Healthy for Good

Lehigh Valley & Berks female changemakers lead effort to fight No. 1 killer

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The American Heart Association’s® Woman of Impact™ nominees champion heart health for Go Red for Women’s® fundraising and philanthropy initiative. March is women’s history month and what better way to … Read more

Angela Curry, Chief Compliance Officer at Bentley Systems, to lead 2023-2024 Philadelphia STEM GOES RED Initiative

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Community leader inspires young women in Philadelphia public schools to uncover their potential through STEM Goes Red movement with support from local communities, employers, and schools.

 The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, announces Angela Curry, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, Bentley Systems, as the volunteer chair of the 2023-2024 Philadelphia area STEM Goes Red movement. STEM Goes Red is working to engage more women in STEM through the Association’s strong legacy of science, education, and discovery to help propel young women into rewarding STEM careers.

STEM Goes Red brings interesting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life for young women. By giving students access to leading employers and experts, they have the chance for an insider look at what they do. STEM Goes Red attendees gain firsthand experience, connect with inspiring professionals, and learn about careers across STEM fields. Students can walk away feeling like a whole new world of STEM has been revealed — a world in which they can truly love what they do and make a tremendous impact.

“As the Chair of STEM Goes Red and a proud parent of students attending Philadelphia public schools, I am passionate and invested in our school district and in our next generation of STEM leaders,” said Curry. “STEM Goes Red is an exceptional initiative that provides mentorship and exposure to STEM careers so that girls can talk to women in STEM and see their future selves in companies like Bentley. Students have direct and meaningful interactions with inspiring women in STEM fields, and what they come out with is a dream and a blueprint for real pathways to careers in STEM.”

“We are thrilled to have Angela’s experience, conviction, and passion to lead our Philadelphia STEM Goes Red campaign to new heights. Together, we know that we will have a positive impact on the lives of young women in our Philadelphia community. Our collective goal is for these young women to become our next cardiologists, researchers, and scientists who can help end heart disease,” said Jennifer Litchman-Green, Executive Director, American Heart Association, Philadelphia.

This year’s STEM Goes Red movement will culminate with a hands-on event for female students with an interest in STEM in grades 9th – 12th in early November, sponsored by Bentley Systems.

For more information about Go Red for Women contact: Allison Snavely @ allison.snavely@heart.org

American Heart Association Announces Chair for 2023 Delaware Heart Ball

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Allison Kerwin, Senior Vice President of Delaware Commercial Real Estate for M&T Bank, will serve in leadership role. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on ensuring … Read more

A Leading North American Supply Chain, NFI Industries, Commits to a Healthy Workplace with Their Drive For Change Award

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Life’s Essential 8 are the key measures for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health, as defined by the American Heart Association. Better cardiovascular health helps lower the risk for heart disease, stroke, … Read more

Don’t Delay: Risks of Waiting to Have Your Heart Checked 

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When it comes to your heart, you can never be too careful. Preventing heart conditions, such as cardiac arrest or heart disease, can begin today. Sometimes all it takes to … Read more

Dr. Richard Snyder of Independence Blue Cross Receives Regional Award from American Heart Association

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On February 8, 2023, local leaders come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. Richard Snyder at Penn Medicine’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine’s CPR Kiosk. Dr. Snyder received the Leadership Legacy Award from the American Heart Association’s Eastern States Region, an award given to only a select few. Dr. Snyder has volunteered with the Association for many years, including being the Philadelphia region’s board chair. He has always been passionate about CPR, raising awareness and teaching those in the Philadelphia region Hands-Only CPR.

Why It Matters: Each year more than 350,000 people suffer out of hospital cardiac arrest, only 10% of those people survive. Dr. Snyder has played an integral role in helping to improve those odds by helping to create the CPR Ready Coalition in Philadelphia. This coalition was created in 2016 with a goal of increasing the number of people who are trained and willing to perform hands-only CPR. This coalition is comprised of: American Heart Association, American Red Cross, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, CPR/AED Public Awareness and Training Network, The Health Care Improvement Foundation, Independence Blue Cross, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Penn Medicine, Philadelphia Fire Department, and the School District of Philadelphia.

