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Virtual training now approved and online!

The wave of Covid-19 has changed and reshaped many industries. Health, safety, and social distancing is now a bigger concern than ever. Because of this, the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and nearly all other major major training agencies have now approved virtual CPR delivery.

Virtual CPR Delivery

What is virtual CPR delivery? It’s just like it sounds, the videos, tests and other cognitive portions of a typical BLS or CPR/AED/First Aid class are delivered online. Students can complete most of the safety training at home or at work and the in-person skill session to ensure practical skills is delivered over a virtual platform.

Getting certified to save a life shouldn’t be scary, nor should it require sitting in a classroom for multiple hours with strangers. You can now have the manikin, training AED, and other supplies delivered straight to your home and conduct the rest of the class over a Zoom meeting! All of these sessions are safe, convenient, and nationally recognized/approved by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross which are the standards for those needing certification for work.

To learn more or to get started simply follow this link! Currently, all virtual sessions are for American Red Cross certification, upon registration, you’ll gain immediate access to the online coursework. When complete, simply email the proof of completion to our office to schedule a virtual Zoom session to complete the training and get certified. Virtual sessions are scheduled at least one week from online completion to ensure manikin delivery and certification cards are held until confirmation of return shipping on the supplies mailed. Getting certified has never been this easy, sign up now!

HeartCert CPR to Offer Virtual CPR Training Options

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

At HeartCert CPR, the health and safety of our students is our top priority. During these unprecedented times, we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that our in-person courses remain safe, while also offering expanded virtual CPR course offerings.

virtual CPR classes — photo credit: @bongkarn-thanyakij-683719 accessed 4/14/20 via CC0

As we all know, healthcare workers are providing an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, many organizations are seeking additional healthcare staff, with CPR certification required for employment. HeartCert remains ready and able to provide CPR education and instruction for all essential workers.

Continue reading for an overview of our virtual CPR course options, as well as the precautions we’re taking to keep our students and instructors safe.

Precautionary Measures

For our in-person CPR courses, we’ve limited class enrollment to nine people. All students will be placed at least six feet apart, with no sharing of manikins or supplies. We’ve also implemented extra sanitation measures. We are asking students to stay home if they are ill, have been exposed, or have recently traveled.

Blended Learning

HeartCert CPR offers online/in-person blended learning options. In these courses, participants watch and complete interactive training videos and written tests. Then, come in for a short in-person skills course (following all precautionary measures listed above) to become certified.

Provisional Certification

After completing the online portion of a blended learning course, receive a provisional certificate that will be valid for 90 days. Within that 90-day period, simply attend a one-hour skill session, and the certificate will be converted to an official two-year CPR certification.

Distance Learning – Coming Soon!

In these virtual CPR courses, participants will be sent a manikin and equipment. After completing the online training and testing, an instructor will virtually test your skills via videoconferencing. Watch our Facebook page for more information on these new CPR certification course options!

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course online or at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How Does Stress Impact Heart Health?

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

In today’s busy world, stress seems unavoidable. There is more to do than there are hours in the day, and our digital lifestyle means that we’re always on call. Self-care seems like a luxury and it often feels impossible to prioritize ourselves and our health.

Not only is this constant, chronic stress bad for our mental health, but it can have a significant impact on physical health as well. Several studies have found links between stress and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

Stress Can Harm the Heart

Specifically, stress can lead to high blood pressure, which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and related incidents. In addition, stress often causes us to adopt unhealthy lifestyle choices as we struggle to cope. These habits, such as overeating, lack of physical activity and smoking, can also negatively impact heart health.

There are other physical ailments that are stress-related, including headaches, insomnia, upset stomach, muscle aches and low energy. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to eliminate other possible causes.

How Can We Reduce Stress?

The best way to minimize stress is to get back to basics. Focus on eating well and moving more. Try to get more – and more high-quality – sleep. Spend time with family and friends. Yoga, meditation and journaling can create feelings of balance. If feelings of stress persist or feel unmanageable, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED and first aid course at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Closure Update – HeartCert Mankato

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Updating previous reports, at this time to keep the public safe we are canceling all public offerings of our trainings in our Mankato MN locations. We are still holding trainings for essential needs and community groups with heightened precautions and awareness (see previous posts for information) at our Twin Cities, Rochester and Duluth MN locations. Please contact our office with any questions.

AHA update on certification cards during Covid-19 situation

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

The AHA recently announced the following:

“With precautionary measures being taken globally to control the spread of COVID-19, and many countries and regions delaying training, the AHA has received questions from our Training Network about extensions, or “grace periods” for expirations of AHA Instructor and Provider Course Completion Cards. Please see the AHA’s recommendations below, and please disseminate to anyone who has a business need for this information (e.g., students, employers, medical or safety regulators, etc.).

