(NewsUSA) - Each winter, unpredictable weather creates an avalanche of logistical and financial problems for local governments.

As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, these challenges are compounded by staffing shortages due to illness and quarantine. Local government officials struggle to find ways to keep their streets clear and safe, while meeting the expectations of local schools, businesses and residents, and managing spiraling costs.

However, the easy-to-use technology that has fueled the success of ride-sharing services is making inroads, so to speak, in snowplow fleet management and delivering a real difference for U.S. cities and towns this winter.

SNOWiQ, an Uber-like mobile application, helps municipalities quickly boost and manage their snowplow fleets. The program can match available plows and drivers with the snowy streets that need them most, enhancing local resources with the help of on-demand area contractors. The system clears the way for any resident or contractor with a truck and plow attachment to receive approval to plow city streets -- and get in on the action (and the income) of keeping wintery roads safe.

One notable example of the utility of SNOWiQ can be found in Montgomery County, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC, that requires its full-time snow removal fleet to scale on a moment's notice.

The county turned to EastBanc Technologies, developer of SNOWiQ and the TERRAiQ platform whose smart technology fuels SNOWiQ and several other intelligent fleet management solutions, to modernize its operations and enable its field team to provide a fast and effective emergency response during winter storms.

The SNOWiQ application makes it easy to add contractors on an as-needed basis and to equip the entire fleet with the same easy-to-use tool -- a mobile application on their smartphones that is highly visual and shares route progress, updates and new requests in real time.

After completing a pilot, the program was launched full-scale for the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Full-time county drivers and on-demand contractors receive and report plowing progress from their mobile phones.

This strategy provides local supervisors with a detailed picture that enables maximum efficiency of workforce dispatching and scaling. An added benefit allows residents to access a public-facing SNOWiQ-powered dashboard to see real-time information about area snowstorm response activity.

The success of SNOWiQ highlights the feasibility and promise of mobile technology to help local governments deliver better service and cut costs. When spring comes and the snow stops falling, TERRAiQ technology could even be deployed to support building inspections and leaf removal, along with other on-demand public services.

Visit eastbanctech.com to learn more about SNOWiQ and the TERRAiQ suite of applications that power today's innovative connected experiences and improve our daily lives.

(NewsUSA) - If you have a chronic or recurring infection, getting accurate results of diagnostic tests can make a big difference in your quality of care and quality of life. Patients with infections value the resolution that comes from accurate testing, diagnosis, and good treatment that MicroGenDX's Next-Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) enables.

When a patient is infected, they will usually be prescribed an antibiotic or antifungal by their healthcare provider. These antimicrobials are often chosen based on culturing, growing the specimen in a petri dish. There are limitations to this 150-year-old technology that MicroGenDX is helping to solve.

MicroGenDX uses DNA sequencing technology to identify all bacteria and fungi in a sample from an infected patient, no growth required. NGS detects many microbes that cultures often miss. This provides a patient's physician with a more comprehensive result enabling appropriate and optimized therapy.

"Our mission at MicroGenDX is to improve clinical outcomes by offering clinicians and their patients the most informative and impactful microbial diagnostic tests that science can provide," says CEO Rick Martin. MicroGenDX makes a difference for patients like Kelsey, who struggled with a urinary tract infection so painful that it left her bedridden. When Kelsey finally received the correct antibiotic to treat her infection based on MicroGenDX test results, she was able to recover and return to a pain-free life.

"What makes MicroGenDX unique is our curated database of over 50,000 microbes, our improved turnaround time, our patient-friendly price point, and our clinical research data that strongly supports the clinical utility of Next-Generation Sequencing," Martin emphasizes.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a technology that allows for more specific identification of disease-causing organisms than the traditional cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic tests used by many labs. Although the technology itself is not new, MicroGenDX, which has been in business for 12 years, has made NGS possible for use in an everyday clinical setting. In the past, NGS technology was expensive and time-consuming. Today, NGS is used by a variety of major companies and research institutions, including NASA, through MicroGenDX, and MicroGenDX is helping to open the door for the use of NGS in clinical medicine.

