HeartCert CPR St. Cloud MN

Affordable CPR Training near you

HeartCert

5 Heart Healthy Breakfasts to Promote Longevity

by Leave a Comment

Breakfast is often referred to as the most important meal of the day. Eating a healthy breakfast each morning helps fuel your body to stay energized. Because of this, it’s essential to choose foods that will leave you feeling satiated and energized and not weighed down and sluggish. Choosing a heart-healthy option not only allows you to tackle the day but also promotes a healthy heart and potentially contributes to increased longevity.

fresh fruits and oatmeal on a wooden cutting board

Heart Healthy Breakfasts That Promote Longevity

A heart-healthy breakfast sets the stage for your entire day’s nutrition intake. Start your day with whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins to fuel your body and protect your heart. Incorporating fiber and healthy fats while avoiding excess sugars and processed foods makes a difference in how you feel throughout the day and your overall well-being. With mindful choices, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals that support long-term heart health. Here are several heart-healthy breakfast options we’ve found to add to your morning meal rotations.

heart shaped sweet potato

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Sweet potatoes are an excellent heart-healthy food option. They are filling due to their high fiber content and contain several vitamins and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. Sweet potatoes can be made to be sweet or savory for breakfast. Top them with yogurt, fruit and honey, or chop them and saute them with veggies and eggs.

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble Recipe From Land of 10,000 Recipes:

Sweet Potato Breakfast Scramble

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

fruit and granola over yogurt

With fresh fruit, hearty oatmeal, and protein-packed yogurt, this trio creates a delicious and heart-healthy breakfast option. Choosing fruits like blueberries and blackberries keeps the glycemic index relatively low and adds antioxidants that promote longevity.

Fruit Oatmeal Yogurt Parfait Recipe From American Heart Association:

Fruity Oatmeal Yogurt Parfaits

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health? 

Veggie Omelet

heart healthy veggie omelet

A veggie omelet is another nutritious breakfast choice, as it combines egg whites or a mix of whole eggs with a variety of vegetables. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help reduce heart disease risk. Using egg whites can lower cholesterol intake, while whole eggs provide essential nutrients for overall health.

Veggie Omelet Recipe From EatingWell:

Vegetable Filled Omelets

Related Read: Top Ten Tips for Choosing Heart-Healthy Snacks 

Avocado Toast with Whole Grain Bread

Avocado toast with egg

Avocado toast is a popular meal that can be enjoyed for any meal, but most commonly served at breakfast. It is a heart-healthy option due to its high content of monounsaturated fats from avocado, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels. Whole grain bread provides fiber, which supports heart health by improving digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. Adding an egg boosts protein intake, further supporting overall health.

Avocado Toast Recipe From Skinny Taste: 

Avocado Toast with Sunny Side Egg

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding in glass jar

Chia seed pudding is a heart-healthy breakfast option due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content, which helps reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It can be made in a variety of ways; add a dollop of nut butter for healthy fats and protein or by adding fresh fruits that provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Chia Seed Pudding Recipe From EatingWell:

Chia Seed Pudding

Looking for more ideas? Here’s 23 more heart-healthy breakfast recipes from EatingWell.

23 Heart-Healthy Breakfast Recipes in 15 Minutes

Selecting heart-healthy breakfasts can make a difference in maintaining cardiovascular heart health. Choosing whole foods, high-fiber options, and healthy fats to support heart wellness and lower your risk of heart disease. Be mindful of portion sizes and try to limit processed foods. With some planning and preparation, you can make your breakfast both nutritious and heart-friendly, contributing to a longer, healthier life. 

Want to know another way to make a difference and protect the hearts around you? CPR training is a valuable skill that can save lives when every second counts. Sign up for an in-person or online session today.

Register Today

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How Long Does CNA Training Take?

by

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a rapidly growing career position that is relatively easily attainable and gives individuals a fantastic foundation for a promising healthcare career. CNAs assist in providing care to patients and make a significant difference in their overall well-being. So, if you’ve been considering this career path, you’re likely wondering, how long does it take to become CNA certified? At HeartCert, we’ve had hundreds of individuals go through our comprehensive CNA training and can fill you in on what you can expect from the process, including how long it takes.

