National Heart Month: Train to Help Save a Life

February is National Heart Month, a good time to remind everyone to take care of their heart and consider their risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It’s also the perfect time to take training from the American Red Cross on how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to help save lives.

RISKS OF HEART DISEASE

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists the following as some of the main risk factors leading to heart disease:

• High blood pressure
  
• Unhealthy blood cholesterol levels
• Diabetes mellitus
• Obesity
• Eating a diet high in saturated fats, trans fat, and cholesterol
• Too much salt (sodium) in the diet
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Drinking too much alcohol 
• Tobacco use
• Genetic factors

You can find more information from the CDC here.

TAKE A CLASS

Cardiac arrest claims thousands of lives every year. Red Cross CPR/AED classes take just a few hours but can help you save a life when every moment counts. With CPR/AED classes for Good Samaritans, parents, teachers, grandparents, office staff, and medical professionals alike, we can help you learn how, and when, to provide care for someone experiencing cardiac arrest.

Our classes are designed for the way you learn.

• In Person: Created for those who learn best in a traditional classroom environment, our in-person CPR/AED classes are led by knowledgeable instructors who not only deliver the latest information, but can help you learn when and how to start CPR and use an AED.
• Online: When you choose an online CPR/AED class, you can learn at your own pace – and in the comfort of your home. However, because online CPR/AED classes are completed virtually, you will not have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills to a certified instructor, which means that you may not meet the requirements for workplace safety certification.
• Blended Learning: Red Cross Blended learning programs combine self-paced, interactive instruction and in-person skills sessions. Blended Learning courses allow you to learn on your schedule, then demonstrate your skills to a certified instructor.

If you are taking a course to fulfill a job requirement, check with your employer so you know exactly which course you need. Go to www.redcross.org/takeaclass for information and to register.  

You can also download the free Red Cross First Aid App for instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including cardiac arrest, today. The First Aid App provides expert advice including what to do for burns, broken bones, and breathing and cardiac emergencies. The app can be downloaded for free in app stores or at redcross.org/apps. Those with Alexa-enabled devices can enable the Red Cross First Aid skill.