MicroGenDX provides results for diagnoses related to urinary tract infections (UTI), prostate infections, hip and knee infections, wound infections, sinus infections, lung infections and more. The company continues to conduct research to expand the evidence base for the technology, with more than 35 published clinical studies and more than 40 ongoing clinical trials.

MicroGenDX's NGS has a number of benefits over traditional culture and PCR labs:

- Accuracy. The MicroGenDX test matches patient samples against its microbial database of 50,000 species for maximum accuracy in the NGS results.

- Affordability. The MicroGenDX offers low rates for both qPCR and NGS to help clinicians and patients control costs without sacrificing quality.

- Speed. MicroGenDX has the quickest turn around time of any NGS provider on the market at 3-5 business days for most NGS samples.

- Variety. The MicroGenDX lab accepts a broad range of samples and can provide information on hard to culture and uncommon bacterial and fungal species, including Mycobacterium and Molds.

- Antibiotic Resistance: MicroGenDX recognizes the threat that antimicrobial resistant organisms present to current medicine and the over 35,000 deaths a year it causes. The use of NGS allows for targeted antibiotic treatment that helps combat the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. MicroGenDX also detects the presence of 17 antibiotic resistance genes allowing clinicians to avoid ineffective treatments.

Visit microgendx.com for more information about the company's services, and check them out on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

(NewsUSA) - The to-do list for newly engaged couples can be daunting. Finding a venue, booking a caterer, choosing a dress -- there are many details that need to be factored into a wedding budget, regardless of who is paying. Starting a new life together is a perfect opportunity to establish solid financial habits that will serve you well throughout your marriage.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help couples develop a smart plan to manage engagement and wedding expenses. Setting priorities early on can help avoid conflicts as the big day approaches. Start by considering these four elements of planning for wedding expenses:

• Make a list. Write down everything you both need or want for your dream wedding. That includes items large and small, from the number of guests to the types of flowers or favors.
• Rank the list. Now that you have your list, put things in order of priority. Assign a number to each item in order of importance, such as a live band, sit-down dinner or elaborate cake. Or start by sorting needs and wants into categories, using 1 as most important, 2 as moderately important and 3 as least important. You will need to agree on the most important items, whatever those may be.
• Budget the list. Assign an estimated price to each category or item, according to how much you are able and willing to spend. Consider cutting back on flowers in order to fund a sit-down dinner, for instance, or opt for a buffet-style dinner so you can invite more guests.
• Listen to the lists. This is the time to be a good listener. Hear what your partner has to say about needs and wants; what is important to one of you may not be as important to the other. Financial compromise is a skill that will serve you throughout married life.

Data from loan services show that approximately 45% of couples racked up debt to pay for their wedding, and that ultimately the debt resulted in consideration of divorce. Nip that risk in the bud by avoiding debt when you assess your wedding expenses. A CFP® professional can help you think outside the box and guide you in making smart financial choices during the wedding planning process.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more information about managing wedding expenses and planning your financial future.

(NewsUSA)

"The characters are well-developed and smart ... even the very minor characters have backstories ... Very enjoyable!" -The Cozy Mystery Blog

The Dulcie Chambers Mystery series is perfect for anyone who loves following along with an unconventional amateur detective as she solves the classiest whodunnits you've ever read. It's also perfect for those who want a splattering of the art world mingling with their mysteries, satisfying penchants for stylishness while learning about anything from oil painting to falconry.

Author Kerry J Charles' background more than qualifies her to pen artistic mysteries steeped in uncanny depths of knowledge. She has worked as a researcher, writer and editor for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Institution, Harvard University and several major textbook publishers. She holds four degrees and has carried out research in many of the world's art museums as a freelance writer and scholar.

AN ART CURATOR TURNED SLEUTH EXTRAORDINAIRE 

Charles threw the doors wide open with her first novel, "An Exhibit of Madness," (2013) starring the cultivated curator Dr. Dulcinea Chambers. Dulcie just opened a new exhibit of watercolors at the Maine Museum of Art. Everything seems poised for success until she discovers a corpse where the painting should have been and, worst of all, she's one of the primary suspects.