Dr. Snyder was also instrumental in bringing the first CPR Kiosk to the Philadelphia Region, at Penn Medicine’s Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, where people can learn CPR at their own pace, and beready to help someone in crisis.

“Hands-Only CPR is a powerful tool that takes only 60 seconds to learn and can double or even triple a victim’s chances of survival. said Richard Snyder, M.D., senior vice president and chief medical officer at Independence Blue Cross.

Kevin Mahoney, CEO University of Pennsylvania Health System, was on hand to help present the award to Dr. Snyder, along with the Fire Commissioner of Philadephia, AdamThiel, Gregory Deavons, CEO of Independence Blue Cross  and Jennifer Litchman-Green, Executive Director of the American Heart Association of Philadelphia, all of whom shared the same sentiment, that Dr. Snyder always puts the patients and the community at large first.

 

Eating for Heart Health

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There are a lot of things we can do to improve our health. Eating a heart healthy diet is one of them. Bayhealth Primary Care Physician, Preeti Gupta, MD, explains, “Maintaining a healthy way of eating can help prevent many ailments, including heart health issues. And I always say, prevention is better than a cure.”

One of the best ways to eat for heart health is with a plant-based diet. It’s a healthy way of eating that won’t have you sacrificing flavor. Better yet, countless studies suggest that eating less meat decreases the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Here are Dr. Gupta’s suggestions to transitioning to a plant-based way of eating.

Plant-based eating
There are three main types of plant-based eating. The strictest is vegan, which eliminates all animal products such as meat, eggs and milk. Next, is vegetarian, which eliminates meat but still allows eggs and dairy products. Both are very heart healthy ways of eating but if they are too much of a leap for you, perhaps you could try the third type of plant-based eating called, “plant-forward” eating.

The plant-forward lifestyle
Eating a plant-forward diet means that you eat vegetables and fruit more often and as your main dish. You can still enjoy meat, eggs and dairy as side items. When you do choose meat, try to stick with lean, skinless poultry and fish, which are excellent sources of protein. Other meats are more likely to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can contribute to poor heart health. You should also avoid processed meats such as deli meats and bacon, which are typically high in sodium.

Load up on veggies
In plant-forward eating, vegetables are the main portion of each meal. Did you know that most vegetables contain protein? Broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, corn, potatoes and peppers are some that provide needed protein. Beans are another source that can add flavor and texture to your meals. Also, have healthy fruit servings throughout the day which will help satisfy the sweet cravings.

Whichever plant-based eating plan you try, remember to choose foods lower in sodium and avoid added sugars, saturated fats, and especially hydrogenated oils, which contain trans-fat. Watch portion sizes and use nonstick cooking sprays rather than added fats when cooking. Don’t forget healthy whole grains such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.

Eliminating certain foods may be easier than you think. Once you begin a plant-based diet, your body will start reaping the benefits almost immediately – and you’ll feel better in general. “Don’t put off living your healthiest life by waiting until Monday to start your nutrition plan,” said Dr. Gupta. “You can do this. Just start now.”

 

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Stay Active this Winter by Visiting DE State Parks

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Some of us may feel the urge to stay inside when the weather starts getting cold, but it is actually a great time to get out and enjoy one of … Read more

Go Red for Women Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Baltimore, MD

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On Thursday, June 17, 2021, the American Heart Association (AHA) of Greater Maryland hosted its annual Go Red for Women luncheon, digitally, for the second year in a row due … Read more

The American Heart Association, Kaiser Permanente Team Up to Encourage the Greater Washington Region to Go Red and be Healthy for Good

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The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is excited to announce that Kaiser Permanente, has teamed up with the Greater Washington Region division to advance a shared goal to help

Ruth Williams-Brinkley, Regional President of Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic States

community members live longer, healthier lives free of heart disease and stroke. Kaiser Permanente has joined as a three-year Healthy for Good sponsor in the Greater Washington region and a founding member of the DC Go Red for Women campaign. Together Kaiser Permanente and the AHA also will launch a series of digital conversations to provide education on critical health priorities.

