Avedisian recognizes “American Heart Month,” encourages residents to learn CPR, improve overall health
In recognition of February as “American Hearth Month,” Mayor Scott Avedisian is encourage residents to consider taking CPR training and to learn more about factors that can put them at risk for heart attack or stroke.   The campaign has a goal of increasing nationwide awareness of the importance of hearth health – efforts, Avedisian noted, that are particularly critical when one considers statistics from the American Heart Association.

According to the AHA, cardiovascular disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, with direct and indirect costs estimated at $503.2 billion in 2010. Cardiovascular disease accounts for over 34 percent of all deaths nationwide, with nearly 2,300 Americans dying of cardiovascular disease each day – or, an average of one death every 38 seconds. Additionally, 785,000 people in the U.S. will have a new coronary attack, an estimated 470,000 people nationwide will have a recurrent attack, and an additional 195,000 “silent” heart attacks will occur this year.

“’American Heart Month’ is a perfect time for all of us to improve our health,” Avedisian said. “There are a lot of simple steps people can take to help their hearts: sticking to a healthy diet; getting at least 30 minutes of daily exercise; maintaining a healthy weight; taking steps to reduce and manage stress; switching trans-fats for heart-healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils; and quitting smoking. And of course, listening to your physician’s advice as well as getting regular checkups are important as well.”

Avedisian is also urging residents to consider attending “Save a Heart Day,” which includes two classes at the Warwick Public Library, 600 Sandy Lane, on Saturday, February 12, 2011.

Two FREE cardio-pulmonary resuscitation classes (CPR) will be held from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Participants will learn CPR techniques that could save a life of a person suffering from cardiac arrest. The procedure has the power to restore blood flow to someone, keeping him or her alive until they can be transported to a hospital.

Classes are one hour long, open to all adults and registration is required. Children between the ages of 11 and 17 may participate if they are accompanied by a participating adult. Everyone is encouraged to bring a rolled towel or yoga mat for comfort. Each registered participant will receive a FREE, take-home kit to allow practice and training of friends and family members. Please note: this is NOT a CPR certification class. For more information, call Pat Seltzer RN at 468-4103.

To register, please call 739-5440 ext.5 or online at http://warwicklibrary.org . Register today as class sizes are limited.

Warwick: A HeartSafe Community
The city has been a leader in Rhode Island when it comes to promoting heart health and increasing the number of people trained in CPR and AED use. Last year, Warwick and the town of Westerly were recognized as the first “Heart Safe” communities in the state. The award, presented by the state Department of Health, in partnership with the AHA, is meant to help communities strengthen their so-called cardiac “Chain of Survival” by focusing on a number of areas related to emergency response readiness. HeartSafe communities must meet a number of criteria, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training programs; placement of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the community; trained first responders, with AEDs and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification on emergency response vehicles; effective emergency response plans for municipal and school buildings; and a demonstrated commitment to continually evaluate the community’s response to cardiac emergencies.

This collaborative effort of the City of Warwick, the Kent HeartSafe Foundation, educators, EMS leaders, clinicians, Kent Hospital, the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, the New England Institute of Technology, HEALTH and the American Heart Association helps to further reduce the number of cardiac emergencies and to improve our survival rates

If you are interested in learning more about the HeartSafe Community program or providing CPR or AED training for your business contact Pat Seltzer, RN, at 468-4103.