The 2015 Living for Zachary HeatBeats Gala

The HeartBeats Gala is a two-day annual event in Dallas, TX held during February, American Heart Month. Proceeds from the HeartBeats Gala benefits Living for Zachary (L4Z) whose mission is to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in youth. In three short years, the HeartBeats Gala has attracted more than 2,500 attendees, 50 corporate/private sponsors and has raised more than $1 million.

The first event is the Education Forum which is a free event offered to the general public to learn more about their heart health. Each year the Education Forum offers free Living for Zachary Heart Screenings for youth ages 12-22 – includes an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram and blood pressure check, free health tests to determine your personal health numbers, free medical advice from a board of nationally-recognized physicians, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) awareness demonstrations, booths hosted by world-renowned medical manufacturers and wellness companies and heart healthy cooking presentation and tasting with free food and drinks.

In 2013, Living for Zachary received a proclamation from the Dallas Mayor, Michael Rawlings, stating that Friday, February 15, 2013 is ‘Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Day’.
 
The second event is the HeartBeats Gala which is a black tie affair offering cocktails, fine dining, live and silent auction, and live music.  In 2013, a wine pull was added to the night’s events to provide attendees the opportunity to purchase fine wines donated from the cellars of top wine connoisseurs. Every year, the HeartBeats Gala hosts approximately 1,000 business and community leaders, physicians and members of the medical community and strong L4Z supporters.

Stephanie Dempsey - a Southern Pioneer for the Heart

Stephanie Dempsey was a Volunteer for the American Heart Association and an advocate for heart screening died at 44. She was from Blairsville, Georgia who in July of 2014 testified before the Senate Finance Committee about her story regarding her fight with heart disease and her family's struggles.

According the American Heart Association, Dempsey was diagnosed with a hereditary coronary artery disease at the young age of 21. She had quadruple bypass surgery at 30, and later had another bypass and dealt with other health issues.

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association quoted saying: "Her devotion to our cause, while battling her own illness, is a testament to the kind of person she was. Her legacy will continue as we continue seeking ways to help and improve the lives of everyone afflicted by heart disease.”

Stephanie Dempsey died Dec. 15, at her home in Blairsville, Georgia at a very young age. Her words will continue to ring for the American Heart Association and all that she stood for. 

 

 

#Life is Why - at Living for Zachary

Are you wondering what all the talk is about #LifeisWhy ? The American Heart Association has created a heart campaign to help people share their stories of why they want to live and choose life. This heart disease awareness campaign has taken off as survivors tell why they are thankful to live and share their stories of Heart Disease and other share their "reason why" they choose life and healthier lifestyles.

To see stories of #lifeisWhy - click here to be directed to a whole list of stories and sharing of others.
The American Heart Association says "We want more people to experience life's precious moments".

For more video's on #LifeisWhy - visit the American Heart Association, Life is Why Youtube here.

What is your WHY to live and be healthy?

American Heart Association, Life is Why

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

We want people to experience more of life's precious moments.

It's why we've made better heart and brain health our mission. And until there's a world free of heart disease and stroke, we'll be here, working to make a healthier, longer life possible for everyone.
Why? Life is why.
- See more at: http://lifeiswhy.org/#sthash.DP10jNsV.dpuf

Heart Disease and Women

Often times we think of heart attacks being being more predominant in Men than Women, however - not true. Heart Disease IS the Number 1 killer in women. Hard to believe? It's true.

Here are some known facts about heart disease and women:

• Men have different symptoms of heart disease than women
• Heart disease IS the # 1 killer in women, causing 1 in 3 deaths each year. That is one loved one every three minutes
• A greater % of women die within 1 year of a heart than men
• The death rate of African-American women due to cardiovascular disease is greater than white women. 

Many medical physicians even look at some women in the Emergency Room and figure that it has to be something different than a heart issue. There simply is not enough information available regarding women and heart disease. All in all, you must know your risk factors if you are a female. You could have a heart defect that you don't even know about. If you are like most women and try to be "superwoman"- that can put you at risk as well.

Know your facts and take the  Heart Health Study - only takes a minute!

The Perfect Christmas gift

What would be something that you can give your child for Christmas, something that they will remember the rest of their lives? What would be a gift that would last a lifetime and one that you (the parent or grandparent) would remember forever?

Their is no perfect Christmas gifts - except for one thing. That one perfect Christmas is not a new basketball, or a new car, or new clothes - that perfect gift of 2012 would be a L4Z heart screening. Perhaps you have a niece, nephew, grandaughter, grandson, son or daughter and would like to give them something special - this gift - would be it. You have now found the gift of ~ peace of mind.

