American Heart Association’s Go Red Heart Match Connects Women in the Fight against Heart Disease

The facts are clear. Heart disease is the number one killer of women, affecting more than 42 million women in the United States. No one should have to fight heart disease alone. Getting support against this often silent, hidden, and misunderstood killer just became easier.

As part of the Go Red for Women movement, the American Heart Association offers Go Red Heart Match, a free online program that connects women so that they can support one another in the fight against heart disease. The program is simple but impactful. Women create an online profile and search for other women with similar heart disease experiences. Heart Match helps women make the connection so that they can build a one-on-one, supportive relationship with a woman who truly understands their journey—the pain, the victories, and everything in between.

Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org/HeartMatch to learn more—because women don’t have to fight heart disease on their own. 

AHA in the News: How to Avoid the Biggest Health Risks; U.S. News and World Report

On Monday, May 7, the U.S. News & World Report published a must-read article that highlights the American Heart Association’s ‘Life’s Simple 7’ and praises our volunteers, staff and supporters for all the work being done to educate Americans on the importance of healthy living to reduce the prevalence of heart attack and stroke. Below you’ll find a link to this excellent article. Please take a few minutes to read it and then pass it along to share with our many supporters, donors and volunteers.

“How to Avoid the Biggest Health Risks”

Summary: U.S. News & World Report article, May 7, 2012

This excellent article, featuring the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association, explains how more Americans could escape an early death by following simple advice:

·         * Adopt a healthy lifestyle

·         * Know your risk

·         * Get screened

·         * Know the warning signs

According to the article, a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that abiding by six or more of the American Heart Association’s “cardiovascular health metrics” — not smoking, being physically active, maintaining a healthy diet and weight, as well as normal levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, and total cholesterol – “seems to make people about 75 percent less likely to die of heart disease than by adhering to only one or none.” 

Attached is a link to the article: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/05/07/how-to-avoid-the-biggest-health-risks

The good news is that adhering to the AHA’s cardiovascular health metrics or ‘Life’s Simple 7’ works to lower the hazard of cardiovascular disease mortality. The bad news is that according to the JAMA  article, the prevalence of having all seven factors at ideal levels was less than two percent. Imagine what the impact would be if every American used the information provided in ‘Life’s Simple 7’ on the AHA’s ‘My Life Check’ website to take action to improve their health and longevity.

We can take pride in our progress but there is so much more that needs to be done. We must make sure we don’t lose ground in our fight against heart diseases and stroke because we really can help others learn and live. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of American Heart Association volunteers, supporters and staff across the country, amazing progress is being made.

Thank you for your support of our lifesaving mission. . .

Kevin Harker

Executive Vice President, Midwest Affiliate

Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other (SSEEO) invites you to join a teleconference series for stroke survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals!

The SSEEO Toll-Free Teleconference Series builds community, provides support and shares information by connecting survivors, caregivers, health professionals and other stroke stakeholders.  The calls last approximately 60 minutes with the last 30 minutes reserved for questions and conversation. Please don’t forget to register by following the instructions below.

Tuesday, June 12^th, 12:00-1:00pm central time: Life after Stroke:  Changes, Challenges and Commitment presented by Laura Meller, MS, APN, CNS-BC from Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital.

You have survived a stroke, and now you are home. What’s next? Setting reasonable goals regarding important areas of your life may be a good next step.  This teleconference will discuss the following;   

• Recovering as much independence and mobility as possible
• Living your life as fully and comfortably as possible after your stroke
• And of course your attitude and efforts

Laura Meller MS, APN, CNS-BC is a licensed advance practice nurse focused on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the stroke patient population.  Laura began her work with stroke patients as a critical care nurse.  She is the Stroke Coordinator at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and enjoys working with her interdisciplinary team to make a difference in the lives of her stroke patients in the acute hospital.  She also keeps in contact with her stroke patients while facilitating the Life After Stroke Support Group. 

IMPORTANT CALL-IN INFORMATION: Participation on the calls is absolutely free but advance registration is required due to limited line availability. Please contact us at 1-888-988-8047 or christine@sseeo.org and provide the following information: first and last name(s), mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number.  We will get back to you with an 800 call-in number and pass code, which will allow you to access the conference call.  Registration deadline is June 11th. 

Listen & Support • Educate & Learn • Advocate & Change

Week honors first responders in Illinois

The Associated Press

Posted May 21, 2012 @ 06:28 AM

CHICAGO -- It's Emergency Medical Services Week in Illinois.
Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed the week to honor more than 18,000 first responders in the state and those who support them.
To coincide with the week, the Illinois Department of Public Health has announced that the Grand Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in La Salle County is the winner of the department's annual Emergency Medical Services Award.

Illinois officials say that during the massive 2011 blizzard in Illinois volunteers at the department put together multiple rescue teams. Some went out on snowmobiles, plows and trucks to assist people trapped in the snow.

SJ-R.COM http://www.sj-r.com/breaking/x1898607624/Week-honors-first-responders-in-Illinois

Go Red Tell 5 Community Conversation in Pilsen - May 26th

We’re excited to be hosting our first Go Red Tell 5 Community Conversation in Pilsen on Saturday, May 26^th from 10:00-12:00 at Alivio Medical Center.  This program will allow individuals to have an open Q&A with healthcare professionals as well as learn about Go Red Por Tu Corazon. 

Tell 5! Community Conversations

This special forum for Latina women and community members will take place in Pilsen

Saturday, May 26, 2012

10 am - 12 pm 

Alivio Medical Center/Casa Maravilla

2021 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60608

Hosted by the American Heart Association and facilitated by community leaders, this event will feature an open conversation in Spanish with women and community members about the challenges they face relevant to their heart health.  Participants will leave the Tell 5! forum with solutions and resources to make positive changes in their own lives and the lives of their families. 

Registration by Saturday, May 19, will be appreciated. 

Please call 312-476-6679 (English) or 312-476-6680 (Spanish)