Cardiovascular disease -- including sudden cardiac arrest and stroke -- is the nation's Number One killer. To urge Americans to join the battle against cardiovascular disease, Congress has proclaimed February "American Heart Month."
During American Heart Month, thousands of America Heart Association volunteers visit their neighbors. Their goal is to raise funds for research and education and pass along information about heart disease and stroke.
Other organizations set up to increase public awareness about cardiovascular disease are the Travis R. Roy Sudden Cardiac Arrest Fund, founded after a 14-year-old student suffered cardiac arrest while at school, and the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association.
The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association promotes the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and has published for free download its "Saving Lives in Schools and Sports" reference book. The book describes the effectiveness of AEDs in schools and offers personal stories of sudden cardiac survivors, such as that of student teacher Darrel Arnold, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while coaching at Marina High School in Orange County.