Lifestyle
Empowering Black Americans to Learn Life-Saving Skills
(Family Features) In the spirit of Black History Month, you can empower yourself, educate others and elevate your community’s heart health by becoming a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) champion. Sharing the importance of these life-saving skills can help create a healthier future for generations to come.
According to the American Heart Association, Black Americans have the highest incidence of cardiac arrest outside of the hospital and are significantly less likely to survive. Cardiac arrest in Black neighborhoods is associated with low treatment and survival rates; studies have shown lower rates of both bystander CPR and bystander AED use in these neighborhoods.
In the U.S., health inequities are systematic differences in the health status of different demographics and are often the result of barriers such as racism, poverty, discrimination, lack of affordable housing, quality education and access to health care.
Black History Month serves as a poignant backdrop for the Nation of Lifesavers campaign from the American Heart Association, which aims to align the principles of empowerment, community engagement and health equity. While celebrating the rich heritage and resilience of the Black community, you can also recognize the importance of fostering heart health education and building a legacy of health.
You can champion the importance of CPR and AED training by sharing this important information in your community.
CPR
Because about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home, learning CPR can save the life of someone you know and love. In fact, while 90% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting do not survive, you can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival by performing CPR immediately. It consists of two easy steps:
- Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do so).
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
AED
An AED is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm then changes the rhythm back to normal. More than 15% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in public locations, meaning public-access AEDs and community training play a large role in early defibrillation. CPR combined with using an AED provides the best chance of saving a life.
Ambulances, law enforcement vehicles, many fire engines and other first-response vehicles contain AEDs. Additionally, they may be found in public areas, such as sports venues, shopping malls, airports and airplanes, businesses, convention centers, hotels, schools, swimming pools and doctors’ offices. You can typically look near elevators, cafeterias, reception areas and on the walls in main corridors where large numbers of people gather.
Follow these steps to use an AED:
- Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
- Remove all clothing covering the chest. If necessary, wipe the chest dry.
- Peel away the backing from the pads and attach them to the person’s bare chest following the illustration on the pads.
- Plug the pads connector into the AED, if necessary.
- The AED will check to see if the person needs a shock and tell you when to give one. While the AED is analyzing, ensure no one is touching the person.
- Resume CPR if no shock is needed. If a shock is needed, ensure no one is touching the person and press the “shock” button then immediately resume CPR.
- Continue CPR until emergency personnel arrive.
Learn more and find out how to empower yourself and your community at heart.org/blackhistorymonth.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose by highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
Author
Hardcore sports nutrition company debuts epic superfood drink mix, Big Greens, at The Arnold Sports Festival
PORT COQUITLAM, BC /PRNewswire/ — Fit Foods Ltd., a leading Canadian-based sports nutrition company in the bodybuilding and fitness industry for those born different, knows what drives the hardcore. Those who live for the iron—wrapping their hands around the weights, prepping for the set, grinding out the reps, and scaring their best into submission—aren’t content with average. They bring a relentless, hardcore attitude because it fuels their existence. They stand out in the crowd, united by muscle, and they’re hungry for more. MUTANT gets it. That’s why they craft serious supplements and quality apparel with kick-ass purpose, built solely for those who refuse to settle. And now, they’re unveiling their latest weapon: Big Greens, debuting at The Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
Big Greens is an epic superfoods drink mix that isn’t for the faint-hearted. Big Greens is the greenest greens on the market, engineered to support immune system function, muscle recovery, proper muscle contractions, and a reduction in oxidative stress—because those who live this lifestyle demand more than the basics. Available in two bold flavors, Berry Good and Just Chocolate, it packs a high-dose punch with key ingredients like spirulina, KSM-66® ashwagandha, DE111® probiotic, and over 40 superfoods. This is manufacturer-direct, multi-award-winning innovation from a team that lives the grind just as fiercely as their fans.
“Your mother always told you to eat your greens, so we made the greenest greens out there: easy, quick, and built for you to drink alone or stack with your favorite protein powder. This isn’t some watered-down drink mix — just look at the label — it’s for those who dominate and who push their limits in the gym and beyond,” said MUTANT President and CEO Jim McMahon. “They don’t just train, eat, and sleep—they attack every rep to be their best. Big Greens is built for them and to harness their discipline in a convenient way that also helps with better recovery.”
Fans eager to step up can visit MUTANT at The Arnold Sports Festival, booth 1245, to learn more, sample Big Greens, and enter for a chance to win epic prizes. They can also join a special meet-and-greet with Mitchell Hooper, the 2x Defending Arnold Strongman Champion and Strongest Man on Earth, on Sunday at 10 a.m. Big Greens hits shelves in May 2025, available online and at select retailers nationwide, including GNC stores. Each 10.4-ounce bottle delivers 30 servings of pure intensity, featuring innovative blends like 4,525 mg of Land & Sea Greens Giga Blend, 1,239 mg of Superfood Phyto Blend, 821 mg of Daily Reset Blend, and 725 mg of Pre and Probiotics / Digestive Blend.
For those born different, born hardcore, MUTANT’s got their back. Visit www.mutantnation.com for more on Big Greens and the MUTANT lifestyle.
