GENEVA, OHIO – Concealed behind a healthy smile, attacking youth at play, taking them while they sleep, silent… until it’s too late. Undetected and unexpected, Sudden Cardiac Arrest is claiming our youth. Cardiovascular disease is the second leading medical cause of death in children and adolescents in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Vital Statistics Report for 2005, published April 2008, Volume 56, Number 10.
In observance of National Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) Awareness Month (October), Parent Heart Watch aims to help protect young lives and educate those who work and live with youth by launching its YOU Make the Difference! poster campaign nationwide. This campaign consists of two 11″ x 17″ posters endorsed by the Parent Heart Watch Medical Advisory Board that informs viewers about the observations and actions that can make the difference between life and death.
Often, the warning signs of a heart condition in youth go undetected; thus the first poster lists the “Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Condition.” If any exist, it advises that they be reported to the youth’s physician immediately. It is imperative that those who work and live with youth be aware of these signs and symptoms.
Most occurrences of SCA in youth occur in public places; thus the second poster, “Cardiac Chain of Survival,” depicts the five critically time-urgent links of the cardiac chain-of-survival. These steps should be performed to help save the life of someone in SCA.
Most deaths of youth due to SCA can be prevented if people are properly educated to take appropriate actions. Parent Heart Watch members and advocates will help educate adults and youths alike by placing these posters in highly visible public areas at schools, recreation centers, public libraries, places of worship and other youth-serving organizations. The public is encouraged to download the 8½” x 11″ size versions of the posters by visiting the Parent Heart Watch website at www.parentheartwatch.org.
About Parent Heart Watch
Parent Heart Watch is the national voice solely dedicated to protecting youth from Sudden Cardiac Arrest and preventable Sudden Cardiac Death. Parent Heart Watch leads and empowers others by sharing information, educating, and advocatingfor change.
