Washington CPR Training

AHA CPR for the public and healthcare providers

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HeartCert CPR Introduces Emergency Medical Responders Course

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HeartCert CPR has introduced a new course providing lifesaving training for Emergency Medical Responders. This course is designed for firefighters, police officers, security guards, and any other Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals who could be first on the scene of a medical emergency.

Emergency Medical Responders

Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are a vital part of the comprehensive EMS response. EMRs, also known as first responders, have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide immediate lifesaving interventions with minimal equipment, usually while awaiting additional EMS resources to arrive. EMRs also provide assistance to higher-level personnel at the scene of emergencies and during transport.

This course can be taken either in a traditional classroom setting, a blended learning setting (with some online course work required prior to an in-person practical skill session) or onsite. We offer both an initial and a refresher course. The same certification is administered for each type of session, and BLS certification is included.

Participants will have the chance to take both the Minnesota and national certification tests at the conclusion of class. Testing fees may apply.

The HeartCert CPR Emergency Medical Responder course is certified through the Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB).

Visit the Emergency Medical Responder course page to learn more and to sign up. Our first course begins in March, so register today! Contact us to schedule an onsite training.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. We now offer night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations, including our new headquarters location, HeartCert CPR Eagan:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Five Reasons to Learn CPR in 2019

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Did you set New Year’s resolutions for 2019? Perhaps you want to eat better, sleep more, get more exercise, or budget your money more wisely. Whatever your resolutions, we have one to add to your list: learn CPR.

Learning CPR is fast, easy and inexpensive – and it could make you a hero. Check out our full lineup of CPR, AED and first aid courses, and read on for five great reasons to learn CPR in 2019!

CPR Can Save a Life

More than 300,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest every year in the U.S. When this happens, time is of the essence – the longer the body stays in arrest, the lower the chance of survival. CPR helps the blood circulate until help arrives. In fact, research shows that the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest more than doubles when CPR is performed.

More CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR is performed in less than half of cardiac arrests in the U.S. – between 15 and 30 percent, in fact. The most common reason given for not performing CPR is a lack of training.

CPR Does Not Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Learn CPR

In 2010, the guidelines for performing CPR were changed. Now, only people who are trained and feel comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should do so. For the rest, hands-only CPR is an excellent, life-saving option.

Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent, in fact. You may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, sibling or child. What better motivation is there?

CPR is Easy to Learn!

CPR classes are readily available, affordable, and take just a couple of hours. That’s a small trade-off for learning how to save a life.

 

Ready to learn CPR in 2019?

Check out the HeartCert CPR class offerings and sign up today.

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations, including our newest location, HeartCert CPR Eagan:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Maintain a Healthy Blood Pressure this Holiday Season

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The holiday season is a fun and special time of year – but it can also be stressful. The endless to-do list and hectic schedule, combined with short days, end-of-year projects at work, and potential family drama can take a toll. For those with high blood pressure, especially, the stress of the holidays can pose a very real health risk.

holiday

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Approximately 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, so it’s important to help our loved ones have a healthier holiday – and to make sure that at least one person at our holiday parties is trained in hands only CPR!

Here are a few tips for maintaining a healthy blood pressure this holiday season, courtesy of the American Heart Association.

Minimize Stress

This is a tough one, but it’s so important. Instead of focusing on your stress (which can actually make you feel even more stressed!), brainstorm some ideas for self-care and stress relief. Try shopping online to avoid crowds, or visiting the mall during off-hours. Perhaps you can leave a holiday party early to have a quiet evening at home alone. Schedule a massage or a pedicure – if nothing else, it’ll give you something to look forward to!

Avoid Sodium

Many of the holiday treats we love can be pretty bad for us. Instead of trying to abstain completely (which never really works), focus on making better choices when you can. Popular holiday party foods like cheese and cured meats are usually pretty high in sodium, so stick to the fruit and veggie tray instead!

