The mission of the American Heart Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Their focus is funding, research, and education.

Executive Director, Melissa Ramirez, says the American Heart Association funds medical research and they are the innovators of what’s next in heart care. For example she says they've invented the medicated heart stent and how many compressions and breaths for CPR. Ramirez explains that they are doing well with the innovations and medications that treat heart disease and stroke, but with people getting sicker due to their diet, exercise, and decisions, the American Heart Association has decided to emphasize how to be healthier. American Heart Association teaches “Life’s Simple Seven” which are 1.) physical activity, 2.) control cholesterol, 3.) eat better, 4.) manage blood pressure, 5.) lose weight, 6.) reduce blood sugar, 7.) stop smoking. The website for more information on “Life’s Simple Seven” and a self assessment quiz is www.mylifecheck.heart.org.

Throughout the year American Heart Association has several fundraisers to support their mission of reducing heart disease and stroke. Currently they are encouraging people to form teams for Heart Walk. Family members and companies can build teams for the April 20th event. Information on joining, creating a team, and online fundraising can be found on their website www.tulsaheartwalk.com. The goal for the Heart Walk is one million dollars.

Go Red For Women is a campaign of American Heart Association to teach women that heart disease is their biggest threat. This year is the 10th anniversary of Go Red For Women. American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women luncheon is in May. At the luncheon is a speaker and both a live & silent auction. Companies and individuals can purchase tables or tickets at www.heart.org/tulsa. An additional focus for American Heart Association is “a war against salt.” Ramirez says that individuals don’t realize how much salt they are consuming. The American Heart Association has identified their top 6 salty foods which are: breads and rolls, cold cuts and cured meats, pizza, poultry, canned soup, and sandwiches.

heart.org/tulsa