The Living for Zachary Heart Screenings are offered for 100.00 at the THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano for any child between 12-22.


Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA usually causes death if it's not treated within minutes. Wouldn't it be nice to know that this could be prevented in your loved one ?

Advanced Heart Care is now offering the L4Z Heart Screenings at the below office locations! You can call to schedule an appointment today at any of the below locations as well as THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano:

Advanced Heart Care
875 S Collegiate
Paris, TX 75460
(903)785-8857
Click here for directions

Advanced Heart Care
105-II Medical Plaza
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
(903) 885-3059
Click here for directions

Advanced Heart Care
2401 S FM 51, Ste. 200
Decatur, TX 76234
(940) 627-0044
Click here for directions

Advanced Heart Care
1425 Lincoln Road East Ste. A-5
Idabel, OK 74745
(580) 208-2700
Click here for directions

Since September 2009, THE HEART HOSPITAL Baylor Plano has screened over 1,000 youth and 11% were identified with possible heart issues-

Heart Healthy Habits

There’s a saying that goes, “Old habits die hard.” Well, there might be some truth to that. Most of us have old habits that we know aren’t the best for us, they might diminish our overall health, impair us from reaching our goals or have a negative effect on those around us.

Specifically speaking, what about the old habits that hurt your heart? Do you know which habits are bad on your body and how to fix them? Check out some common bad heart health habits below with recommendations on how to kick the habit for good!

1. Not committing to exercise

Exercise is essential for a healthy life, and not committing to a exercise routine or plan can make hurt your long term health. Instead of setting high goals right out of the gate, shoot for something lower and as you build momentum and consistency in your workout regimen, raise your goals.

2. Stressing over the small things

How you handle stress can have a direct effect on how your heart operates. Learn do not internalize emotions and set up avenues to talk through emotions and feelings with a close friend or companion. Learning to de-stress can add years on your life!

3. Watching TV

Ever heard of the term “couch potato”? Doesn’t sound appealing, does it? Avoid sitting in front of the TV for hours at a time because research suggests a connection to hours of inactivity and a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

So get out there, get active and try and live a stress free life. Consider your heart health and enjoy all the years to come!

Are you a ticking time bomb for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Did you know that now there is a interactive tool that has been designed to help and assist a person to see if they are at risk for SCA? SCA is a common cardiac arrhythmia that can happen to anyone and without much warning. Are you a time bomb? Are you at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

SCA can strike anyone at anytime and all ages, color etc. Know your risk - simply go to http://www.scarisk.org/and see if you are at risk for being struck by Sudden Cardiac Arrest. This online tool is fast and it's easy to use and you get immediate results. After you have completed the SCA risk assessment tool please contact your Dr for additional information on your results. 

This public service announcement explains the dangers of SCA and features Emmy-award winning journalist Shaun Robinson.

Kick those old habits

There’s a saying that goes, “Old habits die hard.” Well, there might be some truth to that. Most of us have old habits that we know aren’t the best for us, they might diminish our overall health, impair us from reaching our goals or have a negative effect on those around us.

Specifically speaking, what about the old habits that hurt your heart? Do you know which habits are bad on your body and how to fix them? Check out some common bad habits below with recommendations on how to kick the habit for good!

1. Not committing to exercise

Exercise is essential for a healthy life, and not committing to a exercise routine or plan can make hurt your long term health. Instead of setting high goals right out of the gate, shoot for something lower and as you build momentum and consistency in your workout regimen, raise your goals.

2. Stressing over the small things

How you handle stress can have a direct effect on how your heart operates. Learn do not internalize emotions and set up avenues to talk through emotions and feelings with a close friend or companion. Learning to destress can add years on your life!

3. Watching TV

Ever heard of the term “couch potato”? Doesn’t sound appealing, does it? Avoid sitting in front of the TV for hours at a time because research suggests a connection to hours of inactivity and a higher risk for heart attack and stroke.

So get out there, get active and try and live a stress free life. Consider your heart health and enjoy all the years to come!

Salt - the Heartbreaker!

Many of us just HAVE to have our Salt and most of us get pretty upset if someone tries to limit our salt intake. We just have it!

Sodium is a mineral that YES is totally essential for your body to keep going.  Salt is regulated in your body by your kidneys and aids in the control of your body's fluid and balance. Salt also assists in sending nerve impulses and muscle function.

