We want to make sure that you take the correct CPR Class, AED Training, First Aid Class, Blood Borne Pathogen Class, OSHA Compliant Classes , especially if it is a requirement for your job.

Check out the American Heart Association Course Matrix to find out what class you need for your job, club, church, or other group.
If you have specific questions please call us and we will assist you in choosing the correct class.
Call us at 805-928-7233
E Mail

Source: The American Heart Association

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PDF OF THE AHA COURSE MATRIX

Sudden Death in Athletes Prevention Program

Keith Mankowitz, MD – Director

The sudden death of a young athlete is a tragic event that has devastating effects on families and communities. These deaths are usually due to unsuspected heart disease. Many heart conditions are not detected by routine screening measures.

Here we outline the incidence and causes of sudden death in athletes under 35 years of age and discuss measures on how to prevent this devastating event. The information is intended as a guide for institutions who are involved with screening athletes under 35 years.

INCIDENCE, MECHANISM AND CARDIAC CAUSES OF DEATH

Incidence
There are approximately 75 deaths per year in athletes between 13-25 years. 89% occur in males, 64% occur in females. Most deaths occur during or immediately after exercise.

Mechanism of Death
Certain heart conditions react adversely to exercise. Exercise causes the heart to fibrillate, usually ventricular fibrillation and then stop. The athlete collapses suddenly and if not resuscitated immediately dies within minutes.

Cardiac Causes of Sudden Death
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: 36%
Coronary anomalies: 17%
Myocarditis: 6%
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia: 4%
Long QT Syndrome: 4%

CORONARY ANOMALIES

The above diagram depicts the normal 3 major coronary arteries which supply the heart with nutrition & oxygen.

Coronary anomalies occur when the arteries originate and/or course in an abnormal way.

The arrow points to the normal origin of the right coronary artery from the right side of the Aorta. If the left coronary artery originated from this site, it would have to course across the heart to reach its intended heart muscle. This abnormal course could result in compression of the artery between the Aorta and the Pulmonary artery during exertion resulting in chest pain, shortness of breath or sudden death.

Heart Anatomy

The diagnosis can only be made if an athlete with chest pain or shortness of breath undergoes a detailed Echocardiogram looking at the coronary arteries, a CAT Scan of the heart or a MRI of the heart.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Ensure that athletes with chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or passing out undergo a thorough medical evaluation. Train athletes with a graded program gradually building up their fitness level. Keep athletes well hydrated. Respond immediately to an athlete who has collapsed and be aware that the athlete may have suffered a cardiac arrest.

Train your staff to perform cardiac life support and have trained staff available at every practice and sporting event. Purchase a debrillator and ensure it is readily accessible.

Dr. Keith Mankowitz, the Director of the Sudden Death in Athletes Prevention Program at Washington University, is offering St Louis High Schools the following:

1) Advice on measures to prevent injury and death in athletes.
2) Review their current screening forms to ensure they comply with the American Heart Association guidelines.
3) Encourage coaches and sports personnel to be certified in cardiac resuscitation.

SOURCE: cardiology.wustl.edu

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

New Year’s Safety Tip #1 Drowsy Driving

Just like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Just like drugs or alcohol, it can be fatal when driving.
• Death rates based on mileage were 3.2 times higher at night than during the day in 2007.
• 37% of drivers surveyed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at some point in their driving career.
• 8% admitted doing so in the past six months
• 60% admitted falling asleep while driving on an interstate- type highway with posted speeds of 55 MPH or higher.
The drivers at highest risk are: third shift workers, people that drive a substantial number of miles each day, those with unrecognized sleep disorders, and those prescribed medication with sedatives.

Recognize the symptoms of fatigue
• Eyes closing or going out of focus
• Persistent yawning
• Irritability, restlessness, and impatience
• Wandering or disconnected thoughts
• Inability to remember driving the last few miles
• Drifting between lanes or onto shoulder
• Abnormal speed, tailgating, or failure to obey traffic signs
• Back tension, burning eyes, shallow breathing or inattentiveness

Safety Tips
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule that allows adequate rest.
• When the signs of fatigue begin to show, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lit area. Do not simply stop on the side of the road.
• Avoid driving between 12am and 6am
• When planning long trips:
o Share driving responsibilities with a companion
o Begin the trip early in the day
o Keep the temperature cool in the car
o Stop every 100 miles or 2 hours to get out of the car and walk around; exercise helps to combat fatigue
o Stop for light meals and snacks
o Drive with your head up, shoulders back and legs flexed at about a 45 degree angle
Information

SOURCE: National Safety Council

Click here to read the articlel

handrails on both sides of stairs

Falls Prevention
From the homesafetycouncil.org

According to The State of Home Safety in America™ (2004) conducted by the Home Safety Council, falls are by far the leading cause of unintentional home injury death. Falls account for an average of 5.1 million injuries and nearly 6,000 deaths each year. Walk through your home to identify and remedy potential fall hazards. What to look for:

Home Safety Prevent Falls
HANDRAILS

Have handrails on both sides of stairs and steps. Make sure handrails go from the top to the bottom of stairs.

Safely Light Stairs

STAIRS
Have lots of lights at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Keep the stairs clear of all trip hazards.

Keep stairs safe and clear

Photos Courtesy of Jake Pauls

Click here for More info from the Home Safety Council

Born at 1:52 AM on Monday 6-29-09 a new filly

Picture was taken shortly after her birth.  This is our fist experience with the birth of a foal.  We are very excited!

Picture was taken on a cell phone.  Better pictures to come!

We have a new filly at our ranch