| Greetings! |
This month, SYH joins other Parent Heart Watch members across the country and SADS in preventing the senseless deaths of more young people. With schools in session, now is the time to ensure that your school is ready to respond to a cardiac emergency. 1) Does your school have an Emergency Response Plan that includes CPR and AED (Defibrillation) components?
All staff members should be aware of:
- Emergency response procedures; a timely call to 9-1-1, initiation of CPR and use of an AED. Time should not be wasted speculating or trying to figure out what might be causing the event.
- Who the trained first responders on staff are.
- The location of emergency equipment such as the AED; it should be clearly identified and publicly accessible.
2) Is staff aware of the possible warning signs that may indicate someone is at risk for sudden cardiac arrest?
Warning signs:
- Unexplained fainting/near fainting
- Unexplained or excessive fatigue/tiredness
- Unexplained dizziness/lightheadedness
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Chest pain/chest discomfort/palpitations
3) Does your school have an individualized care plan in accordance with federal laws for students with a heart/health condition?
4) Does your school have a process to refer students that show warning signs for further evaluation by his/her primary care physician?
With your help, we can create heart safe schools and prevent disabilities and death from sudden cardiac arrest.
Wishing you health,
Martha Lopez-Anderson
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Heart Screenings...Saving Lives |
| During the month of August, SYH partnered with HeartScreen America to provide two (2) heart screening events for youth 6-18 years old.
For the first event, we joined various local organizations at the Amway Arena on August 2 for "Take Your Best Shot Orlando", the largest back-to-school event in Central Florida. A total of 76 youths were screened free of charge during this four-hour event. Of these, 4% had abnormal results.
The second and annual SYH event was held on August 15 & 16 at the West Oaks Mall in Ocoee. This time, 106 youths were screened, with 3% having abnormal results.
To date, 444 youths have been screened through SYH's heart screening events--5% with abnormal results.
Our dedicated team of volunteers and members of  our Parent Heart Watch family came from near and far to help make these events a success. We would like to recognize the efforts of: Marisa Dawson, Barbi and Joe Rivera, Karen Karpy, Marge Johnstone, Valezka Gil, Michelle Fisher, Alyssa Lutz, Rosemary Wilsen, Molly, Kyle & Luke Piveral, Cheryl & Ray Lalloo and Jennifer Hill.
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AED Recall |
On August 28, the U.S. Food and Drug  Administration (FDA) issued a Class I recall on the Lifepak CR Plus Automated External Defibrillator, manufactured by Physio Control, Inc. (also known as Medtronic) between May 2004 and April 2007. The recalled Lifepak defibrillators have a voice prompt that instructs the user to "press the shock button", however, the shock button on the AED is covered and not visible. Thus, first responders are unable to follow the instructions and administer the shock.
Class I recalls by the FDA are the most severe type of FDA recall. In a Class I recall there is a potential for serious injury or death. For more information on this recall please visit: U.S. and Food Drug Administration
The LIFEPAK CR Plus AEDs are battery operated and portable. These AEDs are placed in public places such as schools, airports, government buildings, retail locations and workplaces. Anyone with minimal CPR/AED training can use an AED to provide a defibrillation shock to someone in sudden cardiac arrest. |
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National Legislation Update |
 H.R. 4926 - Josh Miller Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools Act of 2008 or the Josh Miller HEARTS Act would establish a grant program to assist with funding for placement of automated external defibrillators in elementary and secondary schools.
Introduced: December 18, 2007 Status: Voted on by House Next step: Vote by Senate Latest action: Received in the Senate, read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Sponsor: Rep. Betty Sutton [D-Ohio]. Click here to view the bill text. |
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Local Support: Making a Difference |
The support of local individuals and businesses are the reason why SYH is able to provide heart screenings to youth for early detection.
 Special thanks to: Javier Carbuccia and Beth Otts with Chick-fil-A at West Oaks Mall and David Duvall and Thomas Bailey with Great American Cookies for their fundraising efforts.
Also, to the City of Ocoee, West Oaks Mall/General Growth Properties, Affordable Tees, The West Orange Times, Anchor Blue, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Graffix Unlimited, Embroidery Stitches and Whitehall Jewelers.
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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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Donate Today
& Help Save Lives |
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Your donation will help fulfill our most immediate goals:
- To equip Title 1 schools (high poverty) in Orange County with automated external defibrillators.
- Provide training in CPR and AED use to school faculty and staff.
- Provide affordable or 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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Our Mission |
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Advocate for 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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Happy Birthday in Heaven |
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Sean Alexander Anderson
9/21/1993 - 2/15/2004
Today is my birthday
Celebrate my life with you
And remember the good times
Not the bad and
Do not be sad;
Look up towards the sun
And catch every ray of light
Upon your cheek.
For I am there with you.
Today is my birthday
Be happy for me
I lived short, but full
I had the pleasure of love
And the joy of my family.
Do not be sad
Look up towards the stars
And catch each twinkle
In your heart.
For I am there with you
Today is my birthday
My legacy is not wealth
Or mighty belongings,
My legacy is you and your life.
Spend it wisely and carefully
Guard it always
Do not be sad
Feel the wind on your face
And in your hair
And know that I loved you
For I am there with you in your laughter
And in your hearts.
Today is my birthday
Learn to live again without me,
Take my strength with you
For you are not alone.
Do not be sad
Feel the rain on your face
Feel all life's treasures and
Know that you are alive!
At each step of the way
I will help you
For I am with you always
Until we meet again.
Today is my birthday...
Author Unknown | |
