Live Fierce. Be Well. in New York City is sponsored by:
We are honored to collaborate with NewYork-Presbyterian and their healthcare professionals on initiatives aimed at promoting heart health and overall well-being in New York City and Westchester County so that all New Yorkers can Stay Amazing. Our two organizations will come together to educate kids and families across New York City about heart health, physical activity, mental well-being, sleep and nutrition through the Kids Heart Challenge and the American Heart Challenge, and in Westchester County through the Westchester Heart Walk.
Staying Well Ahead of the School Year
After a summer of relaxation and fun, getting back to school can be nerve-racking. This resource can help parents and kids learn how to cope with their anxiety. Preparing kids with a back-to-school routine, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional guidance are all great ways to learn how to persevere! These jitters are natural and with the right support for each child, they can go on to lead a happy, successful school year!
Nearly 47% of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, a “silent killer” which impacts far too many individuals and families in our community. This resource looks at the DASH Diet ( Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension), and how we can make proactive choices to benefit our blood pressure health. The article mentions ways you can maximize whole foods at every meal, and additional ways to prevent hypertension, including increasing physical activity, monitoring alcohol consumption, and reducing salt intake.
CPR
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a critical, lifesaving technique used in emergencies when a person’s heart stops beating. Acting quickly can make all the difference – performing CPR immediately can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival following cardiac arrest.
Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR and learn how you can help save a life when it matters most.
Cold Weather and Your Heart
It’s not just your lifestyle or genetics that can impact your risk for heart attack, but the weather can play a role, too. More people die from heart attacks during the winter holidays than at any other time of the year, and there are several factors, but the cold weather is one to consider, outside the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. This resource walks you through the effects of cold weather on your cardiovascular health, why heart attacks are more common this time of year, symptoms to look out for, and how you can best protect your heart.
Tips for a Healthy Winter Season
Staying healthy during the winter months takes a little extra care – but a few simple tips can make a big difference. In these short videos, you’ll learn how to keep your family safe while enjoying outdoor winter activities, including how to recognize signs of hypothermia, the importance of checking the weather, staying hydrated, and dressing appropriately. You’ll also get helpful advice for navigating the busy holiday season – like maintaining consistent sleep routines and making time for self-care. Watch below to learn how to keep your whole family healthy, active, and well this winter.
In the thick of the school year, preparing school lunches can feel tedious. The American Heart Association has collaborated with NewYork-Presbyterian to provide tips on preparing lunches and a sample weekly meal plan to help spark your next yummy idea!
Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to gather with those that mean the most! It’s also a chance to improve your heart health by practicing gratitude. Evaluating what you’re grateful for can significantly benefit your mental and physical health, by improving your relationships, mood, and even your sleep quality! Download this resource to see all the ways being grateful benefits your health and find ways to begin practicing it.
Mindful eating tips for parents and families with Isabel Reckson, MPH, RD, CDCES, CDN a registered dietitian-nutritionist from NewYork-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center
Eating healthy can be easy, affordable and delicious. It’s all about making smart choices to build an overall healthy dietary pattern that helps you build a healthy relationship with food. After all, a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and lots of other things you’d rather avoid. The good news is, eating right doesn’t have to be hard or require you to give up all of the foods you love. Making small, simple changes to your overall eating pattern can help you and your family stay healthy.
Coffee or tea may feel like a must in the morning, and it may feel intentional to opt for a sweetener substitute, but that’s not always as beneficial as it seems. This article discusses the potential drawbacks of going for the “healthier” sugar option, evaluating Erythritol’s impact on your heart and stroke risk, your gut microbiome, and what alternatives might be best for you.
Sleep your way to better health with Dr. Wanda Jeanette Abreu pediatrician from NewYork-Presbyterian
Sleep and quality of sleep are important parts of your total well-being. Catching ZZZs could be the key to unlocking a healthier you. The amount and quality of sleep we get each night can influence our eating habits, mood, memory, and even our internal organs. In this video series we meet Dr. Wanda Jeanete Abreu, a pediatrician from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, as she shares tips to help people and families improve their sleep and how to build healthier sleeping habits to promote a healthy heart and mind.
Click the images above to learn more.
#BeWell
Along with healthy eating and regular physical activity, practicing meditation or mindfulness may help you manage stress and high blood pressure. It also may help you sleep better, feel more balanced and connected and possibly lower your family’s risk of heart disease.
Tips for a Healthy Winter Season
#MoveMore
A good starting goal for families and students is at least 150 minutes of exercise a week, but if you don’t want to sweat the numbers, just move more! Find forms of exercise you like and will stick with, and build more opportunities to be active into your routine.
Resources for Families and Students (download and print out)
View our monthly Heart & Headlines newsletter sponsored by NewYork-Presbyterian
Click on the image to read the full newsletter
More resources from the American Heart Association and NewYork-Presbyterian
American Heart Association and NewYork-Presbyterian Join Forces to Promote Healthy Hearts and Minds
The American Heart Association in New York City and Westchester County and NewYork-Presbyterian are proud to announce a collaboration to promote heart health and overall well-being among kids and families across New York City. Through school-based programs, distribution of health-related resources, and community events, the organizations hope to empower children and families to adopt healthy habits for their hearts and minds.
The education campaign will be grounded in public and private schools, from elementary through high school, across New York City. As part of the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge. The Association will work with NewYork-Presbyterian subject matter experts to deliver content around physical and mental health through in person appearances at school assemblies and digital content trough videos and newsletters and shared on the American Heart Association social channels and website.
“Together, NewYork-Presbyterian and the American Heart Association are committed to keeping hearts and minds healthy,” said Devika Mathrani, senior vice president and chief marketing and communications officer at NewYork-Presbyterian. “We are delighted to work with the American Heart Association to educate kids and families about simple steps they can take to protect their physical and mental health.”
Kids Heart Challenge (elementary school) and American Heart Challenge (middle and high school) are designed to meet people where they are and to build a culture of health for students, their families and educators.
“Our school programs provide unique age-appropriate curriculum and activities that go
beyond the gym to meet the needs of today’s youth and educators as science has proven the strong connection between physical and mental health,” said Brian Kingston, American Heart Association/New York City Board Chair-Elect and CEO of Brookfield Property Partners. “As we know, the early years play a vital role in the development of health-related behaviors. Placing emphasis on establishing healthy environments and behaviors can help students, their families and educators understand the importance of wellness.”
In Westchester, NewYork-Presbyterian will be a major contributor to the Westchester Heart Walk. The Heart Walk is the American Heart Association’s premiere campaign, engaging the community at large in creating healthier habits to prevent heart disease and stroke.