American Heart Association

With cutting-edge technology and research at our fingertips, we are dedicated to help keep your heart beating strong for years to come. But we can't do it without your help. Right now, a generous donor is TRIPLE matching gifts up to a total of $100,000 through September 30th. That means your donation will go 3X as far to help save more lives—but there's less than 48 hours left to take advantage of this offer! ❤️ Help protect the hearts you love: spr.ly/6008N4ma0

Adding kitchen essentials can take the stress out of pulling together hassle-free, healthy meals any day of the week. Make sure these items are on your weekly shopping list. And try these three meal ideas to get started!

When 18-month-old Konner woke up with a 104-degree fever, his parents took him to the emergency room. The doctor said he was just dehydrated and needed more fluids. When his temperature spiked again, a trip to a different ER ended in the same diagnosis. But Konner’s lips were also badly swollen. He had bumps all over his tongue and his body was covered in rashes. He cried when anyone touched him. His mom and dad, Stephanie and Justin, were sure there was more to it and took him to the pediatrician the next morning. Right away, the doctor said: "He's got Kawasaki disease." Kawasaki disease develops suddenly and causes a high fever and inflammation of the blood vessels, including arteries of the heart. The exact cause is unknown. It typically affects children under the age of 5, more often boys than girls. It can become life-threatening if not diagnosed within the first 5-7 days of symptoms. Konner was diagnosed on day 5. Over the next week, Konner received infusions of antibodies, standard treatment for Kawasaki disease. For the next six months, he took an aspirin a day to prevent fevers and blood clots. Now 8, Konner is happy, healthy and full of energy. He will always be a carrier of the disease, but his chances of further complications reduce greatly the older he gets. He loves playing baseball, coloring and all things wrestling. He’s testing for the gifted and talented program at his school. "Having a 104-degree temperature for days on end at 18 months old could have messed with Konner's brain, but it didn't," Stephanie said. Or, as Konner puts it: "Kawasaki disease didn't weaken me. It made me stronger."

Trouble sleeping? A great night’s sleep starts with a relaxing wind-down routine. Try journaling, a warm bath or some soothing tea. Where you sleep is important, too. Make sure your room is dark, quiet and cool before you climb in bed.

The American Heart Association teamed up with the Las Vegas Raiders to kick off the NFL PLAY 60 season with a Raiders Junior Training Camp at Mountain View Elementary in Elko, Nevada, earlier this month. Keep the momentum going! Aim for 60 minutes of play every day. Explore fun ways to stay active at http://spr.ly/6046Ajh70! #NFLPLAY60

"I will never put my health last again." Alma Gonzalez was home alone folding laundry and talking on the phone to her husband, Jose. She bent to pick up the laundry basket and as she stood up, her head felt extremely heavy. She told Jose it was "the worst headache ever." He suggested she lie down. Alma, then 42, knew this wasn't a normal headache. She was used to dealing with pain on her own, refusing to see the doctor or take medication unless necessary. But this level of pain was unbearable. She called 911. Alma had a brain aneurysm that ruptured and led to a stroke and seizures. When the bleeding in Alma's brain finally subsided after about three weeks, she was released from the hospital. But she found herself back in the ER a few days later. Doctors found blood clots in her lungs, and later cysts on her kidneys that were probably the cause of everything. Alma's story is a great reminder -- especially for women who take care of everyone else --- to put your health first, and to call 911 if you suspect a stroke or heart attack.

“I have 1,440 minutes a day, and I thank God for each one.” Eric Salter survived a life-threatening Type A aortic dissection and an 18-hour surgery. Now, every minute is remarkable. Moments that once felt ordinary - bike rides, bedtime stories and laughing with his daughters - now feel extraordinary. Eric and his family are intentional about living fully together. That’s what Heart Makes Possible.

Help protect the health of your community. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) often goes undetected until it leads to serious problems but an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test can catch it early. As a community leader, you can make screening accessible by hosting an ABI event at your church, business, or neighborhood hub. Together, we can reduce the risk of PAD-related complications like amputation, heart attack, and stroke.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. Dr. White was among the first to talk about how people could prevent heart attacks. Dr. Taussig founded the field of pediatric cardiology.

"There’s nothing quite like watching your daughter not only find her calling, but share in the very same purpose that drives your own heart." For Beth Hansen, Youth Market Director in the Midwest, working alongside her daughter, Brenna, has been one of the greatest joys of her career. Their shared “why” comes from the loss of Beth’s parents, Brenna’s grandparents, both of whom passed away from heart disease. “My mom passed at just 61, one week after Brenna was born. I never want another family to experience that pain,” Beth shares. That same purpose inspired her daughter, Brenna Hansen, to join the mission as a School Engagement Director in Des Moines, IA. In just her first year, she was recognized as Rookie of the Year for her region, a testament to her passion, dedication, and impact. Reflecting on their journey together, Beth admires Brenna’s energy and professionalism, while Brenna treasures the chance to share meaningful work with her mom. This National Daughters Day, their story shows how purpose can span generations, turning loss into hope. #TheAHALife