Take Your Medicine – But Watch OTCs

In the busyness of the season, it’s common for everyday tasks – like taking medicine – to fall by the wayside. But if you have high blood pressure, it’s crucial for your health to keep your medicine routine constant. If you’re having trouble remembering to take your meds, talk to your doctor about potentially finding a different prescription.

On a related note, be wary of taking over the counter medications – specifically cold and flu medicine with decongestant. These can increase your blood pressure. If you’re suffering from seasonal illness, ask your doctor to recommend a safer alternative.

Happy Holidays from HeartCert!

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Heart Attack Symptoms Differ in Women and Men

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When heart attacks are portrayed on TV or in movies, they almost always happen the same way. Someone (usually a man) stops moving and talking, and his eyes go wide. He clutches his chest, gasps that his left arm is numb, then falls to the ground. It’s a dramatic scene, but it’s not really how heart attacks happen in the real world. In fact, heart attack symptoms can be much more varied. Moreover, men and women often experience significantly different symptoms.

women

In order to be aware and understand whether you may be having a heart attack, it’s first important to know the possible symptoms. We’ll go over how those symptoms differ in men and women, as detailed by WomenHeart.

What is a Heart Attack?

Heart attacks occur when a main artery becomes either partially or completely blocked, cutting off blood flow to the heart. This can happen for a variety of reasons.

What are the Symptoms in Women?

For women, heart attacks are more commonly caused by plague erosion. This occurs when smaller pieces of plaque break off and partially block arteries. Because this is a more subtle stop of blood flow, symptoms aren’t always completely indicative of a heart attack. This is why it’s even more important for women to know the potential symptoms and advocate for themselves. Half of women who have heart attacks don’t experience any form of chest pain!

Symptoms include:

  • Chest pain, discomfort and pressure
  • Back and neck pain
  • Arm and jaw pain
  • Indigestion and heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden, extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath

What are the Symptoms in Men?

In comparison, men are more likely to experience a complete stoppage of blood flow to the heart. This is because plaque usually ruptures off the artery wall, creating a large blood clot. The symptoms may be more sudden and severe.

Symptoms include:

  • Sudden chest pain, discomfort and pressure
  • Left arm pain
  • Cold sweats

Just like it’s important to know your heart attack risk, it’s essential to know what to do if someone near you begins to show symptoms. HeartCert CPR offers FREE CPR and First Aid courses through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. Sign up today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Midlife Isn’t Too Late to Improve Heart Health

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A lot can change in middle age. Children have left home, and may even be having kids of their own. Career trajectories change as retirement nears, and finances may be more forgiving. And, perhaps most importantly, health needs change in midlife, with potential issues beginning to show as the body ages. However, according to a new study, midlife isn’t too late to make positive changes. In fact, working to improve heart health in middle age can have significant benefits to overall health, longevity and quality of life.

Regular Exercise Can Improve Heart Health

In a new study, researchers found that people in their early 50s who engaged in regular exercise saw a significant increase in heart elasticity. More specifically, participants had a decline in heart stiffness, which is a precursor and indicator of future heart failure. In addition, their bodies processed oxygen more efficiently.

midlife

Exercise Must Be Rigorous and Consistent

There were a few caveats to the study findings. Participants engaged in high- and moderate-intensity exercise four to five times per week, and kept with the program for two years. So in order to see those long-term heart health benefits, the exercise program needs to be consistent and fairly rigorous, and it must be sustained for a long period of time.

Begin in 50s for Heart Health Benefits

Further, researchers found that those midlife years – the early 50s – are the “sweet spot” to improve heart health. When participants in their 60s engaged in the same exercise program, their overall health improved, but they didn’t experience the same long-term boost to heart health

If adopting a new exercise regime in your 50s seems daunting, experts recommend shifting your mindset. Instead of thinking of exercise as a thankless task to fit in to an already busy life, make it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth or making your bed. Consider exercise part of your personal hygiene, instead of an additional entry on your to-do list.