Dulcie wouldn't consider herself a heroine but is forced to be her own when her life takes this crazy turn. She joins forces with Police Detective Nicholas Black to clear her name, and soon her sleuthing becomes a recurring habit. Detective Black gets pulled in and becomes an ongoing character throughout the series in Dulcie's mysterious misadventures.

Book Two sees her seeking the truth about a stolen van Gogh painting found with a dead scuba diver, all while traversing the stormy seas of love in "From the Murky Deep." Things get even more complicated in the compelling third book, "The Fragile Flower." BookTrib's review affirms that "Readers will be inspired by Dulcie's resourcefulness and determination in achieving her goals, and stick around for the relationships she cultivates … Charles skillfully blends information about art history and painting technique into her exciting whodunnit that will keep readers guessing until the very end."

Luckily, it's not the end of the intrigue. The next book, "A Mind Within," showcases Dulcie stretching her creative muscles into the unusual genre of Outsider Art. An old boyfriend then brings more than just personal drama when he pops over from Scotland for a visit in "Last of the Vintage." Falconry is an unexpected art form that flies into action in the equally captivating "The Hand That Feeds You." Finally, "Bolt From the Blue" adds high fashion and even opera into the eclectic mix.

A COLLAGE OF ART, MURDER AND A BIT OF ROMANCE 

Charles crafts characters with detailed and nuanced personalities as well as contexts equally as interesting as the plot twists. Stay tuned for the next scrape that Dr. Chambers manages to get into (and out of) when the eighth novel comes calling. Dive in at www.kerryjcharles.com. 

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - Now more than ever, health and wellness are on everyone's mind. To support your immune system, it's important to follow a healthy diet that includes vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein. One easy way to get plant-based protein is from peanuts and peanut butter.

Peanuts are known as a superfood because they deliver significant nutritional value in a small amount. One serving of peanuts is an ounce or approximately 35 peanuts and a serving of peanut butter is two tablespoons. Just one serving of peanuts delivers seven grams of protein, 19 vitamins and minerals, fiber and heart-healthy fats.

"Studies conducted in the United States and around the world reveal that eating peanuts regularly helps prevent disease, improves life expectancy and delivers positive effects throughout the body," says Dr. Samara Sterling, a nutrition scientist and research director with The Peanut Institute.

"When you have foods such as peanuts and peanut butter that deliver plant protein, fiber and healthy fats, you're making a smart choice that will keep you feeling full and help power you through the day," Dr. Sterling adds.

Peanuts not only contribute vitamins and minerals, but they provide energy and help support muscle repair, she emphasizes.

Peanuts can also be good for your mind as well as your body.

"When you break down the nutritional structure of peanuts, they have a unique combination of vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds, including arginine, resveratrol, niacin, vitamin E and coumaric acids, that can contribute to cognition and mental health," explains Dr. Sterling.

A study published in 2021 in the journal Clinical Nutrition suggests that peanut and peanut butter consumption may improve cognitive function and reduce stress, based on data from healthy young adults.

Adding peanuts and peanut butter to your diet is easy.

Visit peanutinstitute.com for more information and for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snack ideas.

Meanwhile, check out this recipe for Peanut Butter Tart with Chocolate Crust and Strawberries:

You need:

• 1 cup Medjool dates, seeds removed
• 1 cup peanuts, unsalted
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 4 ounces low fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup strawberries, diced
• Chopped peanuts for garnishing

1. Combine the dates and peanuts in a food processor, and blend into small pieces.
2. Add cocoa powder, brown sugar and water into the food processor and blend until it takes a dough form.
3. Press crust into the base of a pie tin, working up the edges.
4. Place crust in the freezer while you combine filling.
5. For pie filling, combine remaining ingredients in the food processor or mixer. (Make sure cream cheese and butter are completely softened before mixing.) Blend until all ingredients are incorporated and creamy.
6. Fill pie crust with the filling, smoothing out the top. Garnish with chopped peanuts and strawberries.
7. Refrigerate until set. Serve cold.

(NewsUSA) - Looking for answers after experiencing unexplained fainting episodes at just 33, Kymberli Petronio, wife and mother of four, sought out a heart specialist. The cardiologist recommended an insertable heart monitor, designed for people who experience infrequent, unexplained fainting, or who may have an undiagnosed heart rhythm condition.

