HeartCert CPR Twin Cities MN

American Heart and Red Cross CPR Training

CPR training

Introducing a Private CPR Training Option

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HeartCert is excited to introduce a new, one-of-a-kind CPR training option. Our private CPR course allows you to choose a time that works for your schedule. CPR certification has never been easier!

Why We Launched Our Private CPR Course

There’s no question that CPR saves lives. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year. Only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest in a non-medical setting survive. But if CPR is performed immediately, the chances of survival double or even triple.

Read: What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Unfortunately, bystander CPR is performed on fewer than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. By offering CPR training courses that are easy and accessible, we’re hoping to change that number.

How Does Private CPR Training Work?

When you enroll for our private CPR certification course, you’ll be able to choose a time that works for your schedule. You’ll receive immediate access to online training materials and videos. When you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll have access to our Eagan, MN headquarters at your scheduled time.

Then, an instructor will connect with you virtually to take you through the final steps of the CPR certification process. You will receive an American Red Cross CPR certification, which is valid for two years.

See how it works:

We’re offering two options for private CPR training: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED with First Aid.

Learn more and register here, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Offers Babysitter Basics Course

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HeartCert is excited to announce a new offering in our lineup of CPR, life support and medical professional training courses. We’re launching a babysitter basics training program, aimed at giving new and experienced babysitters alike the tools they need for a safer, more confident babysitting experience.

babysitter basics
photo credit: @keira-burton accessed 3/10/22 via CC0

What is the Babysitter Basics Course?

The American Red Cross babysitter training course is a fun, online course that teaches participants how to care for babies and children up to the age of 10.

The course includes instruction on proper feeding and basic care, how to choose age-appropriate games and toys, how to handle common discipline problems, and basic first aid. It also teaches babysitters how to find more work, build a resume, and interview with parents. These are all great life skills that will be valuable beyond babysitting!

The babysitting course is 100% online, and can be accessed from most computers or tablets. It takes about four hours to complete, but it can be paused and restarted as your schedule allows.

Register for a Babysitting Course

Who Should Take the Babysitter Basics Course?

The course is specifically designed for young adults who want to start babysitting or become a more confident and capable provider. However, anyone who is interested in growing their child care skills may find the course useful.

Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a digital certificate. You will also receive a unique ID number and QR code so potential employers can verify your training. This certificate will be valid for two years.

Does the Babysitter Course Include CPR Training?

The babysitter basics course does not include CPR or first aid training. However, you will receive skill sheets on CPR and first aid. You’ll also have an option to enroll in a CPR course upon completion of the babysitting program.

Do you have questions about the babysitter basics course, or any of our CPR or nursing courses? Give HeartCert a call today – we’re here to help!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

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Many employees have returned or will soon head back to the office. After nearly two years away, your team will probably need some refreshers. How does the coffee maker work? Where’s the conference room? And how do you perform CPR if a coworker goes into cardiac arrest?

Yes, that final question is more serious than the first two. But it’s a real possibility. Because we spend a good deal of our time in the office, there is a significant likelihood of cardiac arrest at work. This is why it’s important to ensure that your team is prepared.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

employees
photo credit: @thirdman accessed 11/29/21 via CC0

CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

CPR keeps blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. Not only does this increase the odds of survival, but it can minimize the negative impacts of cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Many employees think that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is part of CPR, but this isn’t the case. Hand-only CPR is the standard now, which is much less invasive.

Read: CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

Knowing how to perform CPR will make you a valuable asset in the office. You can even add it to your resume!

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

HeartCert offers on-site CPR training to train all employees at once. Portions of the training can be completed online in advance, making the time commitment more flexible.

Do you have questions about office CPR training? Give HeartCert a call today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

CPR Training Improves Survival Rates on Airplanes

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In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a requirement that all U.S. commercial airlines be equipped with automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs. Since then, the cardiac arrest survival rate has been higher on airplanes than in the general public, according to a new study from the American Heart Association.

cardiac arrests on airplanes
photo credit: @skitterphoto accessed 10/7/21 via CC0

Specifically, the study looked at cardiac arrests that occurred on airplanes and in airports between 2004 and 2019. The records were taken from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Researchers looked at a total of 143 cardiac arrests, 34 of which occurred on an airplane. The other 109 took place at the airport.