When there’s extra sodium in your bloodstream, it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body.
- See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. - See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. - See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. - See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. - See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

Sodium is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated in the body by your kidneys, and it helps control your body’s fluid balance. It also helps send nerve impulses and affects muscle function.
When there’s extra sodium in your bloodstream, it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body.
- See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

Salt is high in so many of our foods such as:

• Processed foods/lunch meats
• Canned foods
• Many mixed drinks
• Pickled foods

Want to know why salt is so bad for our heart and overall health?

it pulls water into your blood vessels, increasing the total volume of blood inside. With more blood flowing through, blood pressure increases. It’s like turning up the water supply to a garden hose — the pressure in the hose increases as more water is blasted through it. Over time, high blood pressure may overstretch or injure the blood vessel walls and speed the build-up of gunky plaque that can block blood flow. The added pressure also tires out the heart by forcing it to work harder to pump blood through the body. - See more at: http://sodiumbreakup.heart.org/sodium-411/sodium-and-your-health/#sthash.XuYeUtbu.dpuf

The NFL and Pink Awareness - Let's get some Red in there!

We are very grateful that the National Football League (NFL) participates in the Think Pink or Breast Cancer Awareness programs. Breast Cancer is a horrible disease that can take any of our loved ones at any time - just like Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The difference is - SCA can strike with any warning, no symptom.

The NFL has a complete website for the NFL's support of Breast Cancer - http://www.nfl.com/pink. Great cause and great idea with ways that you can Pledge to be a part of the Crucial Catch Day! On the NFL Breast Cancer site you can sign up for Personal screening reminders, pledge to get screened, schedule your screening and also encourage others. Great IDEA and love that the NFL is participating in something with such a great need and cause.

However - can we remember that October IS also Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month? It might be new to some that is why Living for Zachary is asking and encouraging all to help us bring SCA Awareness to the forefront and Wear RED in October too!

Projected Deaths from SCA in 2014

When most people think of October, they think Halloween and now Pink - everyone is wearing pink in October, even the NFL.  Many people already realize that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month but many don't realize that October is also Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month.

Through many advances and bringing awareness to all, Breast Cancer survivors are on the rise. So, that is why Living for Zachary is working hard to not only bring Sudden Cardiac Awareness Month to people's attention but also now bring RED to the forefront as we become aware of SCA.

According to the Sudden Cardiac Awareness Foundation nearly 400,000 people will die unexpected from Sudden Cardiac Arrest outside the hospitals in 2014. Are you aware that there are people that do not even know about SCA and exactly what Sudden Cardiac Arrest means??

So, let's share the PINK and add some RED to October and bring awareness to all about SCA and how it can strike, just like Breast Cancer.

Don't be one of those "Projected Deaths" - be a informed individual through heart screening , early detection tools, educating the public (through CPR and AED's) and bring awareness to all about the Red in October.

Why October is important to us!

This month is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Month, an awareness campaign that is very dear to the hearts of all of us here at Living for Zachary, and for the families and friends of those that have been directly affected by sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a heart condition that different from a conventional heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart doesn’t normally stop beating. During sudden cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood to the rest of the body and for many, leads to nearly immediate death.

This month, many non-profits across the country have launched awareness campaigns to help the general public learn from the situations of others and to help become more proactive in getting their heart screened and detected for any potentially life-threatening signs.

Living for Zachary is so proud to have the HeartRun in October with hundreds of participants coming out and participating in a event to benefit the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest. 

Know the facts about Sudden Cardiac Awareness

SCA is the leading cause of death in student athletes, that is a fact. Reports show every year 10,000 young people die from SCA.  Many appear healthy and have no known family history of heart-related illness. Although medical tests can detect the presence of heart concerns, many insurance companies generally do not cover their costs without the presence of symptoms or a family history of heart problems and many times if there are none, parent's do not pursue the test.

Typically, SCA symptoms are silent until it is too late. As a result, screening is critical to prevention. An echocardiogram can detect the potential for SCA with 99% accuracy and many of the problems detected can be treated or corrected. For this reason it is essential that screening be done at an early age.
Warning signs and symptoms of SCA: 
• Family history of unexpected sudden death during physical activity or during a seizure, or any other unexplained sudden death of an otherwise healthy family member under age 50  
• Unexplained fainting or seizures 
• Fainting of seizure during or after physical activity
• Fainting or seizure resulting from emotional excitement, distress or startle
• Chest pain or discomfort/ racing heartbeat • Dizziness/ lightheadedness during or after physical activity 
• Family history of heart disease
• Unusual shortness of breath
• Unusual fatigue/tiredness

If you are someone you love are having any of these signs or symptoms, please do not delay. Contact a physician today and don't wait! Prevention is the most important thing and a heart screening will tell if there is some underlying condition.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest's - Did you knows?

