American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Volunteers Share Their Personal Stories
During American Stroke Month in May, the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is launching a campaign to raise awareness about a type of irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation (AFib). More than 2.7 million Americans live with this condition, and are at increased risk of heart-related death and at a 5 times greater risk for having a stroke. The campaign is made possible by a charitable donation from Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer.
Four Association volunteers share their personal experiences living with AFib: Carl Romero, a high school teacher; Jane Golub, Director of In-store Marketing Programs for Price Chopper Supermarkets; Karen Christensen, an ice-skating coach and former Ice Capades performer; and, Mary Deas, a retiree and volunteer for both the American Heart Association and Arthritis Foundation. Each has had a unique experience, but all are living life to the fullest. In addition to helping raise awareness about the risk factors and symptoms of AFib, these personal stories are also intended to help reassure those recently diagnosed with AFib that it doesn’t have to impact their quality of life. “The best advice that I would give to somebody who has just been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is stay positive, take your medication and just live your life each day and enjoy it,” says Karen Christensen.
Their stories are on YouTube, and they will also be featured in public service and social media campaigns. (Carl Romero, Jane , Karen Christensen and Mary Deas)
To learn more about AFib, visit www.heart.org/AFib. To learn more about preventing and recognizing stroke symptoms, visit www.strokeassociation.org.