AIFG Blogs

Research goes high-tech to fight heart disease and stroke

The American Heart Association is teaming up with researchersfrom the University of California-San Francisco to create a digitally basedresearch network to study heart disease and stroke.

The Health eHeart Studywill use technology, such as smartphones and computers, to track people’shealth and habits over many years.. The research is expected to provideinformation on what causes cardiovascular disease and how to fight it.

The study has been positionedas a “digital Framingham” in the footsteps of the renowned Framingham HeartStudy, which launched in 1948 and continues to follow cardiovasculardevelopment over decades in three generations of participants.

Researchers hope to sign up asmany as 1 million people to participate. Anyone can join the study, which isbeing featured in a CNBC documentary airing tonight at 9 p.m. EDT.

Last Edited by Roger Santone at 9/19/2013 5:43 PM Comments (0)

Money biggest barrier to learning CPR for urban minorities

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Cost, fear and a lack of information may prevent minorities in urban communities from learning and performing CPR, but free training or incentives like transportation to courses could help, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Six focus groups that included 42 residents in Columbus, Ohio, were interviewed about their knowledge of CPR and training in CPR. Most were 30 or older, African-American and female, and half lived in economically struggling, high-crime neighborhoods.

Money — for the class, childcare and transportation — was the biggest barrier to learning CPR.

Fear of performing CPR — especially on children and kids — was also a big factor. They didn’t know that Hands-Only CPR can save a life. Study participants also were afraid that performing CPR on a stranger would threaten their personal safety, lead to problems with the police or put them at risk of being sued.

And lack of information about the importance of CPR and where to receive training was another major hurdle. Eighty-eight percent were familiar with CPR, but only 43 percent had taken a course within the past three years.

“Our research suggests a community-based approach is needed, such as partnering with local churches,” said Comilla Sasson, M.D., lead researcher and emergency medicine expert and assistant professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. “Bringing our knowledge and expertise about CPR to their doorstep, instead of the other way around, could help address these issues and reduce healthcare disparities among minorities requiring immediate medical care.”

Making CPR classes free or providing allowances for childcare, gift cards for food or bus tokens for transportation was one way study participants said CPR awareness could be increased. Other ideas:

Combining CPR training with basic first aid training, offering certification or academic credit or promoting CPR as a job skill to help residents advance their professional careers; and
Emphasizing that CPR starts at home to save the lives of family members and loved ones.

Last Edited by American Heart Association at 9/16/2013 3:58 PM Comments (0)

Color Your Summer – Seasonal Produce on a Budget

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Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of fresh fruits and vegetables available in grocery markets and from local growers.Not only are they refreshing during the summer, but they also help prevent heart disease and stroke. If you enjoy gardening, try planting a few vegetable seeds and see what happens. Get out of your box this summer and add some color to your diet!

If you’re like me, you are on a strict budget which can make eating healthy a challenge. Farmer’s Markets are abundant with fresh goods at reasonable prices, and are often organically grown. To find a local Farmer’s Market, search your town’s website or search on localharvest.org. Here are some tips for buying the right items at your local Farmer’s Market:

1. Make sure you know what’s in season: this produce will be available in abundance and often at a bargain price.

2. Go early or go late: for the best selection get there right in the morning. It’s often less crowded and the best produce goes first. For the best deal, go towards the end to see if vendors are willing to sell their goods for cheaper so they don’t need to be loaded back up.
3. Buy in bulk: the larger the quantity you buy, the better deal you are likely to get.
4. Become a regular and get to know the farmers: regulars often get the best deals because they build relationships with the farmers. Also, remember you won’t get a discount unless you ask.

If Farmer’s Markets aren’t your thing, or you don’t have any nearby, you can find good deals on fresh produce right at your local grocery store. Again, make sure you know what’s in season to get the most bang for your buck. Sometimes frozen produce can be less expensive and better fit for one or two person households. This will ensure you get the recommended 4.5 cups daily of fruits and vegetables within your budget.

For more recommendations and advice on seasonal produce, visit the American Heart Association’s website: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/MyHeartandStrokeNews/Seasonal-Produce—Spring-and-Summer_UCM_441181_Article.jsp.