Do you know the story of Zachary Schrah?
Do you know why Karen Schrah started the non-profit organization called - Living for Zachary?
Do you know that Zach Schrah was a perfectly normal and healthy young man who had never had any medical history of heart disease?
Do you know that Zachary Schrah's life might have been saved if there had been a AED on the football field?

Listen to the story of Zach Schrah and find out why his Mother, Karen Schrah made it her mission to bring awareness to others about SCA, Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

Heart Screening as a Precaution

With the recent death of Joan Rivers and her outpatient vocal chord procedure the topic of preparedness arises and can benefit all. 

At Living for Zachary we encourage all to be prepared with your health and have your heart screened, especially before you start an activity that could be hard on your heart or a medical procedure. 

With Heart disease many factors can come into play especially when you have a procedure

performed. Anesthesia, reactions to certain types of drugs, blood pressure changes, changes to your heart - all of these can add risk to the equation.

Heart Screening could save your life and the life of anyone, especially before a medical procedure. Changes can occur over the years with your health and your heat so heart screening can benefit anyone, especially youth heart screening. 

The mission of Living for Zachary is dedication to the awareness of Sudden Cardiac Awareness (SCA) in youth and saving the lives of others through community education and SCA Events. Promoting youth heartscreenings, student scholarships and donating AEDs to youth based organizations is our primary focus. However, we encourage all to have their heart screened, it’s your heart – take care of it and listen to it.

Another life lost - Joan Rivers

Cardiac Arrest is probably not something any of us would expect to be experiencing when going to a clinic for a fairly straight-forward, somewhat non-invasive procedure. With the recent unexplained and surprising death of Joan Rivers many have been discussing details about the events right before emergency response was called to the scene. 

Thoughts about these types of procedures and what can happen often vary and now with the death of Joan Rivers,  SCA (Sudden CardiacArrest) is once again brought to the surface of discussion as a popular comedian loses her life to SCA.

If you are over 35 in good health or not and if you’re going to have any kind of procedure done, it is imperative that you ask questions of the medical professionals in that particular office. Find out if all licenses are up to date and all staff is trained in CPR. Check office references and ask around about the office and staff.

Joan Rivers simply was an outpatient seeing a Gastroenterologist for a procedure on her vocal chords. As with most procedures where someone is sedated, medical instruments would have been inserted into her throat. Unfortunately we don’t have all of the details but essentially something went terribly wrong. Medical professionals and Law Enforcement are still investigating Joan River’s death and if she had a history of any heart disease and exactly what took place in that procedure room on September 4th. Again, the death of Joan Rivers should certainly should bring additional awareness to everyone about heart issues and Sudden Cardiac Arrest and what it means to be prepared and aware.  

Living for Zachary in the News again!

Anytime that Living for Zachary is in the news, we like to share. We are thankful for such a supportive community who will assist us in getting the awareness for Sudden Cardiac Arrest out!
Below is the spot that Karen Schrah was on in August of 2014:


Dallas News | myFOXdfw.com

With high school football practice two-a-days starting soon, teens are at risk for heat stroke and other heart-related issues, but there’s currently a low-cost way that teens can find out if their hearts could be in danger.

Most kids never have their hearts checked because it's not required by middle and high school athletic departments.

In April 2009, 16-year-old Plano East offensive lineman Zachary Schrah collapsed during football practice and later died due to a heart condition that caused sudden cardiac arrest.

No required annual physical showed the condition.

“He played sports since he was a young child,” said his mom, Karen. “I never had any idea.”

A non-profit group, the Living for Zachary Foundation, was later founded in Zachary’s honor to help raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest in youth.

Karen says that in the past five years, the Living for Zachary Foundation has funded 3,000 screenings for students between the ages of 12 and 22, a few of which have become heart patients.

“Once we find a problem, we make recommendations for lifestyle changes, and often that involves athletic activity,” said Dr. David Rawitscher, a cardiologist at Baylor Heart Hospital Plano. “And it's hard to tell a student, 'I'm sorry, you can't play competitive basketball,’ ‘I'm sorry, you can't play competitive football.'”

A 15-minute, non-invasive heart screening normally costs several hundred dollars.

But a partnership between Living for Zachary, Frontera Strategies and Walgreens has made the test free at two Collin County locations for any person between 12 and 22, regardless of whether or not he or she is an athlete.

“This test could've saved my son's life,” said Karen.

There will be other slots available after that for $55.

Baylor Plano, Denton and McKinney offer the test for $100.

Posted: Aug 04, 2014 9:06 PM CST Updated: Aug 04, 2014 9:35 PM CST

By: Calvert Collins