No matter your age, fitness level, or overall health, hands-only CPR is a good skill to have. We offer FREE CPR and First Aid courses through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota – sign up today!

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Sports Fans Should Be Aware of Heart Attack Risks

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Sports fans are well-accustomed to weathering the highs and lows of a suspenseful game. If your team is performing well, it can be an exciting time. If the other team is winning, it’s a less enjoyable experience. Whatever the situation, it’s important to be aware of the potential heart risks for sports fans.

heart risks for sports fans
photo c/o si.com

According to the American Heart Association, studies have shown an increase in arrhythmias and heart attacks during major sporting events like the World Cup. With football season underway, fans here in Minnesota should be aware of their heart health and heart attack risks before sitting down to watch the game.

Increased Stress Can Raise Heart Risks

The reason for the increased heart risks for sports fans? Experts say it’s all about emotion. An attachment to a team leads to emotional stress. When a game gets suspenseful or disappointing, that stress grows in intensity. This essentially triggers a fight-or-flight response, causing an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. All of these factors can trigger a cardiovascular event.

Be Aware of Heart Disease Risks

Of course, not every sports fan is at risk of a heart attack during every game. Other heart disease risk factors – including weight, activity level, and the incidence of high blood pressure – can contribute. Talk to your doctor about your risk, and take steps to improve your heart health. Quit smoking, watch your cholesterol, eat a heart-healthy diet and get moving!

Continue to Enjoy Your Favorite Sports

Overall, these heart risks for sports fans don’t mean that you shouldn’t watch and enjoy football games. It’s just important to be aware of those risks and take steps to improve heart health and minimize excitement and stress. 

Protect Your Health with Hands-Only CPR

Whether you’re a football fan or not, hands-only CPR is a good skill to have. We offer FREE CPR and First Aid courses through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota – sign up today!

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Why Office Workers Should be Trained in CPR

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Office Setting

People spend a majority of their time at their workplace, so it’s very likely that they could have a heart attack at work. When this kind of incident occurs, will you be prepared to step in and help out? The best way to help out a co-worker who’s in cardiac arrest is to know how to perform CPR and why CPR is a great asset to have at the office.

Knowing CPR Can Save Lives

Thousands of people each year have cardiac arrest in the United States and often they have these heart problems where they spend the majority of their day – in the office.

What does CPR do to help? CPR helps with keeping the person’s blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. If someone in the office doesn’t know CPR, the person affected by cardiac arrest has a decreased chance of survival.

CPR is Different than Performing Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

One of the main reasons that many people do not perform CPR to help fellow co-workers is because they are hesitant to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to someone else in the office. If you don’t feel comfortable giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, doing hands-only CPR can be just as effective and is better than standing by and doing nothing.

You Can Become a Bigger Asset in Your Office

Knowing how to provide immediate support with CPR will not only save a life but will make you more valuable in the office environment. The people who take the time to learn CPR will be an asset to those who have heart attacks and knowing CPR can add a valuable skill to your resume.

Learning How to Perform Hands-Only CPR Isn’t That Difficult

It’s not too time consuming or difficult to learn how to do hands-only CPR, so why wait to learn how to perform CPR? We offer FREE CPR and First Aid courses through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota? Sign up while there’s are still available spots!

Are you a manager or business owner interested in providing in-office CPR training? Contact us to set up a course at your location.

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

The American Heart Association is Switching From Paper Certifications to eCards: What You Need to Know

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The American Heart Association will soon switch from paper cards to AHA eCards for all certifications moving forward. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming switch.

What is an AHA eCard?

According to the AHA: An AHA eCard is the electronic equivalent of a printed AHA course completion card. This is the new certification cards that are issued to those who successfully pass a CPR/AED/First Aid or BLS/ACLS/PALS class. eCards are valid course completion cards and can be presented to employers as proof of successful completion of an AHA course. eCards are available only for provider-level courses in the United States. Paper cards are no longer available.

