health
Hands-Only CPR a simple life-saver By Sara Glassman As any current or former fan of “Grey’s Anatomy” would know, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save lives. However, you don’t have to be an MD to learn it. For those without a medical degree, you might want to study up on the two-step Hands-Only CPR, which was recently cited by two studies in the New England Journal of Medicine as just as effective as the traditional version. “Historically, people outside the health care setting have been reluctant to perform CPR due to many factors including the perceived complexity of CPR, fear of doing harm to the victim and fear of contracting infectious disease with mouth-to-mouth,” said Dr. Kevin Sipprell of Ridgeview Emergency Department. The Hands-Only CPR focuses on chest compressions only. “Hands-Only CPR is very easy to learn and perform,” Dr. Sipprell said. “While it does not replace formal CPR education, these simple steps can help save a life.” Dr. Sipprell praises Hands-Only CPR’s simplicity and the fact it can be performed on teens or adults who suddenly
Two Steps to save a life: 911
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Call 911 collapse. You can leave the rest for when the professionals arrive. “It is felt that if the collapse is not cardiac arrest, the potential harm of performing HandsOnly CPR is minimal and is outweighed by the potential benefit,” he said. According to Dr. Sipprell, here’s what you do: “If you see an adult suddenly collapse, first, call 911 (or have someone call). Then, put the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest and place your other hand on top of it. Push hard and fast at a rate of about 100 beats per minute.”
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Push hard and fast in the center of the chest Easy enough? You can learn more about it and watch a demonstration at handsonlycpr.com. Last year Ridgeview trained more than 3,500 people in the process at the Carver County Fair. If you’re interested in furthering your skills, you can learn traditional CPR, also offered by Ridgeview. For information on CPR training at Ridgeview Medical Center contact Connie Braun at 952-442-2191, ext. 5544, or connie.braun@ ridgeviewmedical.org.
Heart-to-heart talk According to the Center for Disease Control, an average of 14 women die of heart disease every day in Minnesota. The American Heart Association (AHA) is determined to change that through Go Red for Women (goredforwomen. org). The goal is to raise awareness about the disease, especially during the month of February. For National Wear Red Day Feb. 3 women are encouraged to wear a shade of the color in solidarity of spreading the heart health message. On Feb. 4, the Mall of America will host several free events to save you from a broken heart. Here’s what you’ll find between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.:
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Go Red Fashion Show (11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.): Watch a runway featuring student-designed red fashions modeled by survivors of heart disease. Go Red Concert (noon and 2 p.m.): Listen to the sound of local singers and Go Red volunteers, including Patty Peterson and Kimberly Brown. Go Red Casting Call: Share your story about how heart disease has affected your life or the loved ones in your life and you might just be the next Go Red For Women spokeswoman. If you audition, you’ll enjoy free make-up touch ups and Wear Red Day Sale coupons from Macy’s.
Be the Beat and Learn CPR: Learn HandsOnly CPR in 15 minutes. Fit for Life: Meet fitness expert Chris Freytag and learn how to fit fitness into your busy life.
Chris Freytag
Relax for Goodness Sake: Learn tips and techniques to distress and relax and put yourself first from time to time.