American Heart Association - Illinois

09/06/2021

Wishing you a healthy and happy Labor Day!

Wishing you a healthy and happy Labor Day!

09/05/2021

Vegetable humor! 😆 🥦

Vegetable humor! 😆 🥦

09/04/2021

Heart Attack Signs

Do you know the signs of heart attacks in women? Learn how to spot the signs, brought to you by #McLeanCountyHeartWalk sponsor Heartland Bank and Trust Company. Thank you to top sponsors Carle and OSF HealthCare. Register for the walk at http://spr.ly/6185yQ5Ev

09/03/2021

We are excited to announce our #ChicagoHeartWalk Walker of the Week, Pete Raffone from Walgreens!

We asked Pete why he supports the American Heart Association:

"One of my favorite activities is to help people. However, being someone who has had a history of bad health choices, I realized that I can not be of any to help to anyone if I wasn’t around. I decided to make a life change about a year and a half ago. As we experienced lock downs due to COVID, I used that opportunity to start exercising and eating better. It was a lot of work but as of now, I have lost 90 lbs. With that, I was able to eliminate daily medications for joint pain, cholesterol and high blood pressure.

"I have never felt better and now, my goal is to get out there and show others they can achieve the same results. In a pandemic, it’s even more important to make sure you’re healthy to help avoid/fight off this virus. I am going to put my healthier heart to good use and walk for an amazing cause, inspire others they can make a change and raise money for others to assist them in the journey. "

We are excited to announce our #ChicagoHeartWalk Walker of the Week, Pete Raffone from Walgreens!

We asked Pete why he supports the American Heart Association:

"One of my favorite activities is to help people. However, being someone who has had a history of bad health choices, I realized that I can not be of any to help to anyone if I wasn’t around. I decided to make a life change about a year and a half ago. As we experienced lock downs due to COVID, I used that opportunity to start exercising and eating better. It was a lot of work but as of now, I have lost 90 lbs. With that, I was able to eliminate daily medications for joint pain, cholesterol and high blood pressure.

"I have never felt better and now, my goal is to get out there and show others they can achieve the same results. In a pandemic, it’s even more important to make sure you’re healthy to help avoid/fight off this virus. I am going to put my healthier heart to good use and walk for an amazing cause, inspire others they can make a change and raise money for others to assist them in the journey. "

09/03/2021

Some great news from the Glen Ellyn Park District! They have installed outdoor automated external defibrillators at three parks, all equipped for use on both adults and children.

Clint Babicz, Assistant Superintendent of Athletics, said, “In the event of a cardiac emergency, public access to AEDs can save lives.”

The District’s first outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED) units have been installed in three parks. Located at Ackerman (two locations), Newton, and Village Green Parks, the AEDs are mounted in a heated and weatherproof cabinet. When removed from the cabinet, a call is placed to 911 to contact emergency personnel. The units will be available in the parks from April through October.

“We wanted to place the AEDs in areas of high activity as a safety measure for our park visitors and program participants,” said Clint Babicz, Assistant Superintendent of Athletics. “In the event of a cardiac emergency, public access to AEDs can save lives.”

Visitors to the three parks should look for the AED sign to locate the device in case of an emergency.

- Ackerman Park: Softball Hub Concession Building and Upper Ackerman Soccer Fields
- Newton Park: Football Press Box
- Village Green Park: Concession Building

Any individual may use AEDs in response to a cardiac emergency. The units are simple to use, prompting the user with step-by-step verbal instructions and delivering a shock only if needed. All three units are equipped for use on both adults and children.

09/03/2021

Kid-Friendly White Bean and Avocado Wrap

Have more time for dinner with the family with these quick, no-cook White Bean and Avocado Wraps. 🥑 😋 Get the recipe at https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/kid-friendly-white-bean-and-avocado-wrap

09/01/2021

Join the Kids Heart Challenge

📣 Educators, we need you! Now is the time to request information on the Kids Heart Challenge & American Heart Challenge for your school.

Building on key learnings from 43 years in America’s schools, the Kids Heart Challenge prepares kids for success by supporting their physical and emotional well-being. As a Kids Heart Challenge Heart Hero, your students will meet kids with special hearts and raise funds for the health of all hearts. They’ll also get moving with fun activities, learn about keeping their hearts and brains healthy and feel great for helping others.

Get started ➡️ http://spr.ly/6189yxukH

09/01/2021

This Needs To Be Added To The Olympics ASAP

We want to play!

08/31/2021

Build Your Own Workout

We've got a great way to build your own workout in the comfort of your home! Thank you #McLeanCountyHeartWalk sponsor, Bridgestone for this great circuit! Thank you top sponsors Carle and OSF HealthCare. Register for the event at http://spr.ly/6189yQ5Ez

08/31/2021

WGN’s Mike Lowe among thousands to participate in Chicago Triathlon

Congratulations to WGN's Mike Lowe on a strong finish in yesterday's Chicago Triathlon! While he trained, Mike raised funds for the American Heart Association -- an incredible $13,500 so far. Thank you, Mike! ❤️

To donate, visit http://spr.ly/6184yvLOa or text WGN to 71777.