About Fit Foods Ltd
Fit Foods Ltd, a world-class manufacturer of sports nutrition proteins and other supplements, specializing in powders. Its extensive variety of products and formulas has earned it international recognition for superior-tasting quality products and has resulted in a leading position in the marketplace. Fit Foods brands are distributed worldwide in 70+ countries. Its Canada based manufacturing facilities are GMP compliant, NHP site licensed (#300341), CFIA licensed (4420), US FDA licensed, and Certified Organic by PACS (#16-463). MUTANT is one of the companies most beloved brands.
SOURCE Fit Foods Ltd.
(Family Features) A walk isn’t just good for your body; it’s a simple, powerful way to care for your mind and soul. Physical activity, like walking, reduces stress, boosts mood and promotes overall well-being. Yet physical activity levels in the United States continue to decline, a trend threatening both mental and physical health.
Less than half of adults and fewer than 1 in 5 children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update.
National recommendations call for children to get at least one hour of physical activity each day, but the latest statistics show less than 19% of children in the U.S. achieve that target. Meanwhile, less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.
What’s more, according to data from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1 in 4 U.S. adults sits for longer than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health.
For decades, the American Heart Association has championed the importance of physical activity in communities across the country through events like National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2. These tips and information can help you understand how a brisk walk can make a world of difference for heart health and mental clarity.
Benefits of Physical Activity
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy.
The physical health benefits may be obvious, but research suggests physical activity can also help bring more joy to your life. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, people who get the recommended amount of physical activity are less likely to experience depression.
Regular physical activity enhances your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep and boosts overall well-being, all while reducing the risk of disease and depression and increasing both the quality and longevity of life.
How to Be More Physically Active
Exercise as simple as a brisk walk can put a major spring in your step. It can even energize you to finish other tasks at hand, whether it’s cooking or running errands. Give your daily physical activity level a boost with these tips:
- Exercising outdoors is a great way to get moving. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging and improve mood. It’s even better if you can enjoy the sunshine outside, which can improve mood, boost your immunity and help you get some vitamin D.
- Invite a family member or friend along with you. It’s good for them, it’s good for you and it’s good company all around.
- Instead of wondering if you’ll move today, explore how you’ll move. A walk, a dance or a stretch all count.
Getting Pets Involved
Pets are part of your family, and they can help you get healthy together. Pets provide a fun reason to spend more time outside and get the exercise needed to reduce the risk of disease later in life.
Getting moving along with your pet adds more exercise to your routine, which means living longer, reducing risk of dying from heart attack or stroke, reducing risk of diabetes, reducing stress and even boosting your overall happiness and well-being.
Exercising with your pet can also mean enjoying more socializing. You may find yourself meeting other dog owners in your area on a walk or at the dog park.
Learn more about how simple habits like walking can support your overall health at heart.org/MoveMore.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
American Heart Association
Food and Beverage
Add This Superfruit to Your Menu for Heart-Healthy Meals: Make recipes nutritious and delicious with avocados
(Family Features) It’s no secret that adding greens to your menu – morning, noon and night – can go a long way toward healthier eating habits. While most people think of lettuce, kale, spinach, cucumbers and Brussels sprouts, don’t forget avocados are a superfruit you can use to add good fats and great taste to recipes throughout the day.
As a versatile fruit with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, avocados have become a household staple. Avocados From Mexico is a national supporter of the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good Initiative – Eat Smart Program, encouraging people to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables and other heart-healthy foods into their meals.
By supporting this initiative, Avocados From Mexico is helping to raise awareness about the importance of making smart nutrition choices. The brand’s “Good Fats Meet Great Taste” campaign, featured at select Kroger locations, highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and fresh food choices as part of an overall heart-healthy lifestyle.
Avocados provide a good source of naturally unsaturated fats, which can be part of a heart-healthy eating pattern when consumed in place of saturated fats. A well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like avocados, whole grains, lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables can support overall heart health. In addition to good fats, avocados are also a good source of fiber, with 3 grams per one-third of a medium avocado.
If you’re looking for an easy yet tasty way to add more avocados to your family’s menu, this Avocado, Brussels Sprout, Kale and Date Salad provides a delicious introduction to the superfruit. Loaded with greens and fit for sharing with a crowd, you can do your part to bring avocados to your nearest and dearest, neighbors or anyone you’re hosting for a fresh, better-for-you meal.
The best part: This heart-healthy dish comes together in a snap. Just process the homemade dressing featuring dates, Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Then toss Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion, pistachios and, of course, avocados before combining with the dressing.
Finally, serve with shaved Parmesan cheese on the side (so guests who prefer to avoid dairy can do so) and enjoy for a fresh meal that’s equal parts delicious and nutritious. Sliced avocados are the star of the dish, with naturally good fats and nearly 20 vitamins and minerals, making this an always good, super fun recipe and a way to begin making smarter food choices.
Discover more ways to add heart-healthy meals to your menu by visiting AvocadosFromMexico.com/avocado-nutrition.
Avocado, Brussels Sprouts, Kale and Date Salad
Servings: 8
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 dates, pitted, softened
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 Avocados From Mexico, sliced
- 6 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or shredded
- 3 cups lacinto (dinosaur) kale, shredded
- 1 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup pistachios (or pumpkin seeds), shelled
- reduced-fat (sharp) Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated, for topping (optional)
- To make dressing: In food processor, process lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, pitted dates and mustard. Slowly add olive oil to combine.
- To make salad: In large salad bowl, combine avocados, shaved Brussels sprouts, kale, red onion and pistachios. Drizzle salad dressing evenly over greens and toss until well-coated.
- Serve with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.
SOURCE:
Avocados From Mexico
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