One night, 34-year-old Karen Speed was brushing her teeth when she collapsed. Her 11-year-old and 13-year-old sons who were at home with her ran to get a neighbor’s help but it was too late. She died of a heart attack.
Karen had a family history of heart disease – both her mother and father died of heart-related problems. While her sister decided to undergo testing to determine whether she was at risk of early heart disease as well, Karen chose not too because she didn’t want to live in fear. It makes me so sad to hear that because there was …read more

According to the American Heart Association, almost 80 percent of cardiac arrests happen at home with family members who don’t know CPR.
Based on the latest unscientific A Hearty Life poll, though, that may not necessarily be true. Out of 20 people who voted, 12 (60%) say they know some form of CPR.
Do you know CPR?

Yes. I’m certified.: 30% (6)
Yes. Sort of.: 30% (6)
No: 40% (8)

Immediate CPR is critical for anyone who is experiencing a heart attack. Researchers say that CPR could be made even simpler and still be just as effective.

Radio and print advertisements will begin next week selling BiDil to black heart failure patients in Detroit, Houston, and Washington. With the heart drug’s controversial background, maker NitroMed is focusing more on quality-of-life than the race of the target patient population.
Although BiDil is approved only for use by the estimated 750,000 U.S. blacks with heart failure, a 60-second radio spot that will kick off the media campaign makes just one direct reference to race, noting that BiDil is “FDA-approved to treat heart failure in African-American patients.”
If a drug were available for the racial group you belong to, would you be …read more

Here are the results of the latest A Hearty Life poll – Are you an organ donor?

Yes: 57% (12)
Not officially, but I would want to.: 29% (6)
No: 14% (3)

Out of 21 votes, the majority of people (18) were either confirmed organ donors or would want to be one. Of the three people who did not want to be organ donors, I wonder what their reasons are.
If you’re someone who doesn’t want to donate your organs after death and wouldn’t mind sharing your thoughts, leave a comment here or email me. This is an important opportunity …read more