As part of this sponsorship, Ruth Williams-Brinkley, regional president of Kaiser Permanente, will lead the 2021 efforts for DC Go Red, and will chair the 2022 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk. The Association also recently announced that Jill Feldon, vice president of Strategy Communication for Kaiser Permanente, will chair the 2021 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk.

“It is through powerful commitments like this that we can drive sustainable change across our region,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director of the American Heart Association. “Over the next three years Kaiser Permanente will help us to engage the Greater Washington community in new and profound ways that lead to improved physical health and mental well-being. Through their support of the inaugural DC Go Red for Women campaign, they are helping to ensure that all women have an opportunity for a healthy, positive future for themselves and those they care for.”

February is American Heart Month and underscores the importance of the campaign’s goal to build awareness that cardiovascular disease is the leading health threat and that people should take action to lower their risk – particularly women. As the first DC Go Red for Women campaign chair, Williams-Brinkley will lead the 2021 fundraising efforts for Go Red, which encourages women to take charge of their heart health and combat heart disease and stroke.

As regional president of Kaiser Permanente in the Mid-Atlantic States, Ruth Williams-Brinkley oversees care delivery and health plan operations in Washington, D.C., and suburban Maryland, Baltimore and Northern Virginia. The region operates 34 medical office buildings and has 770,000 members.

“I am honored to lead the inaugural DC Go Red For Women campaign and to have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the heart health of people in the communities we serve,” said Williams-Brinkley. “This mission is near and dear to my heart, as it is an extension of the important work being done at Kaiser Permanente to eliminate health care disparities and expand access to care for all in our community.”

The DC Go Red for Women campaign extends the legacy of longstanding women-focused events like An Affair of the Heart Luncheon & Fashion Show to create additional experiences to support women where they are and continues to promote the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. An inaugural DC Go Red for Women celebration will be held later in the Spring. Plans will evolve based on CDC recommendations around gathering and the nation’s health landscape. The Go Red for Women movement is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and locally sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.

To get involved and for more information, please contact Heidi.arnold@heart.org or visit DCGoRed.heart.org.  Follow along with event updates at the Facebook listing and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram use #GoRedDC.

2020 is a Year of change, But One Thing That Hasn’t Changed is How Important it is to Manage Our Health

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COVID has put a spotlight on public health, along with health disparities and the chronic conditions millions and millions of people in our country live with every day. Right at … Read more

Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run and Walk Announce Dream Team of Volunteer Leaders

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The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives is proud to announce its volunteer leadership for the 2021 Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run and Walk.  Since 1991, the event has raised over $15.6 million, in support of vital research and programming to improve health and well-being across the Greater Washington Region.

Sandy Maxey, Controller, Harrity & Harrity LLP

Stepping up again are last year’s Co-Chairs Harrity & Harrity LLP’s Managing Partner John Harrity and Controller Sandra Maxey. They will be joined by American University Washington College of Law’s Associate Dean of Student Affairs, David Jaffe.

“I am thrilled to help lead this year’s event. As a runner and
supporter of the work of the American Heart Association, this race is of tremendous significance to me,” said Jaffe. “The funds raised by this event are needed, now, more than ever.  Millions of people are counting on the AHA for science-based information, health resources, community programs and patient support. So it is up to Sandy, John, the Executive Leadership Team, the AHA team and me to host the biggest Lawyers Have Heart yet in 2021!”

David Jaffe, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, American University Washington College of Law

Lawyers Have Heart began in 1991 as a running and walking event for the legal community and has evolved into a staple on DC’s running calendar attracting runners and walkers of all levels of experience and from all walks of life. This event annually attracts over 6500 runners and walkers to participate on a challenging course through the District.

2020 marked the 30th Anniversary of Lawyers Have Heart and presented unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. With health and safety of participants, volunteers, donors, and staff as the top priority, the decision was made to mark the 30th Anniversary as a reimagined virtual run and walk with 30 days of challenges leading up to race weekend.

