HeartCert CPR St. Cloud MN

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How Does Stress Impact Heart Health?

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In today’s busy world, stress seems unavoidable. There is more to do than there are hours in the day, and our digital lifestyle means that we’re always on call. Self-care seems like a luxury and it often feels impossible to prioritize ourselves and our health.

Not only is this constant, chronic stress bad for our mental health, but it can have a significant impact on physical health as well. Several studies have found links between stress and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

stressed man looking down

Stress Can Harm the Heart

Specifically, stress can lead to high blood pressure, which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and related incidents. In addition, stress often causes us to adopt unhealthy lifestyle choices as we struggle to cope. These habits, such as overeating, lack of physical activity and smoking, can also negatively impact heart health.

Learn More About The Impact of Stress on Heart Health

There are other physical ailments that are stress-related, including headaches, insomnia, upset stomach, muscle aches and low energy. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to eliminate other possible causes.

How Can We Reduce Stress?

The best way to minimize stress is to get back to basics. 

Eat a Healthy Diet: Focus on eating well and choosing heart healthy snacks.  

Exercise Regularly: Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress. By moving more your body can release stress hormones and stimulates the production of endorphins leading to a more positive mindset. 

Adequate Sleep: Getting a good night of sleep can have a significant impact on your body’s ability to cope with stress. Aim for 7-8 hours of high-quality sleep each night. Find out how to get better sleep. 

Social Connection: Spending time with family and friends is an ideal way to alleviate stress. They can help by listening to your concerns, offering advice, or serving as a distraction to stressors in your life. 

Stress Management Techniques: Yoga, meditation and journaling are great ways to manage stress and can help create feelings of calm and balance.

Seek Professional Help: If feelings of stress persist or feel unmanageable, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. Receiving quality mental health support is easier than ever and many offer convenient telehealth options available right on your phone.

Related Read: Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED and first aid course at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

This blog was originally published in 2020.

Register For a CPR Class

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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.

What Kind of Work Does a CNA Do?

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A Certified Nursing Assistant or a CNA is primarily responsible for providing basic patient care. This basic care may include assisting patients with bathing, eating, using the restroom, or simply walking. Their healthcare involvement may consist of taking vital signs, assisting with medical procedures and more. With their versatility and wide-ranging tasks, Certified Nursing Assistants have become highly sought-after healthcare professionals, proving to be invaluable team members in the healthcare industry. Find out more about what CNAs do.

CNA nurse graduate
photo credit : Patty Brito on Unsplash

What does a CNA do?

Basic Patient Care

One of the main responsibilities of a CNA is providing patients with basic care. This can be basic everyday functions such as eating, dressing and grooming. In short, they help patients maintain personal hygiene and comfort.

Why Should I Become a CNA?

Vital Signs Monitoring

Another duty of a CNA includes monitoring vital signs. CNAs are trained to measure and document vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature and respiratory rate. Regularly monitoring these vital signs is crucial for healthcare professionals when assessing a patient’s overall health. 

Medication Support

A CNA will help with administering medications under the guidance and supervision of a licensed healthcare professional or registered nurse. CNAs will ensure that patients are administered the correct medications at the appropriate times.

Learn More: Trained Medication Administration (TMA) Course

Procedure Assistance

Certified nursing assistants may assist nurses and medical staff with medical procedures. This could include tending to wounds, assisting patients by transferring them from various areas within their room, specimen collection and more.

Observation

CNAs are responsible for carefully observing patients and promptly reporting on changes in their condition. This is an essential function as it can help healthcare professionals detect and address any potential health issues. 

These are just some of the meaningful contributions that Certified Nursing Assistants make in caring for patients. With an extensive range of responsibilities, CNAs assist nursing teams and other medical staff with delivering quality healthcare services to those they care for. Certified nursing assistants are critical to the care and well-being of patients in the healthcare system. If you would like to learn more about becoming a CNA or would like to start your career supporting others, sign up for our CNA Nursing Certification.

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HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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 Trainings Now Available in Two New Wisconsin Cities

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At HeartCert, we take pride in delivering high-quality basic and advanced CPR and First Aid training courses. Our comprehensive programs are designed to equip individuals with life-saving skills, empowering them to respond confidently and effectively in emergency situations. Whether you are a healthcare provider looking to enhance your expertise or an individual wanting to stay prepared to make a difference, our experienced instructors will provide you with an impactful and enriching training session.

HeartCert Opens Additional Training Centers in Wisconsin

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest locations in Madison, Wisconsin and LaCrosse, Wisconsin. These locations offer both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

LaCrosse on-site training courses will be held at 511 3rd Street North.

Madison on-site training courses will be located at East 5045 Eastpark Blvd. 

We also provide on-site courses and training sessions in various cities across Wisconsin and throughout the country. 

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Wisconsin

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; CPR instructor courses; and OSHA classes.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times.

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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.

Five Reasons to Learn CPR in 2023

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Five Reasons to Learn CPR in 2023

In 2023 the importance of learning life-saving skills like CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) has never been more critical. With the ever-changing landscape of global health and safety concerns, being equipped with the knowledge and ability to respond effectively in an emergency situation can make a world of difference. Here we’ll look at five impactful reasons why learning CPR should be a priority.

Check out our full lineup of CPR, AED and first aid courses, and read on for five great reasons to learn CPR in 2023!

CPR Can Save a Life woman learning cpr from instructor

More than 350,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest every year in the U.S. When this happens, time is of the essence – the longer the body stays in arrest, the lower the chance of survival. CPR helps the blood circulate until help arrives. In fact, research shows that the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest more than doubles when CPR is performed.