Of the 34 on-airplane cardiac arrests, 15% survived to hospital discharge. In comparison, 44% of the in-airport cardiac arrests survived to discharge.

Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Higher on Airplanes

While a 15% survival rate may not seem especially high, it is higher than the national cardiac arrest survival rate – less than 11%. Researchers say this points to the value and importance of early intervention, bystander assistance, AED availability and CPR training.

Airplane passengers or bystanders who see someone become unresponsive should immediately alert an employee or flight attendant. If you’re in an airport, perform CPR as needed until help arrives. In the air, however, always follow the direction of the flight crew.

The data is clear: bystander CPR saves lives and improves outcomes. Sign up for CPR training today and learn how you could be a hero.

Sign Up for a Virtual CPR Course

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid. We offer classes in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Featured on Mission Matters Podcast

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HeartCert Founder and CEO Tim Smith was recently interviewed on the Mission Matters podcast, discussing the origin of HeartCert and his passion for helping others – and teaching them to help others.

trained firefighter course and the HeartCert mission

The History of HeartCert

On the podcast, Tim recounts his personal journey, in which he went from a personal care attendant, to an EMT and firefighter, to a CPR instructor, and ultimately, to creating HeartCert. Tim’s career path helped him realize the lack of basic and advanced safety training that was available and accessible to the public. Because CPR is so vital to survival after cardiac arrest, the need was great – and the potential impact even bigger.

Register for a CPR Course

Since HeartCert was formed in 2010, the business has grown and changed to meet new challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HeartCert quickly pivoted to offer online training modules and send CPR equipment by mail. This helped fill the growing need for healthcare providers and childcare workers.

Now, HeartCert operates training centers in four states, and offers virtual CPR training nationwide. HeartCert also operates its own online CPR supplies store and recently launched a virtual teaching assistant to help other instructors manage their operations.

The HeartCert Mission

Ultimately, there’s a simple mission behind HeartCert: helping people.

“I wanted to do something that I’m passionate about and that contributed to making the world a better place,” Tim said. “HeartCert offers quality, affordable and accessible life-saving training which prepares more individuals to act in case of an emergency. We’re building a base to teach people how to help others and better communities.”

Listen to the full podcast episode on the Mission Matters website.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

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The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, mandates CPR and first aid certification training in several industries and organizations. No matter the size of your company, maintaining OSHA compliance is a big task – but HeartCert is here to help!

Easy OSHA Compliance with HeartCert

HeartCert offers convenient American Heart Association and American Red Cross courses to keep your company compliant with state and federal CPR certification requirements. Our knowledgeable team handles all employee certification tracking, expiration notices and other administrative procedures.

In addition, we also offer convenient and affordable AED and safety products. Check out our online CPR equipment store for pricing and availability.

HeartCert offers several options for CPR and first aid training for businesses:

  • In-person certification training
  • Online certification training
  • Virtual certification training

Not sure which training option would be the best for your organization? Contact us to discuss your situation and unique needs.

HeartCert has helped more than 500 businesses provide CPR training and certification to their employees or stakeholders. Whether OSHA requires your employees to become CPR certified or not, get in touch to learn more about our easy, convenient CPR training for organizations!

Note: About half of U.S. states follow the federal OSHA guidelines, while the other half operate their own OSHA-approved programs. Visit the OSHA website or contact your state labor department to learn about additional CPR requirements.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert CPR Now Open in Omaha!

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HeartCert CPR is excited to announce the opening of our new Nebraska CPR training center! Located near the cities of Omaha and Lincoln, the Nebraska location will serve residents of both cities, as well as greater Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa.

HeartCert Now Open in Omaha
photo credit: @@john_matychuk accessed 7/2/21 via CC0

Courses Offered at HeartCert Omaha

All of our core CPR courses will be offered at HeartCert Omaha. These include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

The Omaha CPR training center offers courses geared toward both healthcare professionals and laypeople. Courses can be taken virtually, in a blended at-home and in-person format, and in person at our Fremont, Nebraska office.

