With 2017 right around the corner, have you thought about your goals and things you wish to strive for this coming year? We all know that setting New Year goals and then failing to achieve them can be disheartening; so why not just start with small steps towards your goals and then working your way up? For example, why not just have a goal of being more physically active? This can start with simply walking in your neighborhood or establishing a more regular schedule of walking your dog.
​Just being more physically active can help prevent heart disease and improve your overall cardiovascular health. The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests at 150 per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. Or how about a combination of both? You can also experience health benefits by diving the time into 2-3 segments of 10 to 15 minutes per day. 
​In addition, for people who want to decrease their blood pressure or cholesterol level, the AHA recommends 40 minutes of aerobic exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity at least 3 to 4 times pwer week.
Being physically active has more benefits than just the prevention of heart disease and stroke. An increased level of physical activity can increase your mental acuity and physical wellness while also optimizing your current health.
Some specific examples include:
1.  Boosting energy levels
2. Managing stress
3. Releasing tension
4. Improving self-image and boosting self-confidence
5. Increasing muscle strength

I wish everyone a Healthy and Happy 2017!

With the Holiday Season here and the new year approaching, this is the perfect time to consider new skills that might allow you to promote awareness as well as health in your community.
Did you know that the risk for injuries and heart attack both rise dramatically during the holiday season. There are many reasons: Sudden cardiac arrest increase is commonly attributed to holiday stress, as well as the consumption of richer foods and alcohol. Injuries and accidents also increase rise due to cooking (often with many people in an unfamiliar kitchen), holiday lights and decorations, space heaters, and more.
No matter what the reason, give life and wellness this season! Whether your certification is still within the 2 year period or not, a refresher course in CPR and First Aid is timely, makes a great gift, and could help keep everyone safe. Remember that 80% of all bystander CPR is performed on loved ones! 
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THE BEST IN 2017.

Each year, over 400,000 people in the U.S. experience sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and 9 out of 10 victims die. This is roughly equivalent to the number of people who die from Alzheimers’ disease, assault with firearms, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, diabetes, HIV, house fires, motor vehicle accidents, prostate cancer and suicides combined. In fact, the incidence of sudden cardiac death is nearly 10 times higher than the incidence of death from breast cancer,
When suden cardiac arrest occurs, the fact is that only one-hald of the victims will typcially need a shock. However, all will require CPR. Subsequently, you need an AED that is dependable, relaiable, and easy to operate. 
The ZOLL AED Plus is the only AED that can actually see when you are doing CPR and help you do it well. Th AED Plus features Real CPR Help a unique CPR feedback tool that is able to monitor CPR quality and provide real-time feedback for dept as well as rate of chest compressions. Both audio and visual prompts allow you the rescuer to have increased confidence and understanding that is unmatched by any other AED.
I provide onsite CPR/AED training and can help keep your organization in compliance with OSHA requirements which require that a person or persons are adequately trained on the AED and are able to render aid in the absence of adequate healthcare assistance.
You can email us at helpaheartcpr@yahoo.com or call us at 210.380.5344 to inquire about our ZOLL AED's, related products and services, and onsite training.
​Happy Holidays.

One common thing that I have noticed in many of my classes are that people are often reluctant or hesitant to use the AED. Unfortunately, a recent study conducted by the Annals of Emergency Medicine suggested that nearly half of the population could not identify an automated external defibrillator (AED) and 43 percent of people would not use one even if they could. So what were the reasons?  Various reasons given included the following: not being trained; not being familiar with how they are used; and fear of harming the victim. Also, some believed they might be held liable for a poor outcome and the possibility of subsequent litigation.
However, it is important to remember as I tell my students that when a  person is unresponsive, not breathing and you can’t detect a pulse, the first thing to do is tell someone to call 911. Then,  we need to request for someone to "grab an AED". But if you ask someone to grab an AED and they don't know what it looks like and they don't know where to get one-then we might have a problem. This potential challenges only reiterates the need for increased AED training and not being afraid to use the AED if you have it.
Subsequently, remember.....if there’s an AED, go ahead and use it.!! Help me as I spread the awareness of installing and implementing AEDs in as many public places as possible. They can make a crucial difference. 
​Have a healthy and happy holiday.