-Danielle K.

Last Edited by Danielle Krizan at 9/16/2013 3:55 PM Comments (0)

National Institutes of Health’s budget cuts impacting research

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Representatives of about 170 research organizations will meet with House and Senate offices in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to urge Congress to invest in the National Institutes of Health for the health and economic security of our nation. The event is called a Rally for Medical Research Hill Day, and the American Heart Association is proud to be involved.

Research has long been a major priority of the American Heart Association. Our organization has invested upwards of $3.5 billion into research, more than any organization outside the federal government. Decade after decade, we have seen how research provides answers where none were available.

American Heart Association President Mariell Jessup, M.D., who will be among the volunteers in Washington, D.C., details how the AHA advocates for further research in the latest Huffington Post column from American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown.

Last Edited by Nancy Brown at 9/16/2013 3:51 PM Comments (0)

Late season tomatoes, a tasty end of summer dish

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With summer coming to an end and fall starting to roll in, it seems like everyone with a garden is offering up extra vegetables they may have available. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I have no luck growing tomatoes. Luckily, I have a few friends that have perfected the art of growing tomatoes here and decided to share their bounty. With a 5-gallon bag filled to the top with cherry tomatoes, I knew I needed to find recipes that would allow us to enjoy the early fall flavor — and to use a lot of tomatoes. This recipe hit both marks. Simple and quick to prepare, this healthy dish is packed with flavor — within the first few bites, I knew this would be a favorite I’ll make again and again.

First off, let’s start off with the tomatoes. I’d highly recommend using the most ripe tomatoes you can find – the flavor of the tomatoes in the dish is fantastic, but you also have a sweet treat to enjoy as you cook.

After measuring out the tomatoes, it’s time to get the other ingredients together. To go along with the simple theme of this recipe, most of the ingredients are items you likely already have in your pantry: olive oil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

The main ingredient: green beans. If you have fresh green beans from your garden – great! If not, you easily could substitute frozen beans that have been defrosted.

Once the beans are cooked to tender-crisp (or to your preferred texture), it’s time to add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the tomatoes, stir and cook until the tomatoes just begin to break down.

Remove the pan from heat, stir in the vinegar, and season with salt and pepper. Then, sit down and enjoy a healthy dish with a taste of fall — no matter what the actual weather is outside. Delicious!

To see the full recipe, please go to http://bit.ly/Rz4es0.

Last Edited by Rebecca Gerben Mehta at 9/16/2013 12:12 PM Comments (0)

Heart Healthy Choices & Happiness

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Five years ago I got a call from my dad. He didn’t want to worry me, but he wanted to let me know that he needed to have open heart surgery. After a few months of feeling out of breath on walks he took everyday, he finally told his doctor they needed to do additional tests. He knew something was wrong and he did not know what. It ended up my dad had major artery blockages — and, if he had not pushed for answers, he may not be with us now.

I headed home to help with my dad’s recovery. I was inspired by his spirit and strength in what was hard, seemingly slow process for a very active, often impatient person. I knew it was not easy. I knew I could not make it easier. I also knew that I was just happy to have my dad and be able to give him hugs, share laughs, and talk about sports and books like we always have done.

As I reflected on this anniversary of sorts, I realized how much that time period shaped my view on exercise, healthy eating, and pushing for answers when something doesn’t seem quite right.

Exercise: This year has been heavy for me workwise and I had let my always active lifestyle slip a bit — I knew I needed to make sure physical activity again became a priority whether it be paddleboarding with friends, an early morning run, or even a simple walk around the office. Not only does a bit of activity make me feel better in the moment, but I know it’s making me feel better and live longer.
Healthy eating: I love to cook. I love to cook fresh, local foods from the farmers market. I have made a conscious effort to cook with healthy oils, to eat more vegetables (green smoothes, anyone?), and to limit my consumption of animal products. It’s surprising how making a few small changes make you feel better and be healthier.
Pushing for answers: It’s simple to fall into the trap of deferring to experts. I have to be my own best advocate when it comes to my health. I can accomplish this by preparing questions and engaging in the conversation until I feel comfortable with the answers I’m receiving. A little research can go a long way.

