Avon – CO, Sudden cardiac arrest is the nation’s leading killer – but is doesn’t have to be and YOU can make a difference! The Avon Recreation Center (ARC) has teamed up with Starting Hearts and the Vail Valley Medical Center to offer a free “Heart Smart Event” on Wednesday, March 14 starting at 7:30 a.m. through 12:30 p.m.
The American Heart Association estimates that 1-2 in every 1,000 people will suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) every year and the national rate of survival is a dismal 8%. Therefore, more than 50 Eagle County residents will be directly affected each year. However, with immediate bystander CPR and early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can prevent death for most of these victims, but YOU have to be ready and know what to do. Learn how to perform hands-only CPR and use an AED aboard the HeartRod located in the ARC parking lot on March 14.
Vail Valley Medical Center received a Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease grant from Denver Health and Colorado Prevention Center to conduct FREE screens of uninsured and underinsured Eagle County resident for cholesterol, blood sugars, blood pressure, and body mass index to assess for cardiovascular risk. Test results include total cholesterol, breakdown of HDL, LDL, sugar levels, triglycerides, height and weight, and blood pressure. Results are immediate and will be discussed between you and the Community Health Advocate.
Eagle County Public Health conducted a needs assessment of Eagle County residents in 2005 with multiple community partners. Despite being noted as a “healthy” County, the assessment revealed the number one cause of death among Eagle County residents was cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is caused by risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, overweight/obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, life expectancy could be increased by seven years if all forms of cardiovascular disease were eliminated.
Free blood screenings are offered on a first-come-first serve basis and individual consultation will take approximately 20 minutes. Participants should remember to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water the day before and fasting 10-12 hours prior to the screening as this will provide more accurate results.
The HeartRod can accommodate approximately 12 individuals per session and is a first-come-first served program. Look for the big white bus with flames in the ARC parking lot!
For additional information on the free blood screenings, please contact Claudia Hilty at (970) 471-3258. For additional information on the free CPR and AED trainings, please contact Lynn Blake at (970) 331-3983.