Lisa Peake – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: Is it possible to prevent a heart attack?
A: February is National Heart Month, a yearly reminder to take proactive steps to protect our heart health. It also arrives with a stubborn statistic: Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for American men and women. Yet the American Heart Association estimates that as much as 90% of cardiovascular disease can be prevented. Yes, heart-related emergencies are preventable, manageable, or survivable with the right knowledge and preparation. Still, would you know what to do in case of an emergency?
You’ve heard it a million times, but here it is again: Small, consistent lifestyle choices can make a world of difference to your heart health! Stay physically active (seniors, even with walking or chair exercises), to help strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The more color on your plate (I’m looking at you, vegetables)–the better. Managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and keeping up with regular medical checkups are also key.
While prevention is essential, emergencies can still happen—and that is where bystander CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can be critically important. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur without warning, at home, in public places, or during everyday activities. How do you recognize it? The symptoms are immediate and severe: sudden collapse, no pulse, no breathing and loss of consciousness. Immediate action can mean the difference between life and death. Bystander CPR—performed by someone nearby before emergency responders arrive—can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Yet only about 26-40% of victims receive bystander CPR, even though 73% of cardiac arrests occur at home.
Hands-only CPR is a type of bystander CPR specifically designed for untrained individuals. It does not require mouth-to-mouth breathing. Its two steps are to call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. An ordinary person can become an extraordinary lifeline using hands-only CPR. Because with no CPR, the chance of survival decreases with every passing minute.
Caring for your own heart—and responding if someone else’s heart suddenly stops—can help protect your independence and the people you love. So, join me February 13 for a special discussion on heart health and hands-only CPR, when my guest will be Bonnie McClelland from Orlando Health Cardiopulmonary Rehab. RSVP online at OneSeniorPlace.com or by calling 321-751-6771 in Viera. Your heart matters—and so does knowing how to help when every second counts.
Lisa Peake is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Care Manager for One Senior Place Care Management, Viera. Ms. Peake hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