More than a year later, Petronio fainted again. This time, her heart stopped for 19 seconds but began beating on its own again. Her implanted Reveal LINQ device transmitted the data to her doctor's office and from there, they were able to diagnose a heart condition and implant a Medtronic pacemaker to help regulate her heartbeat.

"The Reveal LINQ is the reason I'm here," says Petronio. Today, Petronio is living an active life with her family and wants to share her story to educate others. Getting heart smart about common heart rhythm issues starts with understanding the terms and treatment options. 

What is an arrhythmia?

An arrhythmia is an irregular rhythm caused by a malfunction in the heart's electrical system. Common symptoms may include a fluttering feeling in the chest, chest pain, heart palpitations, rapid or pounding heart rate, fainting, fatigue, shortness of breath or dizziness.

What are the treatment options?

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are a common treatment option for patients with an arrhythmia. CIEDs include pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), which regulate a person's heart rate. A pacemaker typically is implanted in the chest and sends out low-energy electrical stimulation to increase a too-slow heart rate. An ICD also is placed in the chest: when a person's heart beats dangerously fast, the ICD will deliver a shock or painless pacing therapy to interrupt and reset the heart's rhythm. For some patients with heart failure, an advanced pacemaker or defibrillator -- called cardiac resynchronization therapy -- can help the lower chambers of the heart beat in sync, reducing the symptoms of this progressive condition. And many patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib), a quivering in the upper chambers of the heart, are candidates for minimally invasive catheter cryoablation.

Your Heart Health Matters 

February is American Heart Month and a critical time to learn more about heart health. Learn the signs and symptoms of heart disease and keep up with your regular doctor appointments and screenings. To learn more about heart health, visit Medtronic.com.

(NewsUSA) - Whether it's from everyday deadlines, financial struggles, or the COVID-19 pandemic, stress shows up often in life. And your body reacts to it: your heart rate increases, your blood vessels narrow -- and over time, these little blows can add up and do damage to your health, particularly your heart. With chronic stress, you're more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and poor sleep. Even other parts of your body -- from your lungs to your gut -- can take a hit.

But while you can't always limit the amount of stress in your life, you can work on changing how you respond to it. Just like the automatic "fight or flight" response that kicks in when you're scared -- your muscles tense, heart rate increases, and brain becomes more alert-- your body also has a built-in, healthy relaxation response. When that's triggered, the opposite happens: your breathing and heart rate slow down, and your blood pressure decreases.

Luckily, with practice, you can learn to trigger that response. Try these techniques on your own or find a teacher or class to help you get started. Don't get discouraged if you don't get the hang of it quickly. And if one approach doesn't work for you, try something new. You can learn to de-stress in lots of other ways.

Meditation. One of the most studied approaches for managing stress, this involves developing your ability to stay focused on the present, instead of worrying about the past or future. Find a quiet location with as few distractions as possible. Get comfortable by either sitting, lying or walking. Focus your attention on a specific word or set of words, an object or your breathing. And let distractions, including thoughts, come and go without judgment.

Progressive muscle relaxation. To feel the effect, first tense your muscles for a few seconds, then relax them. Start by tensing and relaxing your toes, then your calves and on up to your face. Do one muscle group at a time.

Deep breathing. Take in a slow, deep breath, let your stomach or chest expand and then exhale slowly. Repeat a few times. Many people don't breathe deeply, but it is relaxing and something you can do anytime, anywhere.

Guided imagery. This involves a series of steps that include relaxing and visualizing the details of a calm, peaceful setting, such as a garden.

Practice self-compassion. Understand that life's challenges are inevitable. Give yourself the care and tenderness you need when experiencing difficulty.

Getting your mind and body to a place of calm doesn't always mean being still, however. Other healthy ways to manage stress include taking a yoga or tai chi class, talking to a professional counselor, joining a stress management program or an art class, or meeting up with friends for a brisk walk. Being in nature can be very soothing for some people.