Register for a CPR Course

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors can also come to you! If your organization has a large group in need of CPR training, contact us to set up on-site CPR training. Not only will this save time and burden on your employees, but we also offer significant group and business discounts. This option is perfect for daycare centers, schools, construction sites, assisted living or group homes, or any other company that requires employees to be CPR trained and certified.

Get Started with CPR Today

Check out our full list of HeartCert CPR locations and register for a class today! No location near you? Sign up for a virtual CPR training course to learn CPR from the comfort of your own home. Contact us for more information.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota and the United States..

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person and blended courses at our many locations and at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert CPR Now Open in Wabasha

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HeartCert CPR is excited to announce the grand opening of our newest location in Wabasha, MN. With this expansion, we will bring our American Heart Association and American Red Cross-certified CPR training courses to essential workers and lay responders throughout southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

cough cpr in Wabasha

Located halfway between Red Wing and Winona, and on the Mississippi River and Wisconsin border, our new Wabasha location will allow us to serve residents and workers throughout the region. Both BLS courses for professionals and CPR/AED/First Aid courses for non-healthcare lay responders will be offered in Wabasha. We will also offer on-site training for workplaces, teams and organizations in the area.

Would you prefer to learn CPR from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule? Register for a virtual CPR training course from HeartCert CPR!

HeartCert Wabasha is located at 611 Broadway Avenue Suite 220, Wabasha, MN 55981. Visit our website to see our CPR training schedule, or contact us for more information or with questions.

HeartCert CPR is a fully licensed and certified safety company servicing the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota. All CPR/AED, First Aid, and BLS courses are taught by experienced professionals who make each course exciting, fun, and convenient. We also offer virtual and blended courses to fit your schedule and keep you safe.

Protect the hearts of those around you: register for a CPR training course today!

Register for a CPR Course

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

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February marks both American Heart Month and Go Red for Women. This makes it the perfect time to discuss overall heart health and the impact of heart disease, and related biases, on women. For example: did you know that women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men? This was the finding of a recent survey, and it translates to greater impacts for women of all demographics.

According to a 2018 survey discussed by the American Heart Association, 45% of men received bystander CPR, compared to 39% of women. Overall, men had a 23% higher likelihood of survival than women.

women receive CPR
photo credit: @giulia_bertelli accessed 2/3/21 via CC0

To ensure better outcomes for women suffering from cardiac arrest, here are a few ways to promote and encourage performing bystander CPR on women.

Why Are Women Less Likely to Receive CPR Than Men?

Survey respondents gave three primary reasons for their reluctance to perform CPR on women.

  1. Fear of being accused of inappropriate physical contact or sexual assault
  2. Fear of harming the victim
  3. The misconception that women don’t have cardiac arrests or are being overdramatic

For men, the first reason is the most prevalent, and the second is most prevalent for women.

How to Encourage Bystanders to Perform CPR on Women

Education is one of the easiest and most effective ways to dispel myths and encourage bystanders to perform CPR on women. For example, there is a very small probability of injuring someone by administering CPR on them. If that is more widely known and understood, there might be less hesitance.

Register For a CPR Class

In addition, greater education about the necessity of performing CPR could help, especially when helping people overcome fears of sexual assault accusations. When a woman is in medical distress, help is necessary, even if it feels inappropriate at the time.

Training more people on how to perform hands-free CPR could significantly reduce this disparity. Consider hosting a CPR course for your workplace, or register for a virtual class.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

American Heart Association Issues New CPR Guidelines

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In the new CPR guidelines recently issued by the American Heart Association, the importance of bystander CPR was re-emphasized. “Cardiac arrest is a life-or-death situation,” the AHA committee chair said. “When every second counts, it’s important for lay people to be ready and willing to start CPR.”

The new guidelines recommend that bystanders CPR even if they aren’t sure whether the victim is in cardiac arrest. The risk of harm from CPR is low – especially when compared to the potential risk of cardiac arrest.