What is a CNA?

A CNA is a Certified Nursing Assistant. They are responsible for providing basic patient care, such as helping with bathing, eating, using the restroom, and walking. CNAs take vital signs and may assist with medical procedures. The versatility and wide-ranging tasks of a CNA make them highly valued and essential team members in the healthcare industry, where they can make a significant difference in patients’ overall well-being.

Find Out More: What Kind of Work Does a CNA Do?

CNA Training: What to Expect 

In order to prepare students for their responsibilities as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), it’s essential to cover a wide range of information. 

Some of the topics covered include:

  • Anatomy
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Effective communication skills
  • Documentation requirements
  • Medical terminology
  • Patient care techniques

Students must be well-equipped with this knowledge to excel in their role and provide the best possible care for their patients.

How Long Does CNA Training Take?

The time it takes to complete a CNA training depends on the course you sign up for. There are several different models and program formats available, and the timeframe in which they take place will vary. Some programs are designed to be completed at your own pace, while others follow a full-time schedule with an intensive timeline for completion. Additionally, there are programs that are spread out over several months to accommodate different learning styles and scheduling needs.

Certified Nursing Assistant training typically consists of a minimum of 75 hours. Of these 75 hours, at least 16 hours consist of supervised practical training, which is conducted with a live person in a lab or a similar setting. This practical training allows CNA students to gain real-life, hands-on experience in a controlled environment, which is essential for preparing them for their role in a healthcare setting.

CNA training requirements will vary state by state. The federally required minimum is 75 hours, which must be completed in all states. Beyond that, some states may require additional hours as well. See the requirements for your state here.

CNA State Certification Exam

The state competency exam consists of two components: a written examination and a skills evaluation. During training you will be informed and prepared for taking the required examination. The purpose of the state exam is to ensure that the graduate has a comprehensive understanding of the nursing assistant’s role and can safely perform the duties expected of an entry-level nurse assistant.

CNA Training with HeartCert

The HeartCert Nursing Assistant Training Program offers students a chance to learn in a hands-on environment under the guidance of experienced licensed nurses. Our unique learning experience, coupled with a curriculum that meets or exceeds federal and state standards, ensures that our students are well-prepared for their role as CNAs.

At HeartCert, we recognize the need for flexibility. This is why we offer a variety of CNA training schedules that are designed to allow you to complete training requirements easily within your busy schedule.

With HeartCert’s comprehensive CNA training, students begin with an online curriculum. Before attending in-person sessions, students must complete the required online training. Following that, they will participate in classroom instruction, skills testing, and supervised practicals. After completing these steps, students can apply for employment or register for the state licensure exam if applicable.

Learn more about HeartCert CNA Training

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How PALS Training Improves Emergency Response for Pediatric Patients

by

Healthcare professionals strive to provide the best care to their patients, but the need is even more significant when it comes to caring for children and young patients. Understanding the proper techniques to use when administering medical attention to pediatric patients can be just as beneficial to their mental well-being with the situation at hand as it is to their physical care. In this article, we’ll review the importance of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training in providing high-quality care and improving emergency response for pediatric patients.

How PALS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Pediatric Emergency Situations

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training is an impactful course that enables pediatric healthcare professionals to better understand and react in emergencies. 

As described by the American Heart Association, in a PALS course, you’ll learn to assess, recognize and care for young patients experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, such as shock, cardiac and respiratory events. You’ll also learn how to provide care after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during a resuscitation effort.

Related Content: Essential Trainings for Healthcare Providers

Some of the benefits of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)  training include: 

Improved Pediatric Patient Care: 

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training helps healthcare professionals improve their skills to handle medical emergencies effectively and provide high-quality care to pediatric patients.

Enhanced Team Collaboration: 

This course will challenge critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and help medical professionals improve their teamwork skills to provide better patient care.

Greater Practice Proficiency: 

Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support enables healthcare professionals to be prepared for quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios and practice advanced interventions like airway management and medication administration.