For Instructor Cards:

• In cases where an AHA Instructor cannot conduct training due to COVID-19 (e.g., the Training Center is in an area with widespread COVID-19 cases), the AHA will allow an extension of the validity of the instructor card for 60 days.

• Management of this extension, and any record-keeping, will be the responsibility of the Training Center.

• This allowance may be extended based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat. For AHA Provider Cards:

• The AHA recommends that employers and regulatory bodies consider extending recognition of an AHA Provider Card beyond its renewal date, for up to 60 days. However, please know that it is ultimately up to the discretion of employers and regulatory bodies who require current AHA Provider Cards to consider allowing extensions during this time.

• The AHA recommends considering extensions of up to 60 days, but this recommendation could be extended based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat. AHA Policy on Expired Cards (included in AHA Instructor Manuals)

• Excerpt from ACLS Instructor Manual: “Students who present an expired provider card…may be allowed to take an update course but will not be given the option of remediation. These students will need to complete the entire provider course if they cannot successfully meet the full course completion requirements when tested. If the student fails any skills test, he or she should be referred back to the full ACLS Course.”

• Over the next 60 days, for providers whose cards have expired due to inability to complete training during the COVID-19 outbreak, the AHA will allow the Instructor to provide remediation during update courses. Interim Guidance on Extensions for AHA Instructor & Provider Cards during COVID-19 Outbreak

• This allowance may be extended based on the evolving COVID-19 public health threat. General Guidance for CPR Training during COVID-19 Outbreak As a reminder, the AHA advises all AHA Training Centers and Instructors to follow the existing recommendations outlined on the World Health Organization (WHO) website, and in the U.S., refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, as well as the guidance of national, state, and local public health authorities, which will have the most up-to-date facts and will provide information on basic protective measures against COVID-19.

Corona Virus – HeartCert Precautions

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

With the recent information on COVID-19 we here at HeartCert wanted to let the public know that we consider your health and safety our top priority and to take this opportunity to share with you our plans for minimizing transmission of this or any flu/flu-like illness during our training courses. We are still running courses but with heightened awareness and measures in place to protect everyone as this is deemed an essential service. We feel it is our duty to continue training people but in a safe manner. We have moved all of our public offerings to our secure location in Eagan and are allowing people to cancel or reschedule for any reason without fee while keeping class sizes minimal to allow for social distancing.

If COVID-19 disease begins to spread in Minnesota communities; state and local public health authorities will issue recommendations that HeartCert will follow. A recent memo from the American Heart Association (AHA) found near the bottom of this article, outlines just some of the steps we are taking to help ensure the health and safety of all of our participants. Decisions about the implementation of community measures would be made by state and local officials based on CDC guidance as well as the scope of the outbreak which will be followed.

We at HeartCert have always made great efforts to make sure our CPR training classes are as clean and safe as can be made and will continue to do so with heightened awareness. All of our training manikins are cleaned/disinfected to manufacturer recommended policies before, during and after each class and use. Students are given their own manikin for practical evolutions. Hand washing before and after all hands on practice shall be conducted. Wearing masks is required by all students and staff. We have a small supply to issue masks for class if needed. Gloves, manikin disinfecting wipes and individual breathing devices with one-way valves are used to prevent contamination and the spread of any germs. We have reduced class sizes to allow a minimum of 6′ of social distancing and now have a variety of online and virtual options as well. We will continue our efforts to keep everyone safe by following these essential practices and the recommendations of the MDH, CDC, ARC, AHA and all pertinent organizations.

If you feel ill, or that you may have been exposed to any kind of illness, you must stay home. We are more than happy to find arrangements, accommodations and reschedule anyone for no cost to reduce the potential of spreading any illnesses. All of our sites have soap, water, gloves, disinfecting wipes, individual breathing barriers and all appropriate precautions as well as social distancing adjustments.

To stay healthy, the Minnesota Department of Health is recommending common
sense precautions such as:
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If this is not possible, avoid touching
your eyes, nose and mouth.
· Stay home if you are sick, and for at least 72 hours after you are fever free.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue. Wear a mask when out.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. (If soap and
water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60%
alcohol.)

You can learn more information about COVID-19 and its status in Minnesota on the
Minnesota Department of Health website: https://www.health.state.mn.us/ . MDH has also set
up a hotline at 651-201-5414 to answer general questions or concerns.
We will continue to do ALL we can to provide the safest environment possible for everyone using our services.