Register For a CPR Class

 

New CPR Guidelines Focus on Recovery

CPR guidelines
photo credit: @shvetsa accessed 10/30/20 via CC0

In a change, the new CPR guidelines add recovery to the “chain of survival.” The chain of survival is a series of actions that determine how and to what extent a patient will recover from cardiac arrest. Those actions include calling 911, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The new recovery phase includes treatment, surveillance and rehabilitation, which includes monitoring and treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by the cardiac arrest and heart disease treatment.

Expanding Bystander CPR

The new guidelines also included efforts to encourage bystander CPR. The AHA suggests leveraging mobile phone technology to alert bystanders of a nearby cardiac event. In addition, there is a need for bystander training tailored to specific racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations that traditionally have lower rates of bystander CPR.

Ready to learn CPR? HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How to Keep Kids Moving During Distance Learning

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Physical movement has always been important for children, but that is even more true now, as distance learning has kept kids indoors and on screens. With the school year underway and winter fast approaching, parents are thinking about how to keep their kids healthy and happy in the coming months. The American Heart Association shared some insight and tips on encouraging physical activity while kids are learning from home.

What’s one easy way to protect your family’s health while staying at home? Learn CPR and first aid! HeartCert CPR is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe.

Register For a CPR Class

 

The Benefits of Physical Activity For Distance Learners

distance learning
photo credit: @ketut-subiyanto accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

Physical activity is important for people of all ages. Regular physical movement strengthens heart muscle strength, improves artery health, and lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. It releases endorphins that boost mental health and well-being, which is especially important as we navigate these difficult and stressful times.

In addition, physical activity helps the brain perform better, and has been shown to boost academic performance. It helps kids focus and be more productive in learning.

How to Keep Kids Moving in Distance Learning

Federal guidelines recommend that children and teenagers get at least one hour of robust physical activity every day. But this doesn’t mean that you need to block out an hour for exercise during your already busy days at home.

Find ways to adapt distance learning lessons to include movement, even if it’s just asking students to stand up, move around, and come sit back down. Make activity a family affair. Go for a walk or bike ride together, or take 5 minutes for a dance break. It will benefit everyone. (If you’re looking for ways to make your family more heart-healthy, check out this blog post.)

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What is CPR and Why Is It Important?

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At HeartCert CPR, we talk a lot about the lifesaving importance of CPR. But we realize that, for those who don’t work in the medical field, CPR may not be so familiar. So we’re going to get back to basics: what is CPR, and why should everyone be able to perform it? We turned to the American Heart Association for help breaking it down.

what is cpr
photo credit: @karolina-grabowska accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed when the heart stops beating, with the goal of keeping the blood flow active, even partially, in order to continue the flow of oxygen throughout the body.

Why is CPR Important?

CPR that is performed immediately after cardiac arrest can double or triple the chances of survival. Every year in the United States, 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained and ready to perform CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

How to Perform CPR

There are two standard ways to perform CPR:

  1. Hands-Only CPR. This is commonly performed by laypeople or bystanders who witness someone in cardiac distress. Hands-only CPR is what it sounds like – performing CPR chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths.
  2. Conventional CPR. This involves chest compressions in conjunction with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is most commonly performed by healthcare providers and emergency medical workers.

Anyone who performs CPR should focus on these five critical components:

  • Ensure appropriate hand placement
  • Maintain consistency in chest compressions
  • Make sure compressions of are an adequate rate and depth
  • Don’t lean on the patient between compressions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

 

CPR can help you save a life. Ready to learn? HeartCert is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

 

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Numbers to Track for Heart Health

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When it comes to heart health, it’s important to be aware of risk factors and health indicators long before a problem arises. But the sheer volume of information around preventative measures can be overwhelming. To keep it simple, here are four basic metrics that the American Heart Association recommends tracking on a regular basis. Doing so can help you identify and prevent a heart attack or similar issue down the road.

heart health
photo credit: @designecologist accessed 08/26/20 via CC0

Blood Pressure

If you track just one measure of heart health, it should be blood pressure, experts say. An elevated blood pressure can have a significant impact on your heart. Talk to your doctor to understand your current blood pressure, and to determine a blood pressure goal. If you track blood pressure at home, make sure you’re getting accurate readings, and continue to see your doctor regularly.

