Throughout the year, our blog will feature AHA volunteer stories of survival and hope. We know there are thousands of stories like these - thats why we want to say “Thanks” to all of you for giving your time and sharing your lives with us. You can’t spell CURE without U! Thank you for all you do to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. YOU’RE THE CURE!

Friday, August 28, 2009

Learn CPR and get Discounted Tickets to Twins Game Sept. 12


Twins join American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic to teach families CPR

MINNEAPOLIS – ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Twins, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association and St. Jude Medical, today announce plans for Healthy Heart Day taking place Saturday, September 12 when the Twins take on the Oakland A’s at the Metrodome in a 12:10 p.m. contest.
During Healthy Heart Day, fans are invited to learn the basics of performing CPR by attending one of five American Heart Association CPR Anytime training sessions between 9:15 and 11:45 a.m. in the Metrodome Plaza’s picnic area (near gate D). Fans participating in Heart Healthy Day may also obtain a free blood pressure screening and visit a “Doctor Is In” station to get heart healthy tips from Mayo Clinic physicians.
Tickets for Healthy Heart Day are available in two seating sections – Lower Reserved ($21) and Upper Club ($12). And, each purchase of between one and four tickets includes one CPR Anytime kit with an inflatable CPR mannequin, a CPR Anytime DVD, an American Heart Association CPR for Family and Friends booklet and accessories.
According to the American Heart Association, almost 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member. Only 6.4 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because the vast majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR. The American Heart Association’s CPR Anytime program can help families learn the lifesaving skills of CPR is just 22 minutes.
Please visit www.twinsbaseball.com/heart or call 1-800-33-TWINS for more information and to purchase tickets for Healthy Heart Day.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Healthcare Reform Shouldn't Be Puzzling...

Eighty million Americans suffer from cardiovascular diseases and too many of them cannot afford the health care they need. Lack of health insurance and barriers to accessing quality care pose tremendous problems for patients who have difficulty affording essential treatments. Insurance policies with high premiums and practices that penalize those with pre-existing conditions create a challenging and expensive reality for heart disease and stroke survivors.

That is why the American Heart Association is working to achieve a meaningful reform that serves the best interests of patients. Quality healthcare reform shouldn't be puzzing, it should include accessibility, affordability, and adequate care for all Americans.

TAKE ACTION and Sign our Healthcare Reform Petition by following the link below:

http://www.heartsforhealthcare.org/

Click the Image Below to Enlarge and Print it to Share With Your Friends and Family:



Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Senator Franken Co-Sponsors FIT Kids and HEART for Women Act!

Recently, Senator Al Franken signed on to two key pieces of legislation, the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act and the HEART for Women Act. As you know, the FIT Kids Act amends the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure that kids learn how to be responsible for their health and that they are active during the school day. While, the HEART for Women Act will help eliminate disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women.

As a new Senator, it is great to see that Senator Franken is hitting the ground running on these important heart healthy policies.

Follow the link below to send Senator Franken a thank-you message for supporting FIT Kids and HEART for Women:

Thank Senator Franken for Co-Sponsoring FIT Kids and HEART for Women

Childhood obesity in our country has now reached epidemic proportions. In fact, by 2010, 20% of U.S. children are expected to be obese, putting them at greater risk of developing and dying from heart disease as adults. For the sake of our children's health it is imperative that we, as a nation, take steps now to reverse this trend before it is too late.

In addition, heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases are the No. 1 killer of American women, claiming the lives of more than 450,000 American women each year.

Senator Franken's co-sponsorship of these life-saving pieces of legislation is an important step in protecting the health of Minnesotans and Americans nationwide

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Minnesota Twins, American Heart Association sponsor Healthy Heart Day for Saturday, Sept. 12

Tuesday, 11 August 2009
HometownSource.com

Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins, in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association and St. Jude Medical, announce plans for Healthy Heart Day taking place Saturday, Sept. 12 when the Twins take on the Oakland A’s at the Metrodome in a 12:10 p.m. contest.

During Healthy Heart Day, fans are invited to learn the basics of performing CPR by attending one of five American Heart Association CPR Anytime training sessions between 9:15 and 11:45 a.m. in the Metrodome Plaza’s picnic area (near gate D). Fans participating in Heart Healthy Day may also obtain a free blood pressure screening and visit a “Doctor Is In” station to get heart healthy tips from Mayo Clinic physicians.

Tickets for Healthy Heart Day are available in two seating sections – Lower Reserved ($21) and Upper Club ($12). And, each purchase of between one and four tickets includes one CPR Anytime kit with an inflatable CPR mannequin, a CPR Anytime DVD, an American Heart Association CPR for Family and Friends booklet and accessories.

According to the American Heart Association, almost 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member. Only 6.4 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because the vast majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR. The American Heart Association’s CPR Anytime program can help families learn the lifesaving skills of CPR is just 22 minutes.

Visit http://www.twinsbaseball.com/heart or call 1-800-33-TWINS for more information and to purchase tickets for Healthy Heart Day.

Healthcare Reform in Minnesota - What are YOUR Questions?

Your American Heart Association continues to monitor the healthcare reform discussion very closely.

The health care reform debate can be confusing– the current health insurance system is very complex and there are several different bills to reform it. Many people are left with questions about the different proposals and just what the bills mean for them.

Why does the American Heart Association support health care reform?

We believe that the bills before Congress, while not perfect, will make care more available and affordable for the millions of individuals with heart disease and stroke who are uninsured or have inadequate coverage. The bills preserve what works in our current healthcare system; include an important and long overdue emphasis on preventing illness; and will help to improve the quality of care that everyone receives. The bills also make sure that individuals are protected from insurers that evade their obligations to pay for needed care.

What questions do you have about healthcare reform in Minnesota? Leave us a comment!