Additionally, the American Heart Association recently released the following recommendations that HeartCert is also following which is standard practice for our business:

“Instructors should decontaminate the manikins after each student practices or tests on the manikin using an alcohol-based solution per CDC recommendations, so Faceshields should not be used, and direct mouth-to-mouth ventilations should not be practiced. Each student must be provided with a pocket mask and one-way valve when practicing one-rescuer skills. Pocket masks should not be shared during the course. Bag masks should be used when practicing two-rescuer skills {BLS classes}, and participants should wear gloves and clean bag masks between practices with an alcohol-based solution per CDC recommendations. When possible, manikins should be spaced apart at least 3 feet (1 meter) {this is now 6 feet} during training, based on WHO guidance on social distancing. These additional precautions should be practiced until April 30, 2020, and may be extended by the AHA, if needed. {extended indefinitely}”

We want the public to know that HeartCert values your health and safety, we are taking any and all precautions necessary and will keep a close eye on all information to stay on top of this current situation. There are more options for safe training now than ever before. Online, blended and virtual classes are all available. For details, questions, concerns of comments please do not hesitate to contact our office.

CPR Training Requirements for MN Child Care Providers

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Caring for small children is a demanding, high-stakes job. In addition to feeding, comforting and teaching children, child care providers must also keep them safe and healthy. This is why the state of Minnesota has enacted laws requiring all providers in the state to be trained in CPR and first aid.

There are two categories of required CPR trainings for child care providers in Minnesota.

Pre-Service Training

This requires licensed child care providers to take a CPR and first aid training course before caring for children. There is no specified number of hours required. In family or in-home care centers, only the license holder must complete training.

Ongoing Training

Every year, the director and staff of child care centers must complete between 20 and 40 hours of in-service training. However, they have the ability to choose which trainings they complete during a given year. CPR and first aid is one of those options, but it is required to be completed by all teachers and assistant teachers every three years. The number of hours is not specified in the regulations.

The requirements are similar for in-home care centers, with two exceptions. The license holder and all adult caregivers are required to complete 16 hours of ongoing training every year. Again, CPR and first aid is an option each year, but it must be completed every two years.

Of course, these requirements only apply to licensed child care providers. Grandparents and other family members, babysitters and other unlicensed providers are not required by law to be trained in CPR. However, we strongly recommend that anyone who cares for an infant or small child for any period of time be able to perform CPR and basic first aid. Emergencies happen in any setting, and they often happen fast. It’s important to be able to provide lifesaving care for a child, should the need arise.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Could Drone-Delivered AEDs Save Lives?

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Every year in the U.S., more than 350,000 people have a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. Only about 10 percent of those people survive. When bystanders step in to perform CPR, the likelihood of survival increases significantly. And when AEDs are available, the odds are even better.

But while AEDs are increasingly accessible in public places, they are not available where the highest number of cardiac arrests occur: in private homes. Emergency responders can be quickly dispatched with an AED, but in cardiac arrest, every minute counts.

Testing Drone-Delivered AEDs

To meet patient needs more quickly, researchers are testing AEDs delivered by unmanned drones – and initial research is promising. According to the American Heart Association, in a test between drones and emergency responders, the drone was able to deliver an AED much more quickly. In some cases, the drone beat the EMR team by up to 8 minutes!

Additional Research Needed

Of course, it will take some time before drone-delivered AEDs become a reality. Researchers are working on logistics, including how to help bystanders receive and interact with the AED. But some believe drone-delivered AEDs could be implemented in just one year!

If drone-delivered AEDs become reality in Minnesota, it could be a huge step in saving lives. However, researchers emphasize that human intervention – bystanders stepping in to perform CPR – will still be an essential part of the process. A bystander will always be needed to recognize when someone is in distress, call for help, perform CPR, and then apply an AED – no matter how that AED arrives.

Will you be that bystander? Register for a CPR class today.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Your Spouse’s Health May Affect Your Heart

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, many people are buying gifts and planning dates, thinking about the best way to show their love. Here’s an idea that could really be good for your partner’s heart: adopt healthier habits! That’s the takeaway from new research into the effect of one spouse’s health on another.

Spouse’s Health May Affect Your Heart — photo credit: @brandless accessed 01/23/20 via CC0

In the study, researchers examined five years of biometric and blood test data from more than 5,000 couples. They examined each participant’s overall cardiovascular health and levels of risk factors such as diet and exercise, smoking, total cholesterol and blood pressure.

Researchers found that couples were actually more likely to align on negative health habits, such as eating an unhealthy diet or not exercising enough. It followed that, in three-fourths of couples studied, if one partner had suboptimal heart health, the other partner did too.