Cholesterol

Because there are different types of cholesterol with different effects on heart health, it’s important to get a reading and understanding from your doctor. Continue to monitor cholesterol with regular blood tests.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar is important because, when elevated, it’s an early sign of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can lead to heart disease or stroke. Regularly monitoring blood sugar can alert you of a diabetes risk early, and give you time to make dietary changes.

Sleep

It can be tough to get enough sleep, but it’s important. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep per night – too much or too little can be harmful for your heart. The good news is that sleep is relatively easy to monitor and track, either through a wearable tracker or simply by writing down the number of hours you sleep every night.

What’s one additional way to protect the hearts of those around you? Learn CPR!

HeartCert CPR is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Tips for Caregiving During COVID-19

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Caring for ill or elderly family members can be difficult in the best of times, but for many, the pandemic has made caregiving even more stressful. People who receive daily care tend to be older or dealing with long-term illness, making them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. So in addition to the usual physical care needs, caregivers will need to take extra steps to protect the health of their loved ones. Further, there are additional needs related to mental health, medical care planning and coordination, and a caregiver’s own health.

caregiving
photo credit: @pixabay accessed 7/16/20 via CC0

There are a few things that caregivers can to do make caregiving more manageable during the pandemic.

Learn CPR

Be sure that you are prepared to handle any situation that could arise, whether caused by COVID-19 or not. The majority of cardiac arrests happen at home, so being able to perform hands-only CPR could make all the difference for your loved one.

Plan for Medication and Necessary Supplies

  • Try to get 90-day (or longer) supplies of prescriptions. Look into drive-through pharmacies or medication delivery.
  • Make a list of necessary home care supplies, such as delivery mechanisms for treatment or medication, and distilled water for CPAP machines. Obtain a larger stock of supplies if possible.

Discuss Treatment Options

  • Learn whether your loved one’s medical team is doing telemedicine visits, and how to access all members of the team virtually.
  • Discuss whether your loved one will need to be physically present for any procedures, such as tests or blood draws, and the safety precautions being taken.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Keep up with all safety recommendations, such as masks and social distancing. Ensure that all who come into contact with your loved one are taking precautions.

Finalize Health Care Wishes and Directives

  • Ensure that all legal documents are up to date, and have candid conversations about your loved one’s wishes.

Don’t Forget Mental Health

  • If you or your loved one are feeling anxious or isolated, make your mental health and happiness a priority. Reach out to a therapist if you need help.

Care for Yourself

If you’re ready to learn CPR and first aid to protect your loved one, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

AHA Updates Instructor Certification Card Extensions

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As we reach the six-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued new information on its CPR training provider and instructor certification cards.

certification
photo credit: @jamesrein-2242072 accessed 08/05/20 via CC0

Initially, the deadline for instructor card renewals was extended by 60 days in areas with widespread COVID-19 spread. (We go into those details more extensively on an earlier blog post.) Now, the AHA is giving cardholders a 120-day extension. The due dates are based on the “renew by” dates listed on existing certification cards. 

Exception For Areas Still Under Distancing Restrictions

There is one exception. Cardholders and training centers with cards expiring at the end of July may have until the end of October 2020 to renew their certification, if they are in areas that are still under lockdowns and restrictions.

Normal Renewal Timelines Apply

For those with cards that expired at the end of last month and going forward, the AHA states that renewals must take place by the recommended renewal dates.

Follow Local Instructions and Use Discretion

The AHA offers some flexibility, reminding training centers to follow local mandates and recommendations, and to use their discretion in ensuring the safest environment for CPR students.

If you are running out of time to renew your AHA instructor card, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering CPR instructor courses at our Twin Cities location, and are taking every necessary precaution to keep our students safe. Contact us with any questions.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.