Run For Your Life

August 16, 2008

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Lace up those tennis shoes and join us for our first annual "Run For Your Life" run/walk event to be held on August 16, 2008 at Water Works Park in Des Moines, Iowa.

The event begins at 8:00am. The run/walk aims to increase awareness of heart disease and its impact on individuals, families, and communities. The run (3K or 5K) or walk is designed to fit any fitness level whether it be the beginning walker or the seasoned runner. The event is open to the public, families, and cardiac patients. Snacks and a live band will encourage participants to the finish line.

Anyone making a $25.00 donation to the Iowa Heart Foundation will receive a T-shirt and gift bag. Proceeds generated from this event have been designated for charitable healthcare services for Iowans. Pre-registration is required by calling (515) 633-3555.

Be Good To Yourself. It's the Only Heart You Have

May 14, 2008

Education and training to community groups and organizations is a cornerstone of the Iowa Heart Foundation's commitment to increasing awareness of cardiac disease.

Clinically trained experts such as Rachel Onsrud, ARNP, are providing quality education programs in Iowa communities. Rachel provided a program called, "Be Good To Yourself. It's the Only Heart You Have" to teachers and staff at the Training School in Eldora, Iowa. Over 35 female teachers and staff from the facility attended the informative program.

Cardiovascular risk factors, signs/symptoms of a heart attack, hypertension, cholesterol and the role of diet, activity and stress were discussed. Heart disease is the leading killer of women in Iowa and the nation. Participant feedback and questions after the program confirmed the need to share knowledge on the impact of heart disease in women.

Future programs are being planned on a variety of topics by clinical experts. Interested community groups may contact Kim Oswald to schedule an education program at (515) 633-3555.

Free CPR Class

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Press Release

Sudden cardiac arrest claims lives in our homes, businesses and our communities. Performing effective CPR immediately after someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest can double their chance of survival.

On Saturday, April 19, 2008 individuals took a few moments out of their day to learn how to help save someone's life. The Iowa Heart Foundation and American Heart Association sponsored the free "Friends and Family" CPR class.

Volunteer instructors Cyndi Cook, Beckie Walden, and Kim Oswald graciously donated their time to assist participants how to respond in the event of a cardiac or respiratory arrest by learning the lifesaving skill of CPR.

Scarlet Hair Show

March 1, 2008

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The 1st Annual Scarlet Fashion Show Fundraising event was held on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at the Temple for Performing Arts in Des Moines, Iowa. The event raised $12,000 for the Foundation for use in the childhood obesity project.

Julie Younger, President served as spokesperson for the Foundation. Iowa Heart Center employees served as "Before" and "After" models including Dr. Laurie Kuestner and daughter Forest, Jenny Held, Teresa Coulson and daughter Shannon, Nicole Burkett and daughters Madelynn and Ella.

Thanks to all the wonderfully talented and generous stylists from Serenity Aveda and Signature Male Salons for developing this creative event. Thank you also to the lovely Iowa Point Academy ballerinas and the beautiful models who donated their time. A special thanks to local businesses for donating silent auction items, the cooperation from Core Magazine, the boutiques who donated the lovely clothes and all the kind volunteers who worked at the event.

Dallas County 4-H Multi-Project Workshop
Snack Attack-Be the Winner in the Battle for Healthier Choices!

February 2008

The Iowa Heart Foundation is dedicated to community service including community health education programs impacting health practices of Iowans. The education of our rural youth is one key initiative that includes increasing knowledge and awareness of childhood obesity and its role in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Dietitian Cindy Conroy presented "Snack Attack-Be the Winner in the Battle for Healthier Choices!" at the Dallas County 4-H multi-project workshop in February. The 4th – 7th grade students and leaders discussed reading labels, appropriate portion sizes and healthier snack choices.

Cardiovascular Today

February 9, 2008

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The purpose of the Cardiovascular Today program is to increase knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease, with an emphasis on clinical research updates, cardiac clearance guidelines, stenting, surgery, sleep apnea, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac and vascular testing, lipid management and peripheral vascular disease.