Professional Development and Career Advancement: 

PALS certification equips healthcare professionals with strategies and protocols for managing pediatric emergencies. Acquiring a PALS certification can lead to career advancement opportunities in healthcare settings specializing in pediatric care.

Quality PALS Certification Simplified with HeartCert

PALS courses are intended for healthcare professionals such as physicians, ER nurses, respiratory therapists, and advanced emergency medical personnel who are responsible for assessing and managing critical pediatric patients.

The PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) program is designed to provide advanced pediatric healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively and efficiently manage critically ill infants and children. By enhancing their abilities, the program aims to improve patient outcomes in pediatric emergency situations.

At HeartCert, we know how important it is for healthcare professionals to have access to high-quality certification options that can fit into their busy schedules. We offer flexible training and advanced classes to help you advance in your career. Our goal is to make the certification and recertification process easy and stress-free while providing exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum.

HeartCert’s AHA PALS certification is available as an in-person course, private online with kiosk training and hybrid blended course. Find out more about HeartCert’s upcoming PALS certification courses and register for an upcoming session.

Register Today

Source: American Heart Association (AHA)

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Innovations in Lifesaving Education: What Sets HeartCert Apart

by Leave a Comment

In today’s modern society, acquiring vital lifesaving knowledge, including CPR, BLS, and other crucial skills, is increasingly important. These skills have the potential to make a life-or-death difference in emergency situations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking essential training or an individual looking to be well-prepared for unexpected emergencies, these skills are not only highly desirable but are often mandatory in various workplaces such as schools, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities.

So what sets apart one training partner from the rest? At HeartCert, we are not just another training provider. We are on a mission to enhance your lifesaving education by bringing you the latest and greatest in training capabilities. Let’s explore some of the unique features and characteristics we implement that set us apart from the rest.

Training Flexibility

In our fast-paced world, we understand the ongoing demands of your life and the value of your time. Everyone is pulled in many directions, resulting in schedules to handle and commitments to tend to. That’s why our training schedules are designed to be flexible, allowing you to fit in your lifesaving education without disrupting your busy schedule. Whether it’s weekends, evenings, online or in-person, that works best for you and your agenda, HeartCert has you covered.

Find out more: Customized CPR Training that Fits Your Life and Schedule

Innovative Training Technology

Technology has been advancing rapidly in recent years, but recently, its capabilities have become increasingly impressive. From smartphones that seem to get smarter every day to the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence, we’re harnessing these tools to enhance your learning experience. By integrating the latest technology into our lifesaving courses, we’re ensuring that you’re always one step ahead.

Having access to both in-person and online courses is crucial, giving learners the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? That’s where our hybrid courses come in. These courses blend online learning with in-person components, offering a comprehensive learning experience. This can include hands-on group clinics and even our innovative Kiosk technology, ensuring that you get the most effective and engaging training possible.

Lifesaving Education Experts

You can take a course to learn anything, but if the information and instructors are not well-informed or experienced, you will have a difficult time gaining anything valuable out of this experience. This is why learning from our experienced experts in the field, who make the education process informative and engaging, is absolutely imperative. At HeartCert, our team of top-notch instructors bring their expertise to ensure that you receive the highest quality of education, giving you the confidence to handle any emergency situation. 

You also want a training provider that offers an extensive class offering. Even if you only plan to start with an introductory CPR class, you may decide to take an additional course in the future that gives you the ability to extend your skills. At HeartCert, we provide classes for HeartSaver CPR, AED and First Aid, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CNA training, TMA, IV training and more. 

At HeartCert, our goal is to be the #1 trusted partner nationwide for CPR, AED, CNA and healthcare provider safety training, and in order to do so, we are providing our students, customers and partners with exceptional experiences, cutting-edge technology and unsurpassed training and support. Explore our trainings today and find the right fit for you.

Explore HeartCert’s Lifesaving Trainings

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How ACLS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Emergency Situations

by Leave a Comment

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a course designed for healthcare professionals who are involved in managing cardiopulmonary arrest, cardiovascular emergencies, or those who work in emergency response. After completing the course successfully, students will receive a course completion card that remains valid for two years. It is recommended to get in touch with your employer to confirm that the selected course is appropriate for you.