Why Use an AHA eCard?

eCards are more secure than printed cards. A three-point verification by the Training Center Coordinator (TCC), Instructor and the student, is required to issue and claim eCards. eCard information is populated electronically by the TCC or Instructor and can only be altered by the TCC or AHA Customer Service by using AHA’s My CardsTM. eCards can be easily verified by employers at www.heart.org/cpr/mycards to prove issuance by a valid TC and Instructor aligned with that TC.

How Do I Use an AHA eCard?

As soon as you complete an American Heart Association course through HeartCert CPR, your card will be processed. Cards are processed weekly and you’ll receive a notification via the email address you provided during your course. Please note that participants will receive an email from the AHA after class and must click on the link in the email to claim their card. This is the student’s responsibility as no one else is able to claim or access the card prior to this step.

On your eCard, you’ll find the various sections:

  1. eCard status. Green means it’s active, yellow means the card has expired.
  2. Participant name, course name and eCard code. The eCard code is used to validate the participant’s card     (i.e. for employment, etc.). It is unique to each person.
  3. Course date and recommended renewal date. Renewal date is always 2 years out, the last day of the month.
  4. Training center and instructor information.
  5. My Cards website. Where participants can view/print their eCard and employers validate eCards.

sample card numbers_preview

If you have any questions on your AHA eCard, please contact us. All American Heart Association Training Centers are switching to E-cards and paper cards will no longer be available.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Conquer Cravings with These Heart-Healthy Substitutions

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man eating donut

Wouldn’t life be simpler if we could just wave away food cravings? It would definitely make losing weight a lot easier. As tempting as that sounds, there’s no sure-fire way to banish cravings once and for all. But you can satisfy cravings with healthier food instead of reaching for junk food.

A lot of cravings are texture-based: you want the crunch of potato chips or the smoothness of a slushie. The American Heart Association created a full guide of nutritious snacks no matter what texture you’re craving:

Creamy

Instead of this: While ice cream may come to mind first, there are a variety of other smooth snacks that can be just as satisfying.
Try munching on this:

  • Fresh avocado spread on whole grain bread OR ½ avocado eaten plain with a spoon
  • Warm 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter in the microwave for 10 seconds and drizzle over ½ cup low-fat, no added sugar frozen yogurt.
  • Puree some berries and swirl into a cup of low-fat yogurt with no sugar added.

Crunchy

Instead of this: Pretzels and chips have a crunchy texture that you may crave, but they can come with a lot of extra sodium that you don’t need. 
Try munching on this:

  • ¾ cup whole grain cereal, no added sugar
  • Crunchy unsalted nuts
  • Whole grain crisp breads
  • Plain popcorn; to add some flavor, experiment with various spices like cinnamon or your favorite spice or herb

Liquid

Instead of this: Sweet tea or soda may sound refreshing, but it can take a while to work off all those empty calories. A medium-sized fancy mocha coffee drink with whipped cream can be 400 calories- and that’s before adding sugar or honey. 
Try sipping on this:

  • Plain iced tea made with a squeeze of lemon. You can sweeten with berries or a non-caloric sweetener
  • Add fruit slices to a glass and fill with club soda
  • Instead of the fancy mocha drink, choose a small latte made with nonfat milk and topped with cinnamon which is about a quarter of the calories.

Squishy

Instead of this: Jelly-like candies or even kids’ “fruit” snacks might sound like squishy fun in your mouth, but other options pack more nutrition.
Try munching on this:

  • Fresh grapes are sweet and juicy; freeze them for a few minutes for a fun texture
  • Make tapioca pudding with squishy tapioca pearls; follow the directions on the box, only use half the amount of sugar or a non-caloric sweetener and fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
  • Cherry tomatoes and room-temperature string cheese are squishy, stringy fun

Crispy

Instead of this: Some folks may not like apples because they can be soft and mealy or grainy; the same can be true of over-cooked potatoes.
Try munching on this:

