One of my reasons for finally buckling down and losing weight, or at least working out more consistently is that I realize that at age 35, every year that ticks by is another opportunity to lose bone density, flexibility, endurance, and mental health. Although 35 is not "old," it is easy to get in the hang of putting other priorities in front of one's health.
I'm hoping to turn that around - doing "cardio" for my heart, and strengthening exercises for my bones, muscles, and body control. Falls are a big part of how older people are injured, so if my core is strong, I have a less likely chance of falling. But really, it is that "cardio" that gets me: both physically and emotionally.
When my mom was 37, her mom died of atherosclerosis. Her mom was only 66 at the time. Well, my mom is going to turn 66 this December. Thankfully, my mom is not a smoker as my grandmother was. And thankfully, medicine has evolved such that many people whose heart disease is caught early can be saved. In my grandma's case, she was alive for several days in the hospital - fully awake and still with a sharp mind - but I guess they were unable to properly treat her before she had a fatal cardiac event. Of course, I don't know the details because I was only ten, but I remember feeling a shutter of recognition as I studied the various types of heart disease and stroke while in graduate medical school. (Want to know some sick irony? The professor who taught my stroke class died shortly thereafter... of a stroke.)
My grandmother left us too soon.
The Cat's school puts on "Jump for Heart," a benefit for the American Heart Association. Both years I've donated more than I would any other random charity. I've given in my grandmother's name - Ruby.
A few years ago, I went to the ER because of some odd pelvic pain. (I had gone to "minor injury" but they redirected me to the ER.) When I first got there, a man coded in the parking lot. Much later in the day, I learned he had a heart attack and hadn't made it.
Heart disease is no joke. People think they can drive themselves to the hospital after having chest pain, or that they can wait "just awhile longer" before seeking care. You can't on both counts: call an ambulance and get care immediately. Cardiac care (and stroke care) depend on TIME.
Through Mom Central, I learned of the ECC Class Connector from the American Heart Association. This site helps users locate local CPR (cardiac-pulmonary resuscitation) and ECC (emergency cardiac care) classes.
A confession: I'm not actually certified in CPR, although I've taken a few classes. I know I need to practice what I preach and actually become certified. Still, if you are like me and haven't officially gotten certified and think you probably don't have the time to devote to a long class and testing process, then CPR Anytime is for you. CPR Anytime is a line of self-directed learning products was developed to increase CPR knowledge and awareness.
Here's a chilling duo of statistics:
* Almost 80 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur at home and are witnessed by a family member
* Only 6.4 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims survive because the vast majority of those witnessing the arrest are people who do not know how to perform CPR
Is your life worth $35? Are your loved ones lives worth $35?
Silly girl, of course they are worth much more than that! And yet CPR Anytime costs $35.
I may sound like an infomercial - but really - it is important to have these skills, regardless of whether you take a full class, buy CPR Anytime, or learn more about heart disease, such as heart attack / stroke warning signs.
Check out ECC Class Connector from the American Heart Association to find a CPR/ECC class near you, and/or explore CPR Anytime to bring CPR knowledge into your home.
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In the interest of full-disclosure, I will receive a CPR Anytime kit (from AHA and Mom Central) for mentioning the ECC Class Connector website and CPR Anytime product -- however, I would have wanted to blog about it anyway - it is important, and means something personally to me, since I certainly would have wanted to save my grandmother's life if possible. Although I am not chomping at the bit to be a heroine, I definitely want to have the knowledge to save someone else's life if I am put in that position.
