Difference Makers held a very successful event, The Joy of Health & Wellness on March 9th @ Hilton Head Public Library.
70+ WAHHI women heard from an OB/Gyn doctor (and WAHHI member) about the importance of staying up to date on pelvic, breast & colon screening exams and the importance of flu, pneumonia, shingles, and other vaccines.
An HHI Fire & Rescue representative gave details and demonstrated the hands-only CPR method and how to find and use an AED machine.
Our WAHHI past President, Tamra Avrit, spoke via video about saving her husband’s life by performing CPR.
The importance of blood donation was stressed by an American Red Cross representative and a Nurse Practitioner from Hospice Care of the Lowcountry spoke about hospice vs palliative care.
All speakers were available afterward for questions and with information on how to sign up for CPR classes & blood donation.
Get certified in CPR – AED – First Aid
Tamra Avrit, past WAHHI president, shared how she saved her husband’s life by performing CPR. Tamra’s video is available for you to view here.
Cinda Seamon from The Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Department provided further detail on HHI Fire and Rescue’s First Aid, CPR and AED training to the public with American Heart Association certified instructors. There is no charge for classes, only for the certification cards (Approx $23). Call The Public Education office of Hilton Head Fire and Rescue at 843-682-5141 to find out a schedule of upcoming classes and registration opportunities.
Other CPR and first aid etc certifications are available virtually online with on-demand CPR classes through the American Red Cross (CPR is $37). Click here
Super Quick and Easy – Learn “Hands Only” CPR
Did you know that you can save a life without providing “rescue breaths”? Hands-only CPR increases the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. The American Heart Association says: “Hands-Only CPR Can Save Lives. Most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene.
If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of any tune that is 100 to 120 beats per minute, such as the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive”.
You can print out a simple list of steps to perform Hands Only and keep it with your first aid kit: Click here
You can watch an instructional video from the American Heart Association on Hands-Only here: Click here
Donate Blood
Your blood donation can save multiple lives. Vesha Jamison from the American Red Cross talked with us about the variety of diseases, surgeries and accidents that could cause any one of us to need a life-saving blood transfusion at a moment’s notice.
If it’s been a few years since you’ve donated, many of the rules and protocols have changed – if you were rejected from giving blood in the past, you may now be eligible!
Check out the wide variety of mobile and on-site blood donation opportunities on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton here: Click here
There’s a great free app to get you ready for donating blood quickly, and that will even provide notification about when and where your blood donation is being used!: Click here
There are many additional free Emergency, First Aid, Pet First Aid and other apps from the American Red Cross.
Learn about Palliative Care and Hospice Care
Most of us are familiar with the angels on earth who provide assistance and care through Hospice programs. But have you heard about Palliative Care?
Jessica Coburn from Hospice Care of the Lowcountry explained the details and differences between Hospice and Palliative care. Hospice Care of the Lowcountry is uniquely licensed to provide palliative — or comfort — care to those with a terminal illness, even while they are still seeking curative treatment for their condition. Many patients in palliative care find quality of life improved by the level of care received.
Palliative care strives to provide: Expert treatment of pain and other symptoms so the patient can improve quality of life; Coordinated communication with doctors and family members throughout the illness; A chance to live life more comfortably; Help in addressing patient’s changing needs and goals; Emotional support for the patient and their family.
Learn more about the programming and support available via Palliative and Hospice care: Click here
Stay Vigilant in Women’s Health Care
The recommendations for preventative women’s health care, particularly as we age, are ever evolving. It’s difficult to stay informed, but it is necessary. Take action to schedule your colonoscopies, mammograms, and annual wellness exams.
Dr.Elizabeth Garreau explained the importance of visiting medical professionals to receive manual pelvic and breast exams. She also reminded everyone that breast self exams remain vital at any age. Here’s a link to ‘how to’s”: Click here
Dr. Garreau also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated for flu, pneumonia, shingles and other viruses.
Thank you for Helping Save Lives!
~ WAHHI Difference Makers