Ed Smith spoke with Kristy Smorol, the Communications Director with the American Heart Association of Western and Central New York.
-Kristy gave a recap of their Go Red Luncheon a few weeks ago.
-She encouraged women to advocate for their health.
-Kristy said that research shows that heart attacks spike the week between Christmas and New Year’s. She attributes that to a variety of factors, including poor diet, increased stress, not following our normal routine and delaying medical care.
-She encouraged people to not put off getting medical attention if it is needed and to keep scheduled appointments with doctors.
-Kristy encouraged people to get physical activity during the holidays.
-She talked about the difference between a heart attack and a stroke.
-Kristy said the American Heart Association is promoting hands only CPR awareness and training. She talked about the importance of learning it and instructed people to learn more on their website or to sign up for a class locally.
-They are also sending their mobile hands-only CPR unit around town to help teach people how to perform CPR.
-The American Heart Association is working with Damar Hamlin of the Buffalo Bills to promote CPR training.
-Kristy explained how defibertablars work and said that people shouldn’t be afraid to use them. The units will give step by step instructions.
-She gave safety tips about shoveling in the winter time and talked about the importance of listening to your body to reduce your risk of heart attack when shoveling heavy snow.