I hope my reflection may help inspire others to take a look at their lives and determine what they can do to improve their heart health. For me, feeling healthy and strong is correlated with overall happiness. When I think about the lives that can be saved with a few small actions — and the families that will have their relatives to share this happiness with — I cannot help but smile.

Given all this, let’s cook up a heart healthy meal to share with friends and family.

It’s damp, cold, and dreary here in the Pacific Northwest. That weather could cause one to run to the nearest comfort food. Luckily, there are many ways to modify recipes to be a bit more heart healthy. And, you can find many heart healthy recipes right on the American Heart Association web site. This recipe is a perfect match for the winter weather and desire to be cozy: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili (http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/NutritionCenter/Recipes/Sweet-Potato-Black-Bean-Chili_UCM_442528_Recipe.jsp). This is a great recipe to make on a Sunday afternoon, then enjoy during the week, or freeze for reheating whenver you are in the mood for a hearty, vegetarian meal.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium-large sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chile (see Cooking Tips)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups water
2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
4 teaspoons lime juice
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

It seems like a lot, but the prep here is so easy that you’ll have this chili on the stove in no time.

Heat the oil in a Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add sweet potato and onion and cook, stirring often, for about 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften, but not brown. As I was cutting up the onion, I recalled a red bell pepper in my refrigerator and decided to chop it up and add it to the pot, too.

Now it’s time to make your kitchen smell great. Add garlic, chili powder, chipotle and salt to the pot. Stir constantly for 30 seconds, then add water and bring the chili to a simmer.

Cover. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the sweet potato is tender, about 10 – 12 minutes.

Add beans, tomatoes, and lime juice. Increase heat to high and return to a simmer, stirring often.

Reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.

Serve with additional cilantro (and hot sauce, if desired) or package up to refrigerate or freeze for later.

Enjoy!

Rebecca Gerben Mehta

Last Edited by Rebecca Gerben Mehta at 9/16/2013 12:09 PM Comments (0)

Advocate Stories: Stephanie Bochenek

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I’m Stephanie Bochenek, a 22 year old Kentucky resident, originally from Hamilton, ON. I recently graduated from Michigan State University, where I was a five year student-athlete. All my life I have had a passion for sports, usually playing multiple sports at once, including soccer, basketball, track, badminton, and volleyball. In my first four years at Michigan State, I rowed on the varsity rowing team and my fifth year I threw javelin. I have always thought that I was living a “healthy” lifestyle, but last summer I was diagnosed with a heart defect and I realized that some things you just can’t control.

I have a bicuspid aortic valve, which is a heart defect I was born with. This is when the aortic valve only has two leaflets that open and close each beat instead of the normal three leaflets. The doctors also found that my aortic root was big enough to be considered an aneurysm, so I was scheduled for a CT scan and told to stop doing anything strenuous. Everything I do revolves around strenuous activities and training, but for those three weeks I thought that I would never be able to do the things that I love to do again. You can imagine how hard it would be to have everything you’ve worked so hard for and all the dreams you have for the future taken away from you in an instant. I started thinking about ways I could stay involved in sports, especially in rowing as a coach. When I left the clinic after my test and diagnosis, I immediately decided to leave everything up to God. Doing that helped me find peace and strength in my reality.

This past year, since my diagnosis, my life has been amazing in many ways. The CT results showed that the current stage of my condition wasn’t as bad as originally thought, so I was cleared to continue what I was doing before. I feel so blessed to be able to keep doing what I love despite my condition. After I was cleared, I was able to work everything out to join the track team at Michigan State and throw javelin.

This experience has helped me become more aware that so many people are born every day with heart defects. Some may never know it, but a lot of them will have to fight every day to live because their defects are so severe that they require surgery and other treatments, even at a very young age.

What am I doing in Kentucky, you ask? Well, long story short, I moved down here in August to hopefully find a job in Richmond because, for some reason I don’t know, I felt like this was where my next step was. I decided that I wouldn’t know if it was true unless I came here and gave it a shot.

Last Edited by Stephanie Bochenek at 9/16/2013 8:35 AM Comments (0)