Through the dedication of the event’s Executive Leadership Team, Team Captains and the running community at large, this past year knew no boundaries and encouraged runners and walkers from all over the world to join the fun. Over 3,000 participants ran and walked their courses all over the United States, England, Croatia, Spain, South Africa, Japan, Turkey, Chile and more. Hosted on the event’s Facebook page and event listing, the race experienced high engagement and had an extensive reach of 1.3 million people with participants sharing their #RUNLHH experience through videos, comments and pictures on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

John Harrity, Managing Partner, Harrity & Harrity LLP

“I was humbled by the incredible response we received when we took the event to a digital experience last year. Even my 90-year-old aunt was able to participate,” said Harrity. “We are excited and hopeful that we can take what we learned from last year and continue to transform the race. Hopefully we can see people in person on the starting line but we will continue to encourage everyone to participate from wherever they are.”

The American Heart Association continues to work with researchers, medical experts, hospitals, community leaders, businesses, families and more to improve health and well-being for all and to reduce the impact of the coronavirus. “We were made for this moment and that is a reflection of the relentless support and dedication of our volunteers, donors and sponsors,” said Soula Antoniou, Executive Director, American Heart Association. “With Sandy, John and David leading the charge, this will be a big year for 31st Lawyers Have Heart campaign.”

To learn more about the race and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.LawyersHaveHeartDC.org.

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight – NeAnna

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I am a survivor. I am a 40-year-old mom of three boys, a hairless Chinese crested and black cat and at the age of 33, I suffered my first silent … Read more

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight

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I’m A Survivor It was April 11, 2009, a normal Saturday morning.  I lived alone and had just gotten up to let my two dogs out.  My brother worked close … Read more

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight

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My name is Olivia Richardson and I am a two-time stroke survivor, former LVAD patient, and heart-transplant recipient. I was first diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and had my first stroke at … Read more

American Heart Association Announces 2020 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk Chair

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The American Heart Association is pleased to announce that Tim Gillis, managing partner of the Washington Metro Area offices of U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm KPMG LLP, has been named Chair of the 2020 Greater Washington Region Heart Walk.

Tim Gillis, 2020 Heart Walk Chair and Managing Partner, KPMG LLP.

The Greater Washington Region Heart Walk is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate heart and stroke survivors, raise lifesaving funds and encourage physical activity.

“Now, more than ever, we’re all looking for ways to connect with others, stay active and stay encouraged. So when the American Heart Association reached out and asked KPMG to chair the 2020 Heart Walk, I immediately thought about our culture of wellness and our commitment to community impact,” said Gillis. “Moreover, heart health depends on physical activity, stress management, mindfulness, and nutrition—the very same tools we all rely on to keep us strong and well in any health landscape.”

The Heart Walk will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2020 on the National Mall in Washington, DC. A celebration of life, the event draws 10,000 people and promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living for the whole family. The Walk is a non-competitive, three-mile or one-mile walk and is open to both corporate and community teams as well as individuals. Event festivities include Zumba, a Kids Zone, a Top Dog Parade, activity stations, and fun for the entire family.

“Tim and KPMG have been tremendous supporters over the years. I appreciate his leadership and applaud his commitment to our mission and lifesaving work,” said Greater Washington Region American Heart Association Executive Director Soula Antoniou.

To register, visit www.GreaterWashingtonHeartWalk.org or call 703-248-1715.

From there, participants can stay up to date by downloading the Heart Walk mobile app and encourage friends and family to join in via e-mail or on social media. Participants are encouraged to share on social media using  #DCHeartWalk.

The funds raised from the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk go towards research, advocacy, CPR training and to promote better health.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

About KPMG LLP: KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms, providing innovative business solutions and audit, tax, and advisory services to many of the world’s largest and most prestigious organizations.

KPMG is widely recognized for being a great place to work and build a career. Our people share a sense of purpose in the work we do, and a strong commitment to community service, inclusion and diversity, and eradicating childhood illiteracy.

KPMG LLP is the independent U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative (“KPMG International”). KPMG International’s independent member firms have 207,000 professionals working in 153 countries and territories. Learn more at www.kpmg.com/us.

Local organizations step it up on National Walking Day for the Virtual Step Challenge!

