Tips to Prepare for a Heart Healthy Summer in 2018

The Disque Foundation is committed to empowering others to save a life. That is why we have a goal of empowering one million people to save a life by offering free CPR courses and certification in conjunction with National Health Care Provider Solutions (NHCPS). Part of our mission includes embracing you and your family as our own. That is why we want to spread awareness on how to enjoy this summer while being prepared and staying healthy.

Summer is a time for relaxing with friends by the pool, kayaking on a river with family, and taking a break from the everyday mundane tasks! But are you prepared for what could happen?

Summertime Emergencies

Already this summer there have been multiple stories about fun times in the water that turn drastic within a matter of seconds. The American Heart Association recently released a story recalling the silent and sudden reality of drowning. Laura Metro had just returned from a run while leaving her children with family friends in the pool. Immediately upon her arrival, her daughter came running up to her yelling that Clay was at the bottom of the pool. Like any frantic mother, Metro ran to the pool to find her son, Clay, blue and wrapped in a towel. A friend was practicing CPR on the small boy until paramedics arrived. While this seems like a story that could never happen to you, think again. The World Health Organization reports that there are an estimated 360,000 deaths from drowning per year. A significant amount of these deaths can be prevented if one person in the area is rehearsed in CPR. That is why the Disque Foundation, in conjunction with NHCPS, offers free CPR certification to help prevent accidental injuries like drowning. To learn more check out our infographic below! We believe that with this opportunity and the Save A Life Initiative we are empowering you to save a life and to make a difference in the world.

While being prepared with CPR certification is important, it is also important to consider other ways to be prepared and to keep healthy. This summer, take control of your health and practice healthy habits that lower your risk for heart disease, cardiac arrest, and stroke. First, think about your diet and the foods that go into your body. Are they heart healthy? Heart healthy foods are natural foods. This includes fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains. Stay away from foods that are high in saturated fats and sodium such as cakes, pizza, snack foods, and packaged meals. Try this easy roasted salmon, green beans and tomatoes recipe or this heart healthy blueberry smoothie to cool off this summer. Secondly, take some time for yourself to exercise!Involve your family and friends in exercise as well, take a Saturday morning hike or a walk after dinner. Even taking the stairs during your lunch break is step in the right direction in leading a heart healthy life! Exercising is linked to a stronger heart, increased focus, and improved mental well-being. In the summer, it is best to exercise in the morning or evening when it’s coolest.

Involve your family and friends in exercise as well, take a Saturday morning hike or a walk after dinner. Even taking the stairs during your lunch break is step in the right direction in leading a heart healthy life!

Other important summer tips:

• Stay hydrated! It is recommended that you drink before, during, and after physical activity when in the heat. Fruit is a great way to get some extra water in your system. Try fruit infused water for some flavor or just eat it as a snack. Tip: Watermelon and strawberries are two fruits with the highest water content!
• Use sunscreen! It is recommended that you reapply sunscreen every two hours when outside, even when the sun doesn’t seem to be shining. Dermatologists suggest that sunscreen with SPF of at least 30 is used during prolonged times outside.
• Know your limits! If you start to feel hot or dizzy in the sun, move into an air conditioned area and drink water. Be on the lookout for heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Here are some warning signs: heavy sweating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, fast pulse, and headache. If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and move them into a cool area and lower their temperature with a bath or a cool washcloth.

Don’t wait! Become CPR certified for free so that you are empowered to save a life this summer.