The City of Renton has kicked off its Third Annual Renton Heart Month to encourage citizens to take steps to reduce the risk of a heart attack and to raise awareness of heart disease.
The month-long campaign in February emphasizes:
•Heart health awareness
•Free blood pressure and blood sugar screening
•Training on how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and CPR training
“Too many people in our society are dying from a disease that we know can be prevented by increased awareness, changing lifestyles and quick response,” said Mayor Denis Law. “Renton Heart Month provides people with the tools and knowledge they need to take the next step toward better health and longer life.”
Renton is known as one of the best places in the world to survive a heart attack because of the CPR training many residents have received and the quick response of the local fire crews and Medic 1 paramedics.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States, killing more than 300,000 people each year.
This year, along with the Renton Fire and Emergency Services Department, the Fairwood and Kennydale Lions Clubs will offer free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. For a list of times and locations of screenings go to rentonwa.gov.
Also, the American Red Cross serving King and Kitsap counties will present the Ninth annual CPR Saturday event on Feb. 28 at Renton Technical College. This free event is open to anyone wanting to learn CPR or refresh their skills.
Classes will be offered in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.
Statistics show that prompt CPR more than doubles a person’s chances of surviving a heart attack. In the past five years in Renton, bystanders have initiated CPR 52 percent of the time that 911 was called for a sudden cardiac arrest incident. Couple that with knowing how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and chances of survival increase even more.
TO REGISTER FOR CLASSES
To register for CPR Saturday, visit www.seattleredcross.org or call the Red Cross in Seattle at 206-726-3534.