Combining de-stressors such as these with other healthy habits can go a long way toward strengthening your heart. Eat more veggies, fruits and whole grains, and less sodium, sugar and saturated fats, for example. Move your body more -- such as through dancing and walking meetings. Find exercises you actually love and do them regularly. Get enough good, quality sleep. And develop a strong social support system. Then rethink some of the familiar ways you may be coping with stress, such as drinking alcohol frequently, using drugs and other substances, smoking or overeating. They can actually worsen your stress -- and your health.

Taking care of your heart health is a lifelong journey, but at a time when the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 remains higher in people with poor cardiovascular health, learning new ways to make your heart strong has become even more important.

You can learn more about heart health from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute by visiting www.nhlbi.nih.gov. If you need help finding additional resources to help you cope with stress, talk to a healthcare provider. Seek urgent care if you can't cope at all or have suicidal thoughts. Resources are also available at nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help.

(NewsUSA) - Se trate de los plazos de entrega diarios, las dificultades financieras o la pandemia de COVID-19, el estrés aparece a menudo en la vida y su cuerpo reacciona: su frecuencia cardiaca aumenta, sus vasos sanguíneos se contraen y, con el tiempo, estos pequeños impactos se acumulan y dañan su salud, particularmente su corazón. Con el estrés crónico, es más probable que tienda a desarrollar hipertensión, cardiopatía, diabetes, obesidad y trastornos del sueño. Incluso otras partes del cuerpo pueden verse afectadas; desde los pulmones hasta los intestinos.

Aunque no siempre es posible limitar la cantidad de estrés en su vida, puede modificar su respuesta ante él. Al igual que la respuesta automática de "luchar o huir" que se gatilla cuando siente miedo y sus músculos se tensan, su frecuencia cardiaca aumenta y el cerebro está más alerta, su cuerpo también tiene incorporada una respuesta saludable de relajación. Cuando se gatilla, sucede lo opuesto: su ritmo respiratorio y frecuencia cardiaca disminuyen y su presión arterial baja.

Afortunadamente, con la práctica, puede aprender a activar esa respuesta. Pruebe las siguientes técnicas por su cuenta o busque un instructor o una clase que le ayuden a comenzar. No se desanime si no agarra el ritmo rápidamente. Además, si un método no da resultado, pruebe con otro nuevo. Puede aprender a reducir el estrés de muchas otras maneras.

Meditación. Uno de los enfoques más estudiados para manejar el estrés, implica desarrollar la capacidad de mantenerse concentrado en el presente y no preocuparse por el pasado o el futuro. Busque un lugar tranquilo donde haya la menor cantidad posible de distracciones. Póngase cómodo, ya sea sentado, recostado o caminando. Centre su atención en una palabra específica o un grupo de palabras, un objeto o su respiración. Deje que las distracciones, incluidos los pensamientos, vengan y se vayan sin juzgarlos.

Relajación muscular progresiva. Para sentir este efecto, primero, tense los músculos por unos segundos y luego relájelos. Comience tensando y relajando los dedos del pie, después las pantorrillas y siga subiendo hasta la cara. Trabaje un grupo muscular a la vez.

Respiración profunda. Inhale de manera lenta y profunda, dejando expandir el estómago o el pecho y, luego, exhale lentamente. Repita un par de veces. Muchas personas no respiran profundamente, pero es algo relajante que puede hacer en cualquier momento y lugar.

Imágenes guiadas. Esto implica una serie de pasos que incluyen relajarse y visualizar los detalles de un lugar tranquilo y apacible como, por ejemplo, un jardín.

Practicar la autocompasión. Comprenda que los desafíos de la vida son inevitables. Dedíquese el cuidado y la atención que necesita cuando esté atravesando dificultades.

No obstante, llevar su cuerpo y su mente a un lugar de tranquilidad no siempre significa estar quieto. Otras maneras saludables de manejar el estrés son las clases de yoga o taichí, conversar con un consejero profesional, participar en un programa para el control del estrés o una clase de arte, o reunirse con amigos para dar una caminata rápida. Para algunas personas, estar en medio de la naturaleza es muy tranquilizante.

