Healthy Living

Dr. Richard L. Snyder of Independence Blue Cross is a champion for training a Nation of Lifesavers through CPR and AED awareness

by

June 1-7 each year is National CPR Awareness Week, spotlighting how lives can be saved if more Americans know CPR.  Dr. Richard L. Snyder, Executive Vice President of Facilitated Health … Read more

Penn Medicine Cardiologist is Honored with American Heart Association Top Award: 2023 Edward S. Cooper, MD Award

by

The American Heart Association, the largest voluntary health organization fighting cardiovascular diseases, announces Paul J. Mather, MD, as the 2023 recipient of the Edward. S. Cooper, MD Award. The award … Read more

American Heart Association Announces Chair for 2023 Delaware Heart Ball

by

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

1 Million Dollar Transformational Gift Creates Big Change in Delaware

by

The American Heart Association is excited and humbled to announce, Thom Harvey, Chairman & CEO of Harvey Hanna & Associates (HHA) and his wife Robin have donated 1 million dollars … Read more

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

by

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 

by

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

by

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.

 

Damar Hamlin’s Inspiring Recovery: CPR Saves Lives 

by

While playing in the Buffalo Bills – Cincinnati Bengals game on Monday Night Football on January 2, Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after a hit and was administered CPR on the field before being transferred to an area hospital.

Hamlin reportedly experienced a cardiac arrest – when the heart stops abruptly with little or no warning. Early recognition of cardiac arrest improves the person’s chance of survival and is key to starting the correct care of CPR and the appropriate use of defibrillation to restart the heart. The on-site medical team evaluated the situation and appeared to quickly remove his safety pads, begin CPR and apply the automated external defibrillator (AED).  

CPR can help keep the heart pumping and blood flowing to vital organs until an electrical shock from a defibrillator is available to restore the heart to a normal heart rhythm. Then the patient can be safely moved for further medical treatment, supportive care, testing to determine what the cause of the arrest may have been and recovery, including both physical and mental health resources for the person and their family.

Possible causes

Cardiac arrest can have several causes. Since Hamlin collapsed immediately following a tackle on the play, one potential cause could be commotio cordis. Commotio cordis is a rare phenomenon from a sudden blunt impact to the chest causing sudden death in the absence of apparent cardiac damage. The blow to the chest at precisely the wrong time in the cardiac cycle causes an electrical abnormality in the heart resulting in  an irregular heart rhythm that cannot pump blood to the body.  Immediate CPR and a shock to reset the rhythm can help the heartbeat return to normal function.

Another cause of cardiac arrest that additional tests are likely to attempt to detect or rule out is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or a thickened heart muscle – a more common cause of sudden cardiac death in young people and athletes specifically. The thickened heart can be due to a genetic condition or can be caused by athletic conditioning that thickens the muscles of the heart and can make it more susceptible to an irregular heart rhythm like ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia.

“This was traumatic for everyone, especially Hamlin’s family and teammates but also for so many others involved and witnessing the event. More than 70% of cardiac arrests that do not happen in the hospital, occur in a home where access to medical professionals and an AED is not as readily available,” said Mariell Jessup, M.D., FAHA, chief science and medical officer of the American Heart Association. “Recognizing a cardiac arrest, calling 911 immediately, performing CPR and using an AED as soon as it is available are critical for survival.

Statistically speaking, it is likely that the person will need to be helped by a family member or a friend to survive.”

Having community members trained in CPR and AEDs in public spaces can increase the chances of survival. The rate of bystander CPR in North America is estimated at only 39-44%, and only about 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Improving the rate of bystander CPR is critical to increasing survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

The skill to perform CPR and use a defibrillator are the foundational components of preparing laypeople to respond to cardiac arrest. People also need to feel emotionally prepared to respond and be able to cope with the aftermath of performing CPR.

Resources for learning CPR

Each year in the United States, an estimated 350,000 people experience sudden cardiac arrest in the community. Anyone who witnesses a cardiac arrest in the community (i.e., not in a hospital) can perform CPR. Roughly 70% of cardiac arrests that do not happen in the hospital, occur in homes and private residences, therefore, a friend or family member is mostly likely to be the person who needs to take action. CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double, or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

For adults and adolescent children, Hands-Only CPR is an easy-to-learn skill that requires only two steps: call emergency services and push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute.

