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This week, June 1-7, marks the first National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week!
The first week in June each year was designated by Congress as National CPR/AED Awareness Week, recognizing that heart disease continues to be the number one cause of death in the United States.
The intent of this week is to encourage the public to get CPR training and learn how to use an AED to reduce death and disability from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).
CPR/AED training can be obtained through the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. For more information contact your local chapter. If you reside in the City of Ocoee, the Ocoee Fire Department is offering the Friends & Family™ CPR Anytime™ training to Ocoee resident free of charge. Classes are held the fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00pm -9:30pm at Fire Station One at 563 South Bluford Avenue.
Wishing you health,
Martha Lopez-Anderson
SAVING YOUNG HEARTS, INC.
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Hands-Only CPR for Bystanders |
 In a recent advisory statement released by the American Heart Association's (AHA) Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee, it is recommended that "bystanders that see an adult suddenly collapse should immediately call 9-1-1 and quickly give the person hands-only CPR even if they are not trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation". Hands-only CPR consists of providing chest compression by pushing hard and fast in the center of the person's chest until emergency medical services arrive on the scene. By using hands-only CPR, bystanders can increase a victim's chance of survival.
The AHA still recommends conventional CPR (30 compressions for every 2 breaths) that includes mouth-to-mouth breathing for:
- Unresponsive infants and children
- Victims of drowning or collapse due to breathing problems
- Adult victims found already unconscious and not breathing normally
The new Hands-Only CPR recommendation is an update to the 2005 AHA Guidelines which previously recommended that lay rescuers use chest compressions only if unable or unwilling to provide breaths.
The public is strongly encouraged to obtain conventional CPR training to learn the skills needed to care for cardiovascular and respiratory medical emergencies, especially as it relates to infants and children. |
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Heart Safe Environments |
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SYH continues to promote and help make schools and other places where youth congregate heart safe environments. An all day Heartsaver® training session was recently held at Central Florida Preparatory School (CFP) located in Gotha, FL. A total of 59 faculty and staff members learned skills in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The training was provided by Eng. Carl Curtis and firefighter Kevin Jimenez with the Ocoee Fire Department.
CFP received an AED through donations made to SYH in memory of Eric Lutz. Eric, age 10, was the victim of sudden cardiac arrest while sleeping.
The placement of an AED at Pinewood Elementary School in Orlando, FL was possible through the funds raised by several Spirit Nights at Chick-fil-A in the West Oaks Mall and SYH. The CPR/AED training of 12 faculty/staff took place on June 2 by the Orange County Fire Rescue Department - Life Safety Education Bureau.
The parents and sponsors of the Dr. Phillips Little League raised the necessary funds to equip their 400 member league with an AED and SYH donated the AED cabinet.
By having a publicly accessible AED, trained staff and emergency response plan, these schools and little league are better equipped to give any child or adult struck by sudden cardiac arrest another chance at life. |
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ADHD Drugs May Be Linked to
Sudden Cardiac Death |
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In a five year period, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications have been linked to the sudden death of 19 children. There have also been 26 reports of other problems like stroke and heart palpitations.
 In a scientific statement, the American Heart Association is recommending that children and adolescents undergo a thorough exam, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), personal and family history before taking medications for attention ADHD. Any children already taking the medications should also be tested for any undiagnosed heart conditions.
The medications used to treat ADHD are stimulant drugs that can increase the blood pressure and heart rate. The most common ADHD drugs are Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta and Strattera. It is estimated that 2.5 million children in the United States take medication for ADHD.
Though AHA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have issued a joint clarification statement to the above referenced, it is SYH's position that all children should be screened with an EKG as a baseline test. |
Help Us Help YOU...
- Facilitate a presentation by SYH to your school, business, church, neighborhood group, civic organization or club.
- Ask community organizations and/or businesses to sponsor AEDs for schools and other public facilities.
- Check with your school or recreation league to see if they have a Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program.
- Make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail.
- Become a certified AED/CPR trainer and volunteer your time and skills to train others in the community.
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Our Mission |
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Advocate education and awareness programs about sudden cardiac arrest in children and young adults.
Properly place automated external defibrillators in Florida schools and other places where youth regularly congregate.
Encourage and facilitate CPR/AED education. |
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Donate Today
& Help Save Lives |
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Your donation will help fulfill our most immediate goals:
- To equip 53 Title 1 (high poverty) schools in Orange County with automated external defibrillators.
- Provide affordable and free youth heart screenings for early detection.
Click Here to Donate Online or mail donation
to:
Saving Young Hearts, Inc.
2438 Alclobe Circle
Ocoee, FL 34761 |
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Family's Efforts Recognized |
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The Anderson Family's efforts are recognized by Auntie Anne's Pretzels 20th Year Celebration, What A Difference a Family Makes: A New Twist on Giving Back.
Over 250 families nationwide that do community service either nominated themselves or were nominated by another person for an opportunity to win a grant to help support their philanthropic activities.
As a result, SYH received a $2,000 grant and the family, together with 19 other grant recipients, are featured in Auntie Anne's E-book on
"20 Ways of Giving Back".
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Heart Screening Event |
 SYH will again be partnering
with HeartScreen America for its second heart screening event for children and young athletes between the ages of 6 and 18 years old. The event will take place on August 15th & 16th, at the West Oaks Mall Community Room.
More details will be posted on our website soon!
To view a short demonstration of a heart screening, please click on the link below:
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Beth at
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Maynard Evans High School in Orlando, FL received an AED through a $1,000 grant from 
