American Heart Association Special Section

The Heart of Families

Orlando Family Magazine and the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association have aligned to bring you this special section dedicated to the wellbeing of Central Florida families. 

Did you know that childhood obesity is the No. 1 health concern among parents in the U.S., topping drug abuse and smoking? According to the American Heart Association, obesity is causing a broad range of health problems that previously weren’t seen until adulthood. Today’s kids could be the first generation to live shorter lives than their parents!

Among many definitions, Webster describes ‘heart’ as “the essential or most vital part of something.” Therefore, it’s only natural to correlate heart-health as a vital part of your family. Parents ─ since you are the decision-makers of nutrition, physical activity, and health needs, put some heart into the health of your family!

The Heart of the Matter

“At 41, I was in better shape than most – doing yoga, surfing, working out, and enjoying hobbies with my husband and three kids. I attended the AHA’s 2012 Go Red For Women Luncheon and left with a heart attack warning signs card. “Jaw pain” caught my eye and, as I read, I learned that symptoms can differ among men and women. Just months later, I felt abnormally sick and, as if I had flossed my teeth too hard, “jaw pain” came to mind again. I immediately told my husband that I knew I was having a heart attack. Within minutes of arriving at the hospital, I was on my way to surgery. I now tell my story to women every day to perhaps help save a life. Know your family history, know your numbers, know the symptoms!” – Kimberlee Strong, Orlando

“When my wife and I decided to start a family, I thought it’d be a good time to visit my doctor for a routine checkup. At 28, I never knew that I had a serious heart murmur. As co-host of the “Obie & Lil Shawn Morning Show” on Power 95.3, my fast-paced lifestyle never seemed to affect my health, so I was shocked to learn that I needed corrective surgery or risk cardiac arrest. The procedure was successful and I now have three healthy kids. My attitude on life and health has changed for the better. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how much you think you take care of yourself…it’s important to talk to your doctor.” – Obie Diaz, Winter Garden

“Each year, we participate in the Heart Walk on behalf of those who cannot: our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, grandparents, and family & fiends. With research and dedication from our physicians at Orlando Health, we will continue to help all our patients.” – Katherine Hernandez, Orlando

“We participate in the Heart Walk for Kristen, our daughter born with congenital heart disease. Every day of her life is a gift, and that gift is already 5 years old. We are so grateful to God and the doctors and nurses who have taken care of her. Her condition has inspired us to make healthier choices for a better quality of life, teach our daughters to do what is right for their bodies, and protect our child from additional heart issues. We walk for a cure, awareness, and love.” – Rosa Mayr, Orlando

“My family has a long history of cardiovascular disease. Both my grandmother and grandfather have heart disease, have suffered multiple strokes, and are still battling these conditions. My mother had a triple bypass at age 55 and has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease. My uncles also suffered heart attacks in their mid-40’s. I am a student nurse who used to be overweight and likely on my way to similar issues. But, I’ve lost over 70 pounds and support the AHA to impact medicine in hopes that we can raise awareness. I want to break the chain of heart disease in my family! I have shown my kids and loved ones that with determination anything is possible.” – Maria Diaz, Casselberry

“My father died from heart disease at age 46. In 1959, medical science didn’t exist to improve his health and, as a result, my mother was widowed at age 44 and left with 6 children (ages 3 – 11). Needless to say, life was quite a challenge for her raising all of us. Today, the outcome could have been much different (thanks to science).” – Janet Scott, Orlando

“When I was 13, I was awakened from my sleep to a scary sound: It was my dad. He took his last breath after a massive heart attack at age 44. I will never forget that sound and the heartbreaking days that followed. Having my dad leave me so young, while he had so much life to give, makes me want to be involved with the AHA for him. I want to be there for my grandchildren and don’t ever want to hear that sound again. So I’m walking for my dad, mom, and my family.”

