Heart Association before by walking in a Heart Walk. Or perhaps you've helped organize a gala event. Maybe you even helped someone survive a heart attack or stroke. At moments like these, You're the Cure. Even if you're someone who wants to get involved for the first time, you can be part of the cure.
Take Action TODAY→

Walking Clubs

You're the Cure GRA On Friday, January 27, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Thursday, January 26, 2012

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?

You're the Cure GRA On Wednesday, January 25, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Monday, January 23, 2012

       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!

You're the Cure GRA On

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

You're the Cure GRA On Friday, January 20, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Thursday, January 19, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Tuesday, January 17, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Monday, January 16, 2012

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

You're the Cure GRA On Friday, January 13, 2012

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!

You're the Cure GRA On Wednesday, January 11, 2012

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.

West Virginia Lobby Day

You're the Cure GRA On Tuesday, January 10, 2012

On February 24th,
You're the Cure at the Capitol

Join the American Heart Association, the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free West Virginia and concerned citizens from across the state as we take our message to the Capitol on Friday, February 24, 2012.

Simply REGISTER TODAY for Tobacco-Free Day at the Capitol and then make plans to join us in Charleston on Feb. 24th--we'll take care of the rest!

Bring a friend and let's make our voices heard on February 24th!

Click here to register for an exciting chance to make a difference in WV!

We'll follow up soon with meetings times and other events of the day, but please feel free to contact Melissa Brown if you have any questions or need more information.

Thank you for being part of the Cure for heart disease and stroke in WV!

Orange Bowl Cancels Tobacco Sponsorship

You're the Cure GRA On Monday, January 9, 2012

The Orange Bowl Committee canceled a partnership agreement to promote Camacho Cigars at the Discover Orange Bowl. The agreement would have extended through 2014.

A coalition of nine health organizations, including the American Heart Association, expressed disappointment over the agreement in a Dec. 20 letter to the committee.

"This blatant promotion of cigars at a high-profile sporting event continues the tobacco industry's decades-long practice of using sports and entertainment sponsorships to promote tobacco products, especially to youth," the groups wrote.

Click here for more information.

5 Simple Heart-Healthy Energy Boosters

You're the Cure GRA On Friday, January 6, 2012

Want more energy?
We’d all like to be able to do more and feel better doing it. Most people who want more energy can get it. Following the steps below is a good start. You’ll feel more energetic, and feel better overall. You’ll also reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

move more
eat smart
sleep
lose a few
lighten up

For more information on the 5 steps, click here.

Join the You're the Cure Network Today!

You're the Cure GRA On

Did you know that in January 2012 forty state legislatures will be in legislative session?

Support the American Heart Association’s policy agenda by joining the You’re the Cure grassroots network at www.yourethecure.org, and send lifesaving messages to members of the legislature in your state. Invite your family and friends to join too. The more voices we have, the more powerful we will be in the fight against heart disease and stroke.

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