CHICAGO — After taking a year off due to the pandemic, thousands of people swam, biked, and ran through the city this weekend for the Chicago Triathlon. Among them was WGN’s Mike Lowe, who …

08/30/2021

OSF Urbana doctor chosen as chairman of Champaign-Urbana Heart Walk

Thank you to the The News-Gazette for helping us spread the word about the Champaign Heart Walk and our wonderful chair, Dr. Abraham Kocheril from OSF HealthCare!

To register for the walk, visit http://spr.ly/6181yvL7N

Dr. Abraham Kocheril has treated heart rhythm disorders for decades, and now he’s leading an American Heart Association event to help fight the disease that continues to be the leading

08/29/2021

Walking is great exercise! We love it, too. 😆

Did someone say WALK?! 🤪

08/28/2021

We're sending our best wishes to WGN's Mike Lowe as he competes in the Chicago Triathlon this weekend! Mike is participating in honor of his colleague Erin Ivory, an endurance athlete who was sidelined by heart issues earlier this year.

There's still time to contribute to Mike's fundraising efforts for the AHA! To donate, visit www.heart.org/WGN or text WGN to 71777.

Good luck, Mike!

We're sending our best wishes to WGN's Mike Lowe as he competes in the Chicago Triathlon this weekend! Mike is participating in honor of his colleague Erin Ivory, an endurance athlete who was sidelined by heart issues earlier this year.

There's still time to contribute to Mike's fundraising efforts for the AHA! To donate, visit www.heart.org/WGN or text WGN to 71777.

Good luck, Mike!

08/28/2021

FAST Stroke Signs

Do you know the signs of stroke? Learn how to spot a stroke FAST, brought to you by #McLeanCountyHeartWalk sponsor McLean County Orthopedics. Thank you to top sponsors Carle and OSF HealthCare. Register for the walk at http://spr.ly/6185yQ5Ev

08/28/2021

FAST Stroke Signs

Do you know the signs of stroke? Learn how to spot a stroke FAST, brought to you by #McLeanCountyHeartWalk sponsor McLean County Orthopedics. Thank you to top sponsors Carle and OSF HealthCare. Register for the walk at http://spr.ly/6185yQ5Ev

08/27/2021

We are excited to announce our #ChicagoHeartWalk Walker of the Week, Beth Amy from BMO Harris Bank!

We asked Beth why she supports the American Heart Association:

"I actually don’t have any family or close friends that have had heart issues, maybe that’s due to all the good work that the American Heart Association does to promote healthy eating and healthy exercise.

As a child my parents would not let us eat anything ‘processed,' it had to be natural and fresh. (No white bread – I was the outcast at school for eating whole wheat bread, which I absolutely hated but appreciate now!). I started running when I was 13 because I wanted to spend time with my parents, who both ran early every morning. I still run every day, and do CrossFit five times a week.

So, I walk to support heart health. If you’re proactive and fortunate enough to have good genes, you hopefully will never need the really important research and medical work that the AHA does to save lives!"

We are excited to announce our #ChicagoHeartWalk Walker of the Week, Beth Amy from BMO Harris Bank!

We asked Beth why she supports the American Heart Association:

"I actually don’t have any family or close friends that have had heart issues, maybe that’s due to all the good work that the American Heart Association does to promote healthy eating and healthy exercise.

As a child my parents would not let us eat anything ‘processed,' it had to be natural and fresh. (No white bread – I was the outcast at school for eating whole wheat bread, which I absolutely hated but appreciate now!). I started running when I was 13 because I wanted to spend time with my parents, who both ran early every morning. I still run every day, and do CrossFit five times a week.

So, I walk to support heart health. If you’re proactive and fortunate enough to have good genes, you hopefully will never need the really important research and medical work that the AHA does to save lives!"

08/26/2021

It's Dog Appreciation Day!
Show us a photo of the pups who make your heart
health better. 🐶❤️

08/26/2021

Happy #NationalDogDay! Did you know owning a dog is great for your health? http://spr.ly/6183ytIFJ

Happy #NationalDogDay! Did you know owning a dog is great for your health? http://spr.ly/6183ytIFJ

08/25/2021

Catching Up with Erin Ivory

"If I get one person into the doctor, and they don’t have to go through what I did, that is worth it."

WGN TV's Erin Ivory was an endurance athlete until she was sidelined by a heart failure diagnosis earlier this year. Her colleague WGN's Mike Lowe is participating in this weekend's Chicago Triathlon in her honor, while fundraising for the American Heart Association.

To donate, visit heart.org/WGN or text WGN to 71777.

08/25/2021

Tips to Manage Stress

Stress can keep you from feeling and performing your best — mentally, physically and emotionally. No one's life is stress free (especially not these days!), so here are some tips to manage the stress in your life.

This #ChicagoHeartWalk tip of the day is brought to you by Quanta Services.