  • Choose crisp apple varieties like: Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Fuji and Gala; avoid Cortland, Red Delicious or Rome which can be softer
  • Choose red potatoes or white potatoes and don’t overcook; avoid Russet potatoes which are high in starch making them perfect for mashed potatoes – but also making them seem ‘mealy or grainy’

Check out even more healthy eating tips on our blog.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

DHS Rule 3: Choosing the Right CPR and First Aid Class for Your Child Care Center

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todler at a daycare center

Are you a child care center provider that needs to find a CPR or First Aid class to meet your DHS Rule 3 requirement? HeartCert CPR has the classes you need to meet those requirements and ensure that your child care center is compliant.

What Class to Take for DHS Rule 3

Generally speaking, our Pediatric CPR/AED With First Aid courses offer all the requirements you need to be certified for your child care center:

Duration: 5 Hours

Intended Audience: Teachers, Daycare Providers, Coaches, Office Workers, new parents, or anyone who wants or needs to learn the life-saving skills of CPR and are not a healthcare professional (healthcare professionals are required to take the more advanced BLS Healthcare Provider CPR course).

Description: This class combines CPR, AED and First Aid Training in to one convenient session. Heartsaver CPR/AED with First Aid (as the American Heart Association classifies this course) teaches the skills necessary to recognize and provide immediate care for breathing problems, cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until medical personnel arrive. Participants will be certified by the American Heart Association for: Standard First Aid and CPR/AED for adults, children and infants. This course meets the Rule 2 and 3 requirements for childcare providers.

This course can also be taken in an convenient blended learning format where some coursework is done online before class to receive the same certification card. Click here for online / blended learning information.

This class is available at the following Minnesota locations:

Choose the location that works best for you. If you need more advanced training, we also offer BLS, ACLS and PALS courses.

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

How to Spring Clean Your Health in 4 Steps

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how to spring clean your health

Spring is a time of renewal, a time to roll up your sleeves and clean out that cluttered garage or attic. Like your home, your health can be neglected and start to collect (metaphorical) dust. Spring is the perfect time to get your health back on track.

The American Heart Association offers some easy ways to spring clean your health, with the help of their health experts:

Clear out clutter

Spring cleaning can create peace of mind and keep you moving. Dig into closets, the garage, and the attic, and get rid of junk that’s been piling up. Clean baseboards. Wash windows, and let the sunshine in.

Sure, it may sound like plain old labor, but it can also be healthy. Remember, physical activity is not strictly defined as working out at a gym or running laps around a track. General house cleaning can burn up to 136 calories per hour. Moving heavy items and carrying boxes can increase that to 340 calories per hour, according to the website Calorie Lab.

“So, pump up the music and start cleaning out the closets. Add in a few dance moves to step up the fun,” said Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, a holistic health counselor, a Harvard Business School-trained strategist and an American Heart Association spokeswoman.

Besides helping with physical activity, clearing away clutter can remove “visual noise” from your daily life, Kennedy said.

Furthermore, your “junk” may have financial value, she noted. Donating household items to a charity not only helps others who need those pots and pans and clothes, but it brings the added benefit of a potential tax deduction. For guidance on charitable deductions, check with the IRS or your accountant.

Keep your food supply updated and healthy

Your kitchen may be due for some spring cleaning, too.

“One aspect of spring cleaning is to literally clear the cupboards,” Kennedy said. A kitchen filled with the wrong kinds of food can sabotage your healthy eating intentions. Kennedy advises keeping the refrigerator organized and throwing out leftovers after three days.

Then, as you restock, add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fish.

Experiment with spices to reduce salt intake while keeping your food tasty. Try to reduce your reliance on processed meals and snacks, and avoid added sugars in foods and beverages. With basketball’s March Madness upon us, marathon television watching and unhealthy snacking with friends could be in your future.

