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The American Heart Association played an important role in my father's quest to quit smoking. After smoking for 52 years, he realized the necessity of putting the cigarettes away forever. He just didn't know how to do it.

With the help of the American Heart Association, and their how to programs, my father quit smoking in about 5 weeks. They provided answers to all the concerns he had. It was sort of like a rebuttal to every excuse he had, and that was all it took.

The American Heart Association is a voluntary health agency that provides services nationwide. Their mission is "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular disease and stroke". A major part of the services provided is education.

The true essence of the American Heart Association is to prevent heart disease. For those patients already diagnosed with heart disease, the association's goal is providing relief and treatments to get that person back to normal daily living.

In the early 1900's patients with heart disease felt hopeless and were limited to total bed rest. A group of Doctors and social workers set out to change that persona, through hope and education. In 1915, they formed the first Association for the Prevention and Relief of Heart Disease in New York City.

As a result, the National equivalent of the association was born. In 1924, a team of six cardiologists founded the American Heart Association. It took many years of study and research to bring it to the capacity it is today by way of public exposure.

Through a network radio contest, in 1948, the public sent in contributions for the cause. The incredible donations netted $1.75 million. This with other donations for research, including $50,000 from the American Legion, set the stage for what the organization is today.

Thanks to the endless dedication and contributions of the American Heart Association, countless lives have been saved. Americans are now armed with the much needed education, and support to make better decisions regarding heart health.

Many programs and educational tools give new hope to surviving heart disease. Programs that address exercise and fitness, healthy eating, lowering cholesterol and weight control, has lead to greater prevention.

Heart disease does not have to be a death sentence, as thought to be many years ago. People with heart disease can now live healthy productive lives through the programs provided by the American Heart Association.

Source:
http://www. americanheart.org/presenter.jh tml?identifier=1200009

Learn more about this author, Wendy Pettit.
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