For more information, visit heart.org

 

Eating for Heart Health

by

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.”

 

This post proudly supported by:

Stay Active this Winter by Visiting DE State Parks

by

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

Philadelphia’s American Heart Association Host’s Hard Hats with Hearts – First In-Person Event Since the Start of the Pandemic

by

Philadelphia, PA. September 30, 2021 – The American Heart Association of Philadelphia hosted Hard Hats with Hearts, the organization’s first in-person event since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.  The event was held at Xfinity Live! in South Philadelphia, to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, the number 1 and number 5 killers respectively, of Americans which disproportionately affects the construction industry. Today, 1 in 4 construction workers are considered obese, and 25% use tobacco and do not get enough exercise.

The Association in Philadelphia is bringing “Hard Hats with Heart” to several construction industry employers to provide resources, education, and inspiration to help employees live a heart-healthier lifestyle in Philadelphia. During the pandemic, $405,750 were raised under Shawn Carlin’s (Vice President of Gilbane Building Co.) chairmanship.

Over 130 construction and healthcare providers attended the networking cocktail the outdoor reception on the patio of upscale 1100 Social at X-Finity Live!.

Philadelphia’s construction industry has been a strong supporter of the American Heart Association. Over 40 construction-related companies sponsored the 2021 Philadelphia Heart Walk including IBEW 98, Gilbane, Cordish Companies, Madison Concrete Construction, CBRE, and much more.

 

Join us on November 6th at Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia Heart Walk. For more information, contact Michelle Evetts at Michelle.Evetts@Heart.org or by calling (215) 575- 5239.

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

by

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

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

by

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

Breaking News: First-of-Its-Kind Kids’ Meal Bill Passes in Prince George’s Co.

by

Kids in Prince George’s County, Maryland are about to get healthier meals and drinks when they order from kids’ meals menus in the county.kids menu

On the afternoon of November 17, 2020, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved legislation that will make it easier for families and their children to choose healthier food and drink options when ordering from kids’ menus at county restaurants. The Prince George’s County Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill (CB-071) now awaits a signature from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to be enacted into law.

“Policies like this can help improve outcomes and increase the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life,” said Dr. Federico Asch, president of the board of directors for the American Heart Association, Greater Washington Region and a cardiologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. “By passing this comprehensive bill, Prince George’s County is a national leader in promoting equitable health policy.”

The legislation is the first of its kind in the country to include healthier comprehensive options for both food and drinks on children’s menu items. It will make water, milk and 100% fruit or vegetable juice the default beverage options for all kids’ meals served at Prince George’s County restaurants. It will also ensure the food options in kids’ meals promote health by designating limits on calories, sugar, salt and fat for items on their kids’ menus. Families would still be able to order other beverage and food items upon request.

“The majority of kids’ menu items are purchased for children under the age of 12, a critical time in a child’s development of taste preferences,” said Shawn McIntosh, the executive director of Sugar Free Kids Maryland. “This bill passage helps make the healthy option the easy choice. Our goal at Sugar Free Kids Maryland is simple – we want all kids to live long, healthy, productive lives.”

Councilmember Sydney J. Harrison sponsored the legislation, which was supported by a diverse coalition led by Sugar Free Kids Maryland, the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, the American Heart Association and Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). Voices for Healthy Kids provided some of the much-needed funding and technical assistance to make this a policy success.

“Together, we’ve scored a win for the community, created a model for other cities and states, and signaled to the restaurant industry that it’s time to stop pushing soda and unhealthy meals on little kids,” said CSPI policy associate Sara Ribakove.

Follow this developing story online by using the hashtag #HealthyKidsPGC.

(Article reprinted from Voices for Healthy Kids and Sugar Free Kids MD)

F.A.S.T. Friday – Survivor Spotlight

by

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

by

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

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

by

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

 

  

Maximizing Savings: Prescription Assistance Savings Programs

by

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

Simple Cooking with Heart Baltimore Kitchen ‘Cooks It Forward’

by

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

 

Northeast PA Celebrates Nine Survivors at The Go Red for Women Luncheon

by

Companies, organizations, families, and friends from the Northeast PA community gathered on Friday, November 15th at The Northeast PA Go Red for Women Luncheon. Julie Sidoni, anchor at WNEP-TV, emceed … Read more