Keep seeing hearts?😍 It’s February!! 💝Heart month!
Heart month raises awareness of heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics — 2021 Update, Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and there is a high prevalence of uncontrolled high blood pressure among adults — most of who don’t even know they have it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a perfect storm for heart disease and stroke since delays going to hospital when experiencing heart attack and stroke symptoms has led to poorer outcomes. The lockdown has also contributed to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors including limited physical activity, poor diet and increased alcohol consumption to exasperate heart disease and stroke.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, exercise and regular check ups) could go a long way to improving cholesterol, treating blood pressure and controlling blood sugar.
This heart month, Helpfie has discounted the annual membership for the Smart First Aid and Smart EMS apps where the lay public can learn Hands only Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can gain access to a handy EMS checklist and in-app calling can help connect with emergency responders.
We are also calling on members of the public to help track down Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and First Aid Boxes for a chance to WIN! The AHA recommends early defibrillation within 3–5 minutes following a collapse. To facilitate early defibrillation, #helpfie displays AEDs in close proximity (less than 5km) and expedites the mobilization of these life-saving devices. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, communities with AED programs have achieved survival rates of nearly 40% for cardiac arrest victims.