Making a Local Impact

American Heart Association

HEART DISEASE is the leading cause of death in this country. That means, every day, every 33 seconds, a man, woman, or child dies from cardiovascular disease.

At the American Heart Association, we are working to make impactful community change throughout Greater New Orleans while we aim to reduce death from heart disease and stroke and improve cardiovascular health for all.

“The American Heart Association works daily to help build a healthier Greater New Orleans community,” said Coretta LaGarde, Executive Director. “We are committed to discovering and improving the role that social determinants, like healthy food access, education levels, equitable housing, and income, play in our long-term risk of heart disease, stroke, and other devastating illnesses. Together with our neighbors, volunteers, donors, and strategic partners, we’re working to continue our impact because we want people to experience more of life’s precious moments.”

BE THE BEAT FOR A WOMAN YOU LOVE

The American Heart Association is calling on New Orleans to “Be the Beat” and learn CPR to save lives through its New Orleans Go Red for Women Event and American Heart Month activities in February.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die. If you are called on to give CPR in an emergency, you will most likely be trying to save the life of someone you love: a spouse, a parent, or a friend. This February during American Heart Month, the American Heart Association sheds light on the importance of knowing Hands-Only CPR. This year’s heart month theme, “Be the Beat,” urges people to be the beat it takes to keep someone alive by learning the two simple steps it takes to save a life.

• More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the United States each year, with about 70% happening in homes.

• CPR, especially if performed immediately, can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival.

• Women are less likely to receive Hands-Only CPR because people fear accusations of inappropriate touching, sexual assault, or injuring the person.

• Hands-Only CPR involves two simple steps and anyone can learn it from a 60-second video available at heart.org/handsonlycpr.

• Step 1: If a teen or adult in your home suddenly collapses, call 911 immediately.

• Step 2: Place one hand on top of the other as shown in the video and push hard and fast on the victim’s chest.

The culmination of American Heart Month will be the Go Red for Women event on March 3. This signature event, which will be held from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at The New Orleans Marriott, will feature a Purse-onality and silent auction, “Live Fierce” fashion show, and wellness expo. A short program will honor inspiring survivor stories and give information to help women reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Go Red for Women luncheon is designed to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease, the number one cause of death for women in the United States, as well as generate funds for lifesaving cardiovascular research for women.

Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health and the New Orleans event is locally sponsored by Entergy, United Healthcare, LCMC Health and LAMMICO. For more information visit www. neworleansgored.heart.org.