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    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!

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    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.
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What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

Monday, October 10, 2011
PAD is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries, most commonly in the arteries of the pelvis and legs. 

PAD is similar to coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid artery disease. All three of these conditions are caused by narrowed and blocked arteries in various critical regions of the body. Hardened arteries (or atherosclerosis) in the coronary artery region, restricts the blood supply to the heart muscle. Carotid artery disease refers to atherosclerosis in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Quick Facts about PAD:
The most common symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. Typically, this pain goes away with rest and returns when you walk again.

Added Risks for PAD:

If you smoke, you have an especially high risk for PAD.


If you have diabetes, you have an especially high risk for PAD.


People with high blood pressure or high cholesterol are at risk for PAD.


Learn More . . .

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Welcome to the online home for American Heart Association advocacy in the Great Rivers Affiliate! The Great Rivers Affiliate includes Delaware, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

We update regularly about our ongoing legislative issues (for example: tobacco prevention and cessation, childhood obesity, nutrition, stroke and STEMI systems of care, etc). We hope this blog proves to be a resource to keep our amazing advocates up-to-date with our fast-paced legislative happenings!

You don't have to be a doctor to save lives - just an advocate with the American Heart Association and its division the American Stroke Association. In just a few moments, you can make a huge difference. All you have to do is respond to the issues and action alerts that you feel are important.

Join You're the Cure today!