IN THE NEWS
- Your health is in your hands during American Stroke Month - The American Stroke Association will focus on defeating stroke through education and collaboration - English | Spanish (to be added)
- Survival from cardiac arrest less likely in Asian American Pacific Islander communities - The American Heart Association, during Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, wants someone in every AAPI household to know Hands-Only CPR
F.A.S.T. Warning Signs
Recognize the warning signs of stroke and call 9-1-1 immediately. This can make the difference between a strong recovery and disability or even death.
F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
T = Time to call 911
Infographic: Link to transcript
copyright American Heart Association 2022
A key risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure, the “silent killer”
- Most of the time there are no obvious symptoms.
- Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices can put you at a greater risk for high blood pressure.
- When left untreated, the damage that high blood pressure does to your circulatory system is a significant contributing factor to heart attack, stroke and other health threats.
Stroke is dangerous and deadly — the No. 5 killer and a leading cause of disability in America. But you can control and treat several risk factors for stroke.
Whole body wellness can help you feel stronger, healthier and mentally sharp – and it can also reduce your stroke risk.
It’s never too late to start making healthier choices:
- Get enough sleep - Adults need 7-9 hours per night. Teenagers and children need more.
- Get regular check-ups - Schedule regular visits with your health care provider. Talk about how to control or manage your risk factors.
- Move more, sit less
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise (or a combination) per week.
- Eat Healthy Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat.
- Reduce your intake of sodium, added sugar, and saturated and trans fats.
- Don’t smoke or vape If you currently smoke or vape, quit.
Stay healthy and active to help reduce your risk of STROKE, heart disease, memory loss and difficulty with thinking and learning.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Time to Manage Stress and Manage Your Health
While you may feel too busy to de-stress – you can decide to take back your “me time,” one moment at a time.
Mental wellness is important for a healthy heart and brain | Spanish
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Did you know:
* Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol is linked to a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke?
* Between work, family and world events – too many of us are running on empty for the sake of others, particularly women. Constant, chronic stress can have real impacts on health.
* That’s why the American Heart Association is sharing science-backed tips for managing stress for better health.
May is International Mediterranean Diet Month
Mediterranean-style — also known as the Mediterranean diet, limits dairy; emphasizes vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fatty fish and extra virgin olive oil; and includes moderate drinking of red wine.
copyright American Heart Association
Take the Be The Beat Challenge and and learn CPR
The American Heart Association to focus on improving cardiac arrest survival rate through
life-saving skills education and training.
Learn Hands-Only CPR/use an AED (English, Spanish, Mandarin)
May Calendar Highlights
American Stroke Month, Blood Pressure Awareness Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Women’s Health Month, Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Military Medicine Appreciation Month, National Physical Fitness & Sports and Global Employee Health and Fitness Month as well as other important dates below.
Check out the health headlines you may have missed and follow us on @HeartNews
5/1 - May Day
5/1-7 - National Hurricane Preparedness Week - Be heart-smart to stay safe and healthy during and after natural disasters | Spanish
5/2 - World Asthma Day
5/5 - Cinco De Mayo commemorates Mexico’s unexpected victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. | National Salsa Month
5/6-12 - National Nurses Week | 5/12 is International Nurses Day
5/7-13 - Children’s Mental Awareness Week | National Pet Week - A Healthy Bond for Life | National Hospital Week | Teacher Appreciation Week
5/14 - Mother's Day
5/14-5/23 - National Women's Health Week | Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally.
5/17 - World Hypertension Day - Learn the facts about high blood pressure
5/21-27 - EMS Week
5/24 - National Senior Health and Fitness Day
5/29 - Memorial Day - honoring those who lost their lives while defending their country.
