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Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." (Note this is not "Heart Month" or "National Heart Month.")
During American Heart Month, thousands of our volunteers visit their neighbors. Their goal is to raise funds for research and education and pass along information about heart disease and stroke.
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.
Learn the signs, but remember this: Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, have it checked out (tell a doctor about your symptoms). Minutes matter! Fast action can save lives — maybe your own. Don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number.
If you or someone with you has one or more of these signs, don't delay!
Immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number so an ambulance (ideally with advanced life support) can be sent for you. Also, check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared. It's very important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug called tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke. tPA is the only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of stroke within three hours of stroke symptom onset.
A TIA, or transient ischemic attack, is a "warning stroke" or "mini-stroke" that produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage. Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. The usual TIA symptoms are the same as those of stroke, only temporary. The short duration of these symptoms and lack of permanent brain injury is the main difference between TIA and stroke.
Cardiac arrest strikes immediately and without warning. Here are the signs:
If these signs of cardiac arrest are present, tell someone to call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number and get an AED (if one is available) and you begin CPR immediately.
If you are alone with an adult who has these signs of cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and get an AED (if one is available) before you begin CPR.
Use an AED as soon as it arrives.
Heart attack and stroke are life-and-death emergencies — every second counts. If you see or have any of the listed symptoms, immediately call 9-1-1 or your emergency response number. Not all these signs occur in every heart attack or stroke. Sometimes they go away and return. If some occur, get help fast! Today heart attack and stroke victims can benefit from new medications and treatments unavailable to patients in years past. For example, clot-busting drugs can stop some heart attacks and strokes in progress, reducing disability and saving lives. But to be effective, these drugs must be given relatively quickly after heart attack or stroke symptoms first appear. So again, don't delay — get help right away!
Coronary heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious disability. That's why it's so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if warning signs occur.
The American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute have launched a new "Act in Time" campaign to increase people's awareness of heart attack and the importance of calling 9-1-1 immediately at the onset of heart attack symptoms. Find the links here.
Good nutrition is essential for your family’s heart health. Learn how small changes in your diet can put you and your family on the road to healthier hearts and longer lives.
Start! Daily Walking Guide. Research has shown that you can gain about two hours of life for every hour of regular vigorous exercise you do. You couldn't find a better two-for-one deal if you tried! It's a good thing, too. The American workforce is becoming more and more sedentary. As a result, our waistbands are growing. So are our healthcare costs and the number of preventable illnesses. Start! is here to stop the trend. Walking is simply the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Join the Power to End Stroke Campaign to find information, get involved, and join the cause.
You’re the Cure. Speak out about policy changes in your community that promote cardiovascular health. Become a You’re the Cure Advocate today!
Free H1N1 vaccines are available within all of the local health departments, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. We encourage all of those who have not yet received their vaccine to come in to do so. Clinics are also being held throughout our community. To locate vaccination clinics in your area, visit: http://www.google.com/flushot. The first round of vaccination clinics have been completed in all participating schools within the district, both public and private. Vaccination clinics for 2nd doses in children under the age of 10 are currently being held. Click here to view scheduled upcoming school vaccination clinics.
Every Child By Two seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of influenza and the importance for all parents to have their children vaccinated beginning at six months of age. See the ECBT web site for more information about flu vaccinations or vaccination centers.
Families Fighting Flu is a non-profit, volunteer-based corporation made up of families and healthcare practitioners who have experienced first-hand the death of a child due to the flu, or have had a child experience severe medical complications from the flu. Through education and advocacy, FFF hopes to improve the rates of annual childhood influenza vaccinations and help reduce the number of childhood illnesses and deaths caused by the flu each year.