The study findings didn’t come as much of a surprise, researchers said. We tend to marry people who are similar to us. Further, if one member of a household is exposed to a factor that affects health, such as lack of access to healthy food, the other members usually are too.

But researchers say that the study findings present a unique opportunity: to focus on one spouse’s health in order to improve the health of a couple, a family or even a community.

Want to protect your family’s health in just one day? Sign up for a Minneapolis CPR class with HeartCert CPR!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Is Heart Attack Risk Higher in Winter?

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Here in Minnesota, we’re no strangers to the extremes of winter weather. From blizzards to ice to subzero temperatures, we know how to deal with whatever comes our way. But are we taking good care of our heart and health during these cold winter months? Maybe not.

According to the American Heart Association, it isn’t just the exertion of shoveling show that can harm the heart. There are several additional factors that have been shown to impact heart health – and they affect people all over the world, not just in cold weather climates like Minnesota.

Cold Temperatures

When you step outside into cold weather, the temperature makes arteries constrict, decreasing blood flow and the delivery of oxygen. Cold weather also increases the formation of blood clots.

Flu Season

The flu spreads quickly during the winter months. Studies have found an increase in heart attacks after people come down with the flu.

Indoor Pollution

Wood-burning fireplaces create coziness and warmth. But they also significantly increase indoor air pollution, which can harm the heart.

Shorter Days

A lack of sunshine means a deficiency in vitamin D for many people. Seasonal Affective Disorder can lead to depression, which in turn can raise the risk of cardiac disease. In addition, it can be tough to find time or motivation to get out and exercise when the daylight hours are short.

Holiday Stressors

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and Valentine’s Day – these are all lovely celebrations, but they can be immensely stressful. Because stress impacts heart health, the holiday season has been found to raise the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Snow

Shoveling. Need we say more?

Because many of these winter heart stressors are unavoidable, it’s even more important to take good care of your health during the colder months. Eat a healthy diet, stay active, take time for self-care, get enough sleep, and, of course, learn CPR!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Eat Low-Cholesterol Food for Better Heart Health

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

It has long been known that cholesterol is a major contributor to heart and vascular disease. Now, a new advisory has been issued by the American Heart Association, urging people to eat foods that are naturally lower in cholesterol and saturated fat.

Focus on Diet, Not a Number

You might be asking: isn’t this the same advice we’ve been getting from doctors and researchers for decades? Yes, but with one significant difference. Experts no longer support a specific numerical limit on cholesterol. Rather, the advisory encourages a diet of naturally low-cholesterol foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Perhaps more importantly, saturated fats from full-fat dairy and meat, as well as salt, sugar and processed foods, should be avoided.

Looking for ways to reduce dietary sodium? Read our blog post!

There are a few caveats. Small amounts of specific high-cholesterol foods are safe to consume. This includes eggs (about one per day) or an equivalent of lean meat or protein.

Why is Cholesterol Harmful?

Some cholesterol is essential for the body to function. However, when too much saturated fat is consumed, an excess of cholesterol can build up in the blood. This can cause deposits to form in the arteries, potentially blocking blood flow and leading to heart attack or stroke.

How to Limit Cholesterol Intake

Experts recommend a Mediterranean-style diet, which traditionally focus on fresh produce, whole grains and healthy fats. Not sure where to start? Check out our blog post with heart-healthy eating tips.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Be a More Heart Healthy Family in the New Year

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Families today are busy. With work and school, sports and social outings, it can feel impossible to find time for healthy living. If, like many, you’re thinking about new years resolutions, we have a few tips on how to become a more heart healthy family in 2020 – and beyond.

heart healthy family — photo credit: @panditwiguna accessed 12/04/19 via CC0

Identify Opportunities for Activity – In Advance

Look at the days or weeks ahead, comparing all family members’ obligations, and schedule a few 30-minute activity sessions. Put them on everyone’s calendar!

What to do during those 30 minutes? Go for a walk or a bike ride, visit the park, turn on a yoga video, or just have a dance party in the kitchen! Keep it simple, laid-back and fun.

Simplify the Schedule

If you can’t find any time for activity, it’s time to take a closer look at the family schedule. Are there any activities that can be put on hold? Any social gatherings that can be missed? An overscheduled family is usually a stressed family, which is also bad for the heart. Try to find ways to slow down.

Meal Plan and Prep

It’s easy to reach for the most convenient option after a long day at work. Planning for meals in advance is key to putting healthy dinners on the table. Set yourself up for success by taking an hour or two on the weekend to make a plan and grocery shop. You can also meal prep – cut up veggies, group canned goods and spices together – to make cooking even faster and easier.