08/24/2021

Congratulations to the staff at St. Joseph Grade School - Manhattan, IL, who received a grant from the American Heart Association!

St. Joseph Grade School is one of 52 schools across the country to receive Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge grants. These funds help extend offerings that support students' mental and physical wellbeing.

To learn more about the grants click here: http://spr.ly/6187ysm5S

Congratulations to the staff at St. Joseph Grade School - Manhattan, IL, who received a grant from the American Heart Association!

St. Joseph Grade School is one of 52 schools across the country to receive Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge grants. These funds help extend offerings that support students' mental and physical wellbeing.

To learn more about the grants click here: http://spr.ly/6187ysm5S

08/23/2021

You got this! #MotivationMonday

You got this! #MotivationMonday

08/23/2021

Move More: GCM Grosvenor

Feeling like a couch potato today? Here are some tips to get you up and moving, brought to you by #ChicagoHeartWalk sponsor GCM Grosvenor.

08/20/2021

Mary Gordon is raising awareness about the difference between heart attacks and cardiac arrest. A heart attack results from a blockage, while cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical issue and can happen to anybody.

At 37, Mary's heart stopped outside her doctor's office. It took 6 minutes of CPR and an automated external defibrillator to shock her heart back into rhythm. That's why she tirelessly promotes CPR training.

"It doesn't hurt to learn it again, or watch the video and just build your confidence. If I can do something to help the next person, that's all I can ask for."

Have you been trained in CPR?

Here's Mary's story: http://spr.ly/6188yqFmG

Mary Gordon is raising awareness about the difference between heart attacks and cardiac arrest. A heart attack results from a blockage, while cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical issue and can happen to anybody.

At 37, Mary's heart stopped outside her doctor's office. It took 6 minutes of CPR and an automated external defibrillator to shock her heart back into rhythm. That's why she tirelessly promotes CPR training.

"It doesn't hurt to learn it again, or watch the video and just build your confidence. If I can do something to help the next person, that's all I can ask for."

Have you been trained in CPR?

Here's Mary's story: http://spr.ly/6188yqFmG

08/20/2021

Staying on course: Swim, run experts, help prepare Mike Lowe for Chicago Triathlon

While WGN TV's Mike Lowe trains for the Chicago Triathlon, he's raising money for the American Heart Association in honor of his colleague Erin Ivory.

Follow Mike's journey with the latest installment from "Triathlon Tuesday." To donate, visit www.heart.org/WGN.

It’s Triathlon Tuesday on WGN News at 4.

08/17/2021

Join us TODAY for a candid conversation during our RelentlessTogether National Chat Series: Improving Americans’ Eating Habits. This conversation will be centered around the problems associated with poor nutrition, how the #AHA is addressing nutrition issues through federal policy, and how YOU can help!

To register, visit: http://spr.ly/6180yoghq

Join us TODAY for a candid conversation during our RelentlessTogether National Chat Series: Improving Americans’ Eating Habits. This conversation will be centered around the problems associated with poor nutrition, how the #AHA is addressing nutrition issues through federal policy, and how YOU can help!

To register, visit: http://spr.ly/6180yoghq

08/17/2021

Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the loss of Barb Swanson, a passionate American Heart Association volunteer and dedicated community leader.

Barb, shown here with sons Kenny and Greg, chaired Chicago's Go Red for Women campaign in 2011. She was tireless in her commitment to make the world a better place, and we will miss her kindness, humor and generosity.

https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/barbara-swanson-obituary?pid=199776633

Our hearts are heavy tonight as we mourn the loss of Barb Swanson, a passionate American Heart Association volunteer and dedicated community leader.

Barb, shown here with sons Kenny and Greg, chaired Chicago's Go Red for Women campaign in 2011. She was tireless in her commitment to make the world a better place, and we will miss her kindness, humor and generosity.

https://obits.oregonlive.com/us/obituaries/oregon/name/barbara-swanson-obituary?pid=199776633

08/16/2021

Customized drinks have gone viral - and may be a recipe for disaster

Maybe your feed is full of customized drink recipes with yummy-sounding syrup and heavy cream. Here's why nutrition experts are hoping you'll keep scrolling and reach for black coffee instead 👇.

Think twice before ordering "secret menu" coffee drinks or juice blends with extra pumps of syrup or other unhealthy ingredients.

08/13/2021

She couldn't put up her arms on a roller coaster. A stroke followed.

Brooke O'Connell loved to share roller coaster rides with her son, until she was stopped in her tracks by a torn neck artery that led to a stroke.

Thanks to quick timing and a new procedure, she fully recovered.

Brooke O'Connell suffered a mini-stroke that led to a massive one. Thanks to quick timing and a new procedure, she fully recovered.

08/12/2021

If You Think Your Kids Are Eating Mostly Junk Food, A New Study Finds You're Right

Kids and teens are getting the majority of their calories from ultra-processed foods like frozen pizza, microwavable meals, chips and cookies, a new study finds.

What do frozen pizza, cookies and ice cream have in common? A new study finds ultra-processed foods make up the majority of U.S. children's and teens' diets.