A Simple Way to Be a Hero

I am participating in an Ambassador program on behalf of Influence Central and hosted by the makers of Bayer® Aspirin. I have received compensation to thank me for my participation. All opinions expressed are my own. 

As a new parent, you always hear your (older) wiser family members say “cherish this time, it all happens so fast!”

So true.

And honestly– cherished experiences with loved ones is what life’s all about, am I right? Quality time with friends and family truly enriches our lives, and I find that to be particularly true now that I am a parent myself.

And while we never like to think about an unexpected emergency related to heart disease (or anything else for that matter), preparing for the possibility puts each of us in the position to act as a hero for someone we love, to ensure memory-making for years to come.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the US, which is 1 in every 4 deaths.

There’s a heart attack every 42 seconds in the U.S. Think about that for a minute.

But did you know that something as simple as taking aspirin during a suspected heart attack can help save a life? In fact, Bayer Aspirin works to keep blood from clotting, so when taken during a suspected heart attack, it can increase the chance of survival.

I remembered hearing that years ago, but never really thought much of it because I was in my twenties—too young to be affected personally or know anyone affected by it.

Yet here I am having just entered my 30s, and a heart attack is something that I realized is incredibly real and serious. You see- our neighbor and good friend recently had a heart attack.

At 30 years old.

A fit, young guy, husband and father to a 3 year old and a newborn baby boy. That definitely hit close to home and rocked all our worlds.

Thankfully, he made a full recovery, but it’s really opened my eyes to the symptoms of a heart attack and what I can do to prepare for the possibility to act as a hero for loved ones.

I was thrilled to hear that Bayer Aspirin has developed a campaign called The HeroSmiths to address the issue of heart attacks in the U.S., and to help people realize the life-saving benefits of Bayer Aspirin.

The premise is simple: chewing aspirin during a suspected heart attack could help save someone’s life, but the problem is there isn’t always aspirin around. And Bayer Aspirin wants to turn every person with the most common last name into potential heroes. Check out the video and details here: http://www.theherosmiths.com

If more people carried aspirin, fewer people might die from heart attacks. So take the pledge with me to carry aspirin by joining the HEROSMITHS campaign. Then learn about the signs and symptoms of a heart attack so you can be prepared and know how to helpI know I will. It’s a simple thing to do that can make a huge difference for someone to ensure memory-making for years to come.

In the event of a suspected heart attack, immediately call 9-1-1 and chew or crush and swallow aspirin as directed by a doctor.