Make Health a Shared Responsibility

Kids can – and should – help you make some of these lifestyle changes. Ask them for help meal planning and grocery shopping, or cooking if they’re old enough. Let them plan a 30-minute activity session. If all members of the family are involved and invested, you’ll have a more heart healthy family in no time!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PAL, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Designated an AHA Training Center

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert CPR is pleased to announce that, after serving the public for over 10 years, it has recently entered into an agreement with the American Heart Association (AHA) to become an official AHA Training Center.

This puts HeartCert in a better position to serve its customers, instructors and the general public. As an official Training Center, HeartCert will be able to operate directly under and with the AHA for more efficient operations, lower costs and greater potential for continued growth.

When designating its Training Centers, the AHA looks at a multitude of factors including the company history, marketing, past and future growth, company stability, operations and more. The fact that HeartCert was selected through such an in-depth process validates our years of hard work to serve you.

Training Centers operate directly with the AHA and are able to teach instructor courses, sell CPR certification cards and provide support to anyone wanting or needing to teach or take a CPR class. We are humbled, honored and excited about this next step for HeartCert, which will help us better serve the entire Twin Cities CPR community – and beyond!

If you are interested in taking a CPR course or becoming an instructor, HeartCert has the tools, processes and instructors to serve you. Contact us today to see how we can help!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Did you know Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who perform CPR?

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

In an earlier blog post, we discussed some of the common reasons that bystanders don’t perform CPR when they encounter someone in cardiac arrest. The reasons given include fear of causing additional harm and of touching a person inappropriately. Another common reason is the fear of legal action should something go wrong.

legal — photo credit: @jaifoto accessed 11/20/19 via CC0

According to new research, that fear isn’t really justified. There are very few lawsuits ever filed in connection with performing CPR. In fact, the failure to perform CPR has led to significantly more legal action.

Good Samaritan Laws Protect Bystanders

Every state in the U.S., including Minnesota, has some form of a “Good Samaritan” law. These laws offer legal protection to people who provide reasonable assistance if they believe someone is injured or in danger. This is one of the primary reasons that people who perform bystander CPR are not very likely to be brought to court, and if they are, that they will be protected. Everyone should call 9-1-1 and give help to the best of their ability.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid any apprehension or fear over performing bystander CPR is to take a CPR training course! All of these barriers to act are comprehensively covered to help you feel prepared in case of an emergency. Sign up today and be ready if and when the need arises.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PAL, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This Thanksgiving, Talk About Family Health History

5 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Family history is a key factor in determining whether an individual is at high risk of developing heart disease. However, talking to your family members about their health history can be tough. That’s why, in 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General launched a campaign encouraging Americans to talk about their family health histories on Thanksgiving.

Despite this officially-sanctioned campaign, many people find it difficult to discuss health history with parents and other relatives. This is sensitive, personal information, after all, and it doesn’t always make for the most pleasant dinner conversation. But the benefits can be significant. So we’re offering a few tips on how to make these tough talks a little easier.

photo credit: @cottonbro accessed 11/20/19 via CC0

Don’t Spring It

Let family members know that you’d like to discuss health history at least a few days before the holiday. That will prevent people from feeling caught off guard.

Break the Ice

You may have to be the first to share in order to make others feel comfortable. Or begin by asking specific questions, not just about certain diseases, but also about timelines, complications and side effects.

Ask Everyone

Don’t just question older family members or those in poorer health. Ask all relatives to share as they feel comfortable. Also, try to gather information about deceased relatives, if it is available.

Take and Share Notes

Record any relevant information, then share with other family members, including those who are not present. You could copy and mail hard copies, or share securely online. These documents will be helpful as family members visit the doctor throughout their lives.

However you choose to discuss family health history, the most important thing is that you start the conversation. If everyone remains open and willing, it could be a positive discussion that ultimately brings your family closer together – and helps keep you all healthy for many Thanksgivings to come.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

bwadmin

Virtual CPR Delivery

Precautionary Measures

Blended Learning

Provisional Certification

Distance Learning – Coming Soon!

Stress Can Harm the Heart

How Can We Reduce Stress?

Pre-Service Training

Ongoing Training

Testing Drone-Delivered AEDs

Additional Research Needed

Cold Temperatures

Flu Season

Indoor Pollution

Shorter Days

Holiday Stressors

Snow

Focus on Diet, Not a Number

Why is Cholesterol Harmful?

How to Limit Cholesterol Intake

Identify Opportunities for Activity – In Advance

Simplify the Schedule

Meal Plan and Prep

Make Health a Shared Responsibility

Good Samaritan Laws Protect Bystanders

Don’t Spring It

Break the Ice

Ask Everyone

Take and Share Notes

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