For healthier eating at these social events, consider taking something to the party that you can munch on without hurting your healthy eating plan. Think about bringing along some plantain chips instead of potato chips. Or hummus instead of sour cream-based dip.

Get outside

To manage stress and boost your mood, go outdoors and spruce up your yard or patio. Pulling weeds, lifting rocks, carrying pots, and pushing a wheelbarrow all increase your physical activity. Gardening uses several muscles and can help with flexibility and strength. Think about all those squats that tend to come with yard work. That’s exercise.

Creating a pleasant outdoor space can also help you find a “zone of peace” for sitting and reflecting, Kennedy said. Studies have indicated that regular interaction with the natural environment can result in a range of health benefits.

“Getting back to nature can help you connect with yourself and improve your overall sense of well-being,” she said.

Looking ahead

Along with contributing to your overall health, physical activity helps you get ready for the shorts and swimsuits of an upcoming spring or summer vacation. It also prepares you for the physical challenges of a special outdoor outing you may be planning.

Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity at least five days a week on average. That’s part of the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Simple 7,” specific behaviors and factors that have the biggest impact on heart health. In addition to getting active, the list includes eating better, losing weight, controlling cholesterol, managing blood pressure, reducing blood sugar and quitting smoking.

Keep in mind that physical activity can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, dancing, or taking the stairs instead of an elevator.

Maintaining your exercise momentum may come down to knowing the “motivating why,” Kennedy said. Then, the “how” to do it becomes easier.

Also make sure you’re eating right and getting plenty of sleep!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating in 2018

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Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating in 2018

Is healthy eating on your list of resolutions for 2018? There are many reasons to adopt a better diet – weight loss, more energy, better overall health and more. But did you know that healthy eating can also help your heart? Here are a few heart-healthy eating tips from the American Heart Association.

Don’t Go On a Diet – Make a Lifestyle Change

When embarking on a new healthy eating plan, think of it not as a short-term fix, but as a lifetime change to your eating habits. Don’t completely overhaul your diet at once, but make small, achievable changes. Once you’ve mastered those, make more. Need somewhere to start? Focus on adding in one or two servings of fruit or vegetables or drinking one fewer sugary beverage per day. Then go from there.

Cook and Eat at Home

Restaurants – especially fast food or quick service eateries – are notorious for their high sodium levels. Since sodium is a major contributor to heart attack and stroke, being able to know and control the amount of sodium in your food is essential for minimizing heart disease risk. You can also substitute healthier ingredients – brown rice instead of white, for example – and you’ll save a lot of money in the process!

Watch What You Drink

The added sugar in soda, juice, energy drinks, specialty coffee or other sweetened beverages can significantly increase your calorie intake. In addition, multiple studies have found links between added sugar and a heightened risk of heart disease. Drink water in place of sugary beverages to minimize your risk. Experts also recommend limiting alcohol to one drink per day for women and one to two drinks per day for men.

It’s important to know your heart disease risk and take action to minimize it. It’s even more important to know what to do if someone you love experiences a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers affordable CPR and First Aid classes for all levels of experience. Get in touch to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Catch More Zzzzs to Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

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a walrus sleeping

By now, we all know the importance of sleep for physical and mental health. Getting the right amount of high-quality sleep every night has many benefits, from increased mental acuity to better skin to a lower weight, and much more. Did you also know that getting enough Zzzzs every night can reduce your risk of heart disease?

In a recent study reported by the American Heart Association, researchers found that adults who got adequate, quality sleep had fewer early signs of heart disease than those who slept either too much or too little, or who reported lower rest quality.

Specifically, the study found that those who slept five or fewer hours per night had 50 percent more calcium in their coronary arteries than those who got seven hours of sleep. But more isn’t always better: those who slept nine or more hours per night had 70 percent more coronary calcium than those who slept seven hours.

