Welcome to the American Heart Association’s Mid-Atlantic Affiliate (MAA) blog! We’re excited to share how we are working with our communities to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
VCU Child Care Worker Recieves Heartsaver Hero Award
Stephanie and her daughter Evie On Feb. 22, 2018, Earlena Foskey, a childcare provider at VCU Health Child Care Center, administered CPR to Evie Louka, a 13-month old who became unconscious and unresponsive while in her classroom. Thanks to this heroic act, Evie is alive and doing very well. During a surprise award ceremony at the child care center, Michelle McLees from the American Heart Association (AHA) presented Earlena with the association’s Heartsaver Hero award. Dr. Stephanie Louka, Evie’s mom, gave Foskey a personal token of her eternal gratefulness – a heart shaped life saver pin that she [...]
Richmond Luncheon Speaker Receives New Heart!
At the Richmond Go Red for Women luncheon on February 23, 2018, Amber Eck moved the audience with her incredible story of how a case of pneumonia at age 20 attacked her heart, ultimately developing into advance heart failure. For nearly 3 years, an LVAD (left ventricular assistance device) has been helping Amber’s failing heart pump properly. Struggling physically and emotionally to accept her new “normal,” Amber said, “I no longer see my heart failure as a limitation or hindrance in my life. I look at it and all the experiences it has given me, and say I am a [...]
American Heart Association Receives Multi-Year Grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation
The American Heart Association Receives A $1.7 million Multi-Year Grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation To Improve Access and Outcomes for Vunerable Populations in Baltimore Initiative focuses on improving patient transitions between primary and specialty care for populations affected by stroke, atrial-fibrillation and venous thromboembolism. Baltimore, MD, March 29, 2018 —The American Heart Association announced the receipt of a $1.7 million grant from the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation that will address patient care across the care continuum. With this grant, the AHA will convene a task force representing the myriad of stakeholders in the patient care journey: cardiology specialty care providers, [...]
Let’s Move More in DC on April 4
American Heart Association and Sheehy Auto Stores Spread Message of Fitness and Fun National Walking Day is Wednesday, April 4, and to help encourage people to lace up and walk, the American Heart Association and Sheehy Auto Stores are hosting a prize-filled walking course at the Springfield Town Center from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. The event will begin at 6500 Springfield Center Drive, Springfield Virginia at the Grand Court entrance near the Starbucks. The walk is free for everyone to participate. Studies have suggested that moderate physical activity has many proven benefits for an individual’s overall health, such as [...]
Unfit North Carolina Military Recruits May Pose Threat to Military Readiness
We all know the importance of eating healthy food and living an active lifestyle. We also know those habits can be hard to keep - that's why it is critical for children to learn healthy habits from an early age. However, many North Carolina students don't get the chance to engage in physical education or activity during the school day. This affects long-term health, our economy, and even national security. In fact, a new study in the Journal of Public Health Management and Practice identifies North Carolina as one of the ten southern states that raises male or female recruits significantly less [...]
Richmond, VA Chefs Compete at Heart Ball Preview Event
Richmond, VA – (March 15, 2018) – In preparation for Richmond’s 26th annual Heart Ball, the American Heart Association gave guests an opportunity last night to preview several auction items that will be available at the gala while sampling a variety of heart-healthy hors d'oeuvres and desserts crafted by some of Richmond's most talented local chefs. The event was held at the Bon Secours Redskins Training Facility. Participating chefs were challenged to get creative as attendees cast their vote for the best dishes. Chef Sunny Baweja of Lehja won this year’s challenge with overwhelming praise from all. His prize included [...]
Move More. Live More.
This April, Healthy For Good is encouraging Americans to Move More. Live More. by being physically active. The National Walking Day celebration has been expanded to a month-long activation. It’s all part of the Healthy For Good movement, which inspires lasting change through small, simple steps in four key areas: Eat smart. Add color. Move more. Be well. Insufficient physical activity is a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes. However, most adults, children, and teens living in the UnitedStates do not get the recommended amount of weekly physical activity. The American Heart [...]
NC’s Tobacco Prevention: Failing Grades All Around
The Tar Heel State has seriously missed the mark over the last few years. Recently, American Lung Association (ALA) released North Carolina's Report Card in the 2018 State of Tobacco Control. The state received Fs in all five categories: Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding, Smokefree Air, Tobacco Taxes, Access to Cessation Services, and Minimum Age. This annual report shows the progress and failures to prevent and reduce tobacco use. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the nation, yet funding for North Carolina's state tobacco use prevention and cessation program is dangerously low. In 2011, tobacco use and [...]