Healthcare Professionals consulting in hallway

How ACLS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Emergency Situations

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)  training is a powerful course that enables healthcare professionals to better understand and react in emergency situations. As described by the American Heart Association, an ACLS course teaches the importance of preventing cardiac arrest, high-performance teams, early and continuous high-quality CPR, systems of care, recognition and intervention of cardiopulmonary arrest, post-cardiac arrest care, acute dysrhythmias, stroke, and acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Find out more in our blog ACLS Certification: What It Is and How to Get Started

Some of the benefits of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)  training include: 

Enhanced Patient Care: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training gives healthcare professionals opportunities to improve their skills to manage cardiac emergencies effectively, improving patient outcomes.

Improved Team Collaboration: This training emphasizes teamwork and communication, which enhances coordination during critical situations.

Greater Practice Proficiency: Certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support enables healthcare professionals to be prepared for quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios and practice advanced interventions like airway management and medication administration.

Professional Development and Career Advancement: ACLS training is a great opportunity to learn evidence-based practices for cardiovascular emergencies. Certification can open up new job opportunities in cardiac-focused healthcare settings, providing a pathway for professional growth and advancement.

Quality ACLS Certification Simplified with HeartCert

As the demand for skilled healthcare professionals continues to increase, there are countless opportunities for essential training and advanced classes that can help you grow in your career. At HeartCert, we understand the importance of high-quality certification options that are flexible to accommodate the busy schedules of healthcare professionals. This is why we are on a mission to make the process of obtaining your certification and recertification easy and hassle-free, while providing you with top-notch instructors and a comprehensive curriculum.

HeartCert’s ACLS certification is available with minimal breaks, smaller class sizes, and the option to conveniently add BLS recertification during registration. Our approach makes certification achievable in one full day of training. Find out more about HeartCert’s upcoming ACLS certification courses and register for an upcoming session.

Register Today

Source: American Heart Association (AHA)

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Recognizing When CPR Should Not Be Used

by Leave a Comment

CPR is a lifesaving skill that can make all the difference in an emergency situation. However, it is equally important to be aware that there are appropriate times to utilize this technique and other times where CPR should not be administered. So how can you identify when you should and when you shouldn’t? Find out the signs so you can be prepared and know how to best respond in an emergency.

How to Know When CPR Should Not Be Used

Here are some ways to quickly and effectively identify when CPR should not be used. 

Hazardous Conditions:

Another time when CPR should not be initiated if there are dangerous or hazardous conditions present that pose a threat to your safety, such as ongoing fire, exposure to dangerous chemicals, or unstable structures.

Lack of Training and Skills:

If you lack the necessary training and skills to perform CPR effectively, CPR should not be performed, as improper techniques can potentially harm the victim further.

Learn More: 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Know CPR

Signs of Irreversible Death:

In the case that an individual shows evident signs of irreversible death, CPR should not be performed. These signs would include decapitation, decomposition, rigor mortis (stiffening of the body muscles), and dependent lividity (reddish-blue discoloration of the skin).

Signs of Breathing: 

If you come across a person who seems unconscious, it is imperative to check their breathing before performing CPR. If you notice that the individual is breathing, then it is not necessary to perform CPR. Instead, you should monitor their breathing and pulse until medical help arrives.

Now that you know several scenarios in which you should not perform CPR, how about when you should? 

Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Here are several signs of cardiac arrest and identifying when you should perform CPR: 

  • Unconsciousness 
  • No breathing 
  • No pulse

If the individual is unconscious, not breathing or does not have a pulse, then it is essential to start performing CPR immediately while waiting for professional medical attention.

Knowing how to perform CPR and staying up to date in your certifications is critical in being capable of saving a life if the moment presents itself. Understanding and recognizing the times you should and shouldn’t not use this skill set is equally important. If you are ready to learn CPR, need to renew your certification or have questions, HeartCert is your trusted resource.

Register for an online session or in-person training near you today.

Register Today

HeartCert is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, throughout the United States.

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.