The study also showed that sleep quality matters. Participants who reported getting restless, wakeful or otherwise low-quality sleep had 20 percent more coronary calcium than those who regularly achieved restful sleep. Researchers believe that, for reducing heart disease risk, quality may be more important than time. “Adults with poor sleep quality have stiffer arteries than those who sleep seven hours a day,” said Yoosoo Chang, M.D., the study’s lead author.

If you struggle to get enough high-quality, restful sleep, here are a few things that can help you and reduce your heart disease risk in the process.

  • Don’t look at your phone or any other screens for at least one hour before bedtime.
  • Play white noise, and keep your bedroom cool.
  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
  • Have a high-protein, low-sugar snack shortly before bedtime.
  • Consume sleep-promoting foods and drinks, such as tart cherry juice or chamomile tea, in the evening.

Because heart disease remains the number one killer of men and women in the United States, it’s important to minimize your heart disease risk factors, and to know what to do if someone you love experiences a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers affordable CPR and First Aid classes for all levels of experience. Get in touch to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

2 New Classes You Won’t Want to Miss!

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In our continued effort to offer you the best selection, we’re unveiling 2 new class offerings. Don’t miss these new opportunities to learn!

IPAs and AEDs – February 13

2 New Classes - IPAs and AEDs promo image

We’re teaming up with Urban Growler Brewing Company in St. Paul for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Learn how to save a life while enjoying a cold beer and tasty food.This event is open to the public.  Registration will include a free pint of beer and access to a food special offered by Urban Growler. At the end of the course, you’ll be CPR and/or First Aid certified through the American Heart Association.

Choose the skills you’d like to learn:

 

Duluth Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Blended Certification – February 21 and March 21

New to our Duluth location, we’ll be offering special courses of our Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Blended Certification courses in February and March. This is the first time we’ve been able to offer this class at our Duluth location! Chose the month that works best for you.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Holiday Heart Attacks and How to Avoid Them

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christmas tree

The holidays are full of sugary-treats and last-minute stress, so it’s no wonder that December and January are the most dangerous times of the year for heart attacks.

The American Heart Association reports that deaths from heart attacks peak during December and January, possibly due to changes in diet and alcohol consumption, stress from family interactions, strained finances, travel and entertaining, and respiratory problems from burning wood.

As the AHA reports:

“We tend to exercise less and eat more during the holidays,” said John Osborne, M.D., Ph.D., a Dallas-area preventive cardiologist. “It’s a very stressful time. There’s a lot of emotion attached to the holidays and that can be another factor to why we have more cardiovascular events.”

As the holidays upend routines, taking medications as prescribed can also get lost in the shuffle, Osborne said.

“I can’t tell you how often I get calls from patients who have traveled somewhere and forgot their medications,” he said, adding that he worries more about the patients who don’t contact him. “Some people figure they’ll be fine to be off them for a week or so, but if you start missing medications, that can have a big impact on causing your blood pressure to be out of control.”

For those who have already had a heart attack, the heightened risk during the holidays is particularly dangerous. That’s because about one in five heart attack survivors age 45 and older will have another heart attack within five years.

Being with family during the holidays is a good time for patients to talk about their health history — not just heart attacks, but also high blood pressure and high cholesterol, experts say.

“We can dramatically lower the risk of cardiovascular events with lifestyle changes, but don’t ignore your family history,” Osborne said. “Genetics can catch up to you, even if you’re doing all the right stuff.”

Heart disease can be prevented in many cases through lifestyle factors, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, controlling cholesterol and blood pressure and not smoking, but “making lifestyle changes can be difficult,” Osborne said.

“I admit to my patients that I don’t love to exercise, but I really feel great having exercised,” he said. “Getting that motivation can be painful, but it’s fantastic when you get to the other side.”

Osborne said tools such as mobile apps can provide education and electronic reminders to help people stay focused on heart health.

“I have a very brief period with patients,” he said. “Tools like apps can encourage good health behaviors, being that gentle in-your-face technology.”

Now’s the time to schedule your CPR training for 2018. Remember to stay safe through the holidays.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.