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The American Heart Association continues to be a relentless force for a world of longer,

The DMV Links had over 167 participants who walked over 1 million steps!

healthier lives during these unprecedented times.  With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have been promoting new ways to adopt healthy lifestyles and moving more whilst abiding by social distancing and stay at home orders.

 

To mark National Walking Day on April 1, we challenged companies in the Greater Washington Region to take up our Virtual Step Challenge, locally presented

by Sheehy Auto Stores.  Employees from 28 companies walked throughout the day (whilst social distancing!), sending in their step count to go towards their company’s total and sharing their steps on social media using #MoveMoreDC.

We had a fantastic response from participating companies:

  • “Now more than ever, folks need to feel a sense of (virtual) community, engagement and purpose. This walk gave a sense of normalcy that is missing right now. I’ve gotten so many thank you’s from teammates around the country for coordinating this – something so simple which, at a time like this, has so much meaning and impact.” – Michelle Bailey, DMV Links Team Captain-Arlington (VA) Chapter
  • This was a really fun thing to do “together.”” – Jen Brill, One Digital
  • “Thank you so much for including us, our staff really enjoyed it. I hope there will be more during this time of social distancing.” – Shay Martello, CTSI
  • “We had a great time doing this.” – Katie Greattie, SIA

The DMV Links recorded the highest company total during the day, with their participants combining to walk over a million steps.  PS Digital and Kaiser Permanente walked the second most steps and third. Across all participants, our amazing local supporters walked for over 2.5 million steps totalling approximately 1,250 miles!

As well as a great way to mark National Walking Day, it was also a fantastic start to AHA’s Move More Month which runs throughout April.  We have lots of tips on how you can get active this month whilst keeping to the current guidelines in place – find out more here!  https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/getting-active/how-to-move-more-anytime-anywhere

 

  

Maryland General Assembly Makes the Health of All Marylanders a Priority Raises Tobacco Tax, Funds Tobacco Control

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. – March 18, 2020 – Today the Maryland General Assembly took an important stand to protect public health by increasing funding for tobacco control and cessation programs and … Read more

Maximizing Savings: Prescription Assistance Savings Programs

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On Wednesday, January 22, 2020, the Greater Baltimore and Greater Washington Regions hosted a webinar on prescription assistance programs. The webinar was facilitated by FamilyWize and Walgreens and provided valuable … Read more

New Jersey High School Dances Their Way to Being Heart Healthy Champions

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The American Heart Challenge, Dance is an opportunity for students to show the world that they are the generation with heart. It is a nationwide movement of students raising vital … Read more

Santa Visits CPR Kiosk at BWI Airport to Teach LifeSaving Skill

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Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is home to an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training kiosk, providing millions of passengers the opportunity to learn lifesaving Hands-Only CPR in about … Read more

Simple Cooking with Heart Baltimore Kitchen ‘Cooks It Forward’

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During the season of giving, the Simple Cooking with Heart Baltimore Kitchen brought together The American Heart Association’s staff and volunteers to prepare heart-healthy twists on Thanksgiving classics for JOY Baltimore’s 3rd Annual “Oh Give Thanks” Dinner. JOY Baltimore, an organization founded to end youth homelessness in Baltimore, will welcome and provide a warm meal for over 500 homeless, LGBTQ+ youth, and elderly in Baltimore City this Thanksgiving. Volunteers included the Young Hearts Board, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and family of the Kitchen team who happily prepared heart-healthy macaroni and cheese and sweet potatoes. The Simple Cooking with Heart Baltimore Kitchen team and their volunteers are proud to be a part of this event serving our Baltimore neighbors this holiday season.

These special Thanksgiving Giveback Cooking classes are not the only opportunity to participate in classes benefiting the community. Created by Chefs Stephanie Rose and Alphonso Dixon, the ‘Cook it Forward’ cooking series will continue throughout the year.

“It is important to not only identify the need, but to do something to help fill the need”, said Chef Al, “that is why Stephanie and I wanted to create the ‘Cook it Forward’ program to bring together organizations, volunteers, family and staff to not only learn cooking skills but to provide meals for those in our community.”

For more information about Cook it Forward, please contact Alfonso Dixon at: alfonso.dixon@heart.org