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

More CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR is performed in less than half of cardiac arrests in the U.S. – between 15 and 30 percent, in fact. The most common reason given for not performing CPR is a lack of training.

CPR Does Not Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

In 2010, the guidelines for performing CPR were changed. Now, only people who are trained and feel comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should do so. For the rest, hands-only CPR is an excellent, life-saving option. 

Related Read: Why Should I Learn CPR?

Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent, in fact. You may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, sibling or child. What better motivation is there?

CPR is Easy to Learn!

CPR classes are readily available, affordable, and take just a couple of hours. That’s a small trade-off for learning how to save a life. With HeartCert’s Virtual Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid course you can learn CPR in no time. Sign up today and gain instant access to required course videos and materials so that you can complete our virtual CPR training online. For a more hands on experience, we offer a revolutionary one-on-one experience with our CPR Kiosk training where you can learn life-saving skills on your time with a private instructor.  

Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional or a prepared individual, acquiring CPR knowledge is invaluable and can empower you to act confidently during a health emergency. The benefits of CPR training are extensive, from saving lives and increasing community resilience to boosting your confidence and being prepared for unforeseen emergencies. 

Ready to learn CPR in 2023?

Check out the HeartCert CPR class offerings and sign up today.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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.

Upping Your Step Count May Increase Your Lifespan

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Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise and offers countless health benefits, and with modern technology, more and more individuals are aware of their daily step count, or lack of. Using a smartwatch, Fitbit or an inexpensive traditional pedometer can help you know how active you are most days and set healthy and practical goals. Getting those steps in can be a breeze or seem nearly impossible for some. Many factors, such as lifestyle, family, profession, and location, can influence your ability to make walking part of your regular exercise. However, it’s worth the effort, as staying active and upping your step count can improve your overall health and may even increase your lifespan. 

smart watch on person's wrist
photo credit: Artur Łuczka on Unsplash

How walking keeps you healthy

 From weight management to cardiovascular health and strength building, the benefits of regular walking can significantly improve one’s overall health. Individuals will also notice that walking can lead to increased energy levels, better sleep and mental well-being. Unsurprisingly, all of these health benefits can lead to lower risks of disease and an increase in lifespan. However, knowing the benefits of walking is easy, but increasing your step count can be challenging, especially if you spend most of your day at a desk. 

Related Read: How to Start a Walking Routine

Here are some easy ways to integrate walking into your everyday life. 

 

How to easily increase your step count

1. Take the stairs – if you’re going up a flight or two at work or in an office building for an appointment, taking the stairs is a great way to get in a few extra steps. It may even be quicker than waiting for the elevator!

2. Park farther from the entrance – parking towards the back of a parking lot is another easy way to get in a few extra steps daily.

Read: Top Ten Tips for Choosing Heart-Healthy Snacks

3. Make walking a habit – incorporate walking into your daily rhythms. Consider including a brisk walk into your lunch hour, each morning when you start your day or in the evening before dinner. 

4. Walk while you scroll – multitask and get in some movement while scrolling social media or while taking a phone call. Of course, be sure to stay safe and alert while doing so!

It’s easy to feel so busy in our day-to-day lives that carving out time for a walk can seem difficult. However, when you make an effort, you’ll find pockets of time to move your body and improve your overall health. The time you take now to keep your heart and body healthy will pay off in the long run with increased endurance and flexibility, lower risks of illnesses and disease and improved longevity.  

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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 Continues to Grow and Welcomes Newest Employee

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At HeartCert we value and see the benefit of being at the forefront of technology. HeartCert’s founder and Director of Operations, Tim Smith, enlightens, ‘We strive to continue innovating to make our company, training courses and offerings to the public more convenient and streamlined.‘

image of man in classroom

Terry Smith Director of Technology and AI Integration

Terry’s Mission

In order to achieve these goals, newest employee Terry Smith will spearhead HeartCert’s new Artificial Intelligence (AI) department. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology continues to make strides and has been at the forefront of mainstream media. Many understand the possibilities it presents to businesses large and small; the potential is significant, with the ability to improve efficiencies, analyze data and streamline operations, to name a few. However, learning how to incorporate its potential proves to be challenging.

Terry’s role as Director of Technology and AI Integration at HeartCert will keep the company current on the latest advances in artificial intelligence technologies. Terry will work with the team to identify areas to implement AI technologies into their processes to improve the company and customer experience.

Learn more about HeartCert

Terry’s Background

Technology guru Terry Smith has worked as an audio/video specialist and control systems programmer for ten years. He worked with touch panels, lighting systems, and classroom technologies to design and install classroom technology systems on college campuses. Terry then left the field and became a Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at UW-La Crosse. For twelve years, he specialized in public speaking and has taught classes like Communicating Effectively, Media and Society, and Presentational Speaking. Over the years, he has served in various roles, including a stint as the Director of the Public Speaking Center. 

Terry currently serves on the University Community of AI Practice, where they discuss the academic use of AI. The current scope of their analysis includes concerns on plagiarism and the potential use of AI for teaching and learning. Terry shares “My experience in the fields of technology, media, and Communication Studies combine to give me a great understanding of how to train and prepare people to optimize their use of AI.“

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

The professional background and extensive experience Terry brings to the team will enable HeartCert to continue expanding their training offerings and geographical footprint. HeartCert is confident this addition to its Leadership team will support the company and its capabilities to bring quality trainings to the public, businesses and medical professionals. 

For more information and to schedule your training sessions Contact HeartCert today at 651-261-2314.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG 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, EKG training, babysitter basics 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.