The American Heart Association is calling on families nationwide to prioritize safety and health this summer by implementing four critical strategies designed to reduce cardiac emergency risks and improve community preparedness.
With 350,000 people experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually and only 10% surviving, the organization highlights the importance of proactive measures. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest each year, with nearly 40% related to sports activities and 20% occurring in infants, underscoring the urgent need for widespread emergency response knowledge.
Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association, emphasized the unique challenges of summer, noting that disrupted routines mean people cannot rely on workplace colleagues, teachers, or coaches to respond during emergencies. The organization recommends four key strategies to enhance family safety: learning CPR, establishing healthy habits, planning ahead for medical needs, and community engagement.
Critical to these recommendations is CPR training, which can double or triple a person's chance of survival during a cardiac emergency. The organization offers multiple accessible training options, including online courses, 60-second instructional videos, and convenient airport CPR kiosks that allow travelers to learn lifesaving techniques quickly.
Additionally, the organization suggests families focus on the Life's Essential 8™, a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health that includes healthy eating, physical activity, tobacco cessation, sleep quality, weight management, cholesterol control, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure monitoring.
Walgreens has partnered with the American Heart Association as a national sponsor of the Nation of Lifesavers initiative, demonstrating a commitment to transforming bystanders into potential lifesavers. Rick Gates, Walgreens' chief pharmacy officer, stressed the importance of emergency preparedness and health support during summer months.
The ultimate goal of these recommendations is to create a more responsive and prepared community capable of addressing cardiac emergencies effectively, ultimately saving lives through education, training, and proactive health management.