– Leslie White, Oviedo

“Nine years ago, I lost the man that meant the world to me. We were very close, loved Halloween and each other, and enjoyed our time together. I participate in honor & memory of my father and those who lost the battle with this malady. I walk for me, knowing that almost 6 years ago I nearly lost the ability to do so from cancer. Now, having survived my second bout, I am 3 years into remission and celebrating health with the Heart Walk. I walk for the man who made me who I am and to be thankful that I have that opportunity today.” – Laura Dickinson, Sanford

Planting a Seed of Health 

During the fall semester, Fern Creek Elementary became the first school in Central Florida to plant an American Heart Association Teaching Garden as part of a national, school-based program that uses AHA science guidelines, paired with information from experts, including Chef Joseph Diaz of Café 118 in Winter Park and the US Green Builders Council.

The Fern Creek Elementary Teaching Garden, locally sponsored by PNC Bank, combines education with garden-based learning, functioning as a real-life laboratory where students learn how to plant seeds, nurture growing plants, harvest produce, and ultimately understand the value of healthy habits. Numerous studies have shown that participation in school gardens improves students’ attitudes about fruits and vegetables, which perhaps will impact the alarming statistic that one in three children in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

Fern Creek Elementary was specifically chosen because of their great need – 20-25% of the students are considered homeless and it is a Title I school, with 90% of students on the free/reduced lunch program. Aimed at lower-income elementary school students, the Teaching Garden program provides hands-on learning experiences rooted in offering nutritional choices.

35^th Anniversary of Jump Rope for Heart

Jump Rope For Heart, AHA’s education-based fundraiser, is celebrating 35 lifesaving years of jumping rope! The program empowers students to take care of their heart, while collecting flat donations to fund research. Depending on the funds raised, students earn thank-you gifts and schools earn gift certificates to purchase gym equipment. Last year, in Orlando, 182 schools participated with 139,382 jumpers!

Three Tips to Keep Your Fit Family Resolution

1. Increase Physical Activity: Kids need 1 hour or more of daily physical activity. Unfortunately, less than 60% of adults are physically active on a regular basis, and 25% aren’t active at all. To build a family based on healthy habits, it’s up to you to set the tone at home.

• Walk It Off: Schedule at least 1 night a week to eat dinner as a family, and then go for a walk together.
• Game of the Week: Start a weekly tradition ─ spend an afternoon skating or playing touch football as a family.
• Form a Team: Sign up as a family for a community run or walk.

2. Turn Screen Time Play Time: Use of TVs, computers, or video games crowds out time for physical activity and encourages unhealthy snacking. By turning off screens, you can crank up your kids’ energy and re-charge their minds.

• No TV Dinners: Turn off the TV during meals and take turns talking about the day.
• Cut the Cord: Take electronics out of bedrooms. Children who have TVs in their rooms spend almost 1½ hours more per day watching compared to peers.
• Work It Out: Use the TV to watch an exercise video (dancing, tae kwon do, or yoga). Put on sweatbands and enjoy family fitness time.

3. Increase Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits and veggies are a great source of vitamins and nutrients. It’s not always easy for kids to understand their value or appreciate their flavor, but if you make it fun to explore, prepare, and eat them, your kids can discover new favorites.

• Mix It Up: Add fruits and vegetables into cooked or baked foods. Toss veggies into pasta sauce, casseroles, soups, and omelets. Mix berries into pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
• Pick a Peck: When shopping, let kids select a new fruit or vegetable to try.
• Dip In: Chop raw vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Try carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, or celery, dipped into low-fat or fat-free dressing.

Operation Portion Control

Size matters! Portion size has a lot to do with why our kids are getting chubbier. Because there’s too much of everything on their plates, our kids are getting more calories than they need. You may be surprised to learn these are serving sizes:

• 1 slice of bread
• ½ cup rice or pasta (cooked)
• 1 small piece of fruit (super-large apples are 2+ servings)
• 1 wedge of melon
• ¾ cup fruit juice
• 1 cup milk or yogurt
• 2 oz. cheese (size of a domino)
• 2-3 oz. meat, poultry, or fish (size of deck of cards)

Cutting down the helpings will cut down the waistlines and impact overall health.

Heart Attack Warning Signs for Women

CSome heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Often, the people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are heart attack warning signs:

•  Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of upper body. Symptoms can include pain in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This feeling may occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs. These include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. 

