Everyone knows I’m a big advocate of prevention but should something as devastating as a heart attack occur, especially when you are alone, it’s important to know some simple techniques that could increase your odds of survival.
So, along with the gifts, flowers and kisses please cut this out and give it to everyone you love this Valentines Day, it could save their life.
Picture this: it’s 6:15 p.m. and you’re driving home (alone of course), after an unusually frantic day at work. You’re really tired, upset and frustrated.
Suddenly you start experiencing severe chest pain that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the nearest hospital but you’re not certain if you’ll be able to make it that far. You’ve had some basic CPR training, but can’t recall the instructor ever explaining how to perform it on yourself!
Since many people are alone when they suffer a heart attack, without help, a person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds before losing consciousness. However, you can help yourself by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously.
A deep breath should be taken before each cough and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as if producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated approximately every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again.
Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and the coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm giving the victim precious additional seconds or minutes to summon or get to professional help.
Are you tired of just wishing for better health? Overwhelmed when thinking about what to do next? Ready to make positive changes and live a more vibrant life? If you are suffering from health symptoms that you can’t seem to explain or find relief from them, discover Women’s Health Advantage and empower your future health!
Contact Jill Redfern RN, enzyme and digestive health specialist at 661-310-7373 or womenshealthadvantage@msn.com for more information.