Combinar estos factores desestresantes con otros hábitos saludables puede ser muy beneficioso para fortalecer su corazón. Coma más verduras, frutas y granos enteros y consuma menos sodio, azúcar y grasas saturadas, por ejemplo. Muévase más, por ejemplo, a través del baile o juntándose con otras personas a caminar. Busque ejercicios que realmente le gusten y practíquelos periódicamente. Procure tener un sueño de calidad y suficiente, y desarrolle un sistema sólido de apoyo social. Después, reconsidere algunas de las maneras habituales que tiene para lidiar con el estrés, como beber alcohol a menudo, consumir drogas u otras sustancias, fumar o comer en exceso. Estas cosas, de hecho, pueden empeorar su estrés y su salud.

Cuidar de su salud cardiaca es un proceso de toda la vida, pero en tiempos en los que el riesgo de sufrir una enfermedad grave por COVID-19 sigue siendo más alto para las personas con problemas de salud cardiovascular, aprender nuevas maneras de fortalecer el corazón es aún más importante.

Puede obtener más información sobre la salud cardiaca en el sitio web del National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (Instituto Nacional del Corazón, los Pulmones y la Sangre), en www.nhlbi.nih.gov. Si necesita asistencia para encontrar más recursos que le ayuden a lidiar con el estrés, consulte a un profesional de la salud. Busque atención de urgencia si no puede afrontarlo o si tiene pensamientos suicidas. También encontrará recursos en nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/ayuda-para-la-salud-mental.

(NewsUSA) - Now more than ever, it is important to make good decisions about your health. COVID-19 and its variant descendants will likely be a part of life for years to come. Doing your best to maintain a healthy immune system protects you, your family and your community, even as the pandemic fades into the background.

The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of making good choices for your health. Many people remain fearful and anxious, but it doesn't have to be that way. Taking care of yourself is the best way to move forward and reclaim your life.

A strong immune system activates your body's natural defenses to block the activity of a virus and stop it from spreading. Following a healthy lifestyle can help you support and maintain a healthy immune system. This means eating well and exercising regularly. However, anyone who is especially concerned about immune system support, such as older individuals and those with pre-existing health conditions, may want to consider oral supplements.

The QuadraMune supplement is for anyone who wants extra immune system support to help protect themselves not only from COVID-19 viruses, but also from other germs and illnesses that are constantly circulating.

QuadraMune is an all-natural supplement that is clinically proven to help promote a healthy and fully functioning immune system by enhancing the activity of Th1 cells and suppressing inflammation. The easy-to-take oral capsules contain several key ingredients that have demonstrated immune system support.

- Pterostilbene. This natural dietary compound has demonstrated antioxidant activity and inflammatory properties. It also is found in lower concentrations in such nutritional superfoods as blueberries, almonds and grape leaves.

- Epigallocatechin gallate. This powerful antioxidant plant compound has been getting attention for its antioxidant properties and potential ability to help protect the lungs and promote healthy T cell activity.

- Sulphoraphane. This natural plant compound has been shown to help reduce inflammation. This feature may help protect your lungs and reduce your vulnerability to respiratory infections.

QuadraMune also contains an active ingredient that is chemically related to hydroxychloroquine, but with no prescription needed.

Visit buyquadramune.com for more information about QuadraMune and how you can be confident, stay healthy and enjoy life.

(NewsUSA) - This February, American Heart Month, you can learn critical information about sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) that could help you save a life. Three key things to remember:

1. SCA is not a heart attack: SCA is an "electrical" problem affecting the heart rhythm, and a heart attack is a "plumbing" problem affecting blood flow.

It's a very common misperception that a heart attack and SCA are the same thing. However, they are very different.

A heart attack occurs when part of the heart's blood supply is reduced due to a partial or complete blockage, and the heart muscle becomes injured or dies.

SCA, on the other hand, is related to the heart's internal electrical system. When this system fails, it may trigger a dangerously fast heartbeat causing the heart to quiver and stop pumping blood to the body and brain. This can cause a victim to pass out suddenly -- this is SCA.

"A heart attack victim is usually awake and can seek help, but a sudden cardiac arrest victim typically passes out immediately and