As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are more likely than men to experience the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you are with experience these symptoms, CALL 9-1-1.

Life’s Simple 7: Steps to Live Your Best Life

• Get active: All healthy adults ages 18-65 should get at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity (5 days per week).
• Eat better: Good nutrition is essential for you and your family’s heart health.
• Lose weight: Losing 1-2 pounds a week is a realistic goal. Don’t burden yourself with unrealistic expectations.
• Control cholesterol: Know which fats, like saturated and trans, raise cholesterol and which ones don’t.
• Manage blood pressure: Blood pressure is the amount of force on your arteries…don’t make your heart worker harder than it should.
• Reduce blood sugar: Lowered blood sugar helps protect your vital organs.
• Stop smoking: The health benefits start almost immediately and, within a few years, your risk of stroke and coronary artery disease is similar to that of non-smokers.

Did you know?

• About 7.9 million Americans age 20 and older have survived a heart attack.
• Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths.
• Only 30.1% of American adults engage in light-moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on 5 or more days a week, or vigorous physical activity for at least 20 minutes on 3 or more days a week.
• About 66% of Americans age 20 and older are overweight or obese.
• In the U.S., kids’ cardiovascular endurance fell an average 6% per decade between 1970 and 2000.
• Kids today are roughly 15% less fit from a cardiovascular standpoint than their parents were as youngsters.

How Does Your Heart Score?

Americans think they are in better heart health than they really are. According to a recent survey, nearly 40% of Americans thought they were in ideal heart health, when in reality the number is less than 1%!  To find out how your heart health ranks, take the AHA’s assessment at Heart.org/MyLifeCheck. No matter what the score, any healthy change can produce a longer, better life.

Don’t Miss a Beat

Heart.org

Facebook.org/GreaterOrlandoAmericanHeartAssociation

Twitter @AHAOrl

Upcoming Events

February 7: National Wear Red Day ─ Help spread the word that heart disease is still the #1 killer of Americans, taking the life of 1-in-3 each year at a rate of 1 per minute. Host an event or post a picture of your Go Red effort to the Greater Orlando American Heart Association’s Facebook page and visit GoRedForWomen.org.

March 15: Heart Ball ─ An elegant celebration of life to be held at SeaWorld Orlando. Last year, funds raised at Heart Ball events nationwide generated over $123 million for research and programs.

May 9: Go Red For Women Luncheon ─ Join the ‘Circle of Red’ influencers or ‘Open Your Heart,’ at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel, with a generous gift to save women just like you.

Fall 2014: Greater Orlando Heart Walk ─ Take steps toward a healthier life alongside your colleagues or loved ones, while impacting the mission of the AHA.

Can Exercise Be A Kids’ Chore?

Days are hectic and filled with all sorts of chores, which makes finding time exercise difficult. You need to do house chores anyway, so why not make them a family fit activity?

Get kids active with housework. Place a sticky note on all the items that need cleaning or tidying (kitchen table, sofa, bed). Make a friendly competition out of seeing who collects the most stickies for completed chores. Consider a small prize (like a Frisbee or jump rope from the dollar store) for the winner with the most stickies. Your kids will be active, productive, and have fun!

Increase the intensity of chores by using time limits. Put on a favorite CD and allot a certain number of songs to complete each chore. For example, allow two songs to vacuum a room, three songs to wash dishes, and one song to pick up toys in the playroom. Your kids will be moving faster to beat the clock, causing their hearts to pump harder and get stronger.

Get the entire family involved. After dinner, assign everyone a clean-up task. Clearing the dishes, loading the dishwasher, and putting away leftovers can get the family up and moving. Finish off the evening by going for a walk or doing group activities, like stretching. Not only will everyone be out of their chair, but this will also be a bonding time for the family.

ENTER TO WIN

Infant CPR Anytime is for new parents, loved ones, and babysitters who wants to learn lifesaving infant CPR and choking skills but does not require a course completion card. Log onto OrlandoFamilyMagazine.com/Contests to win a kit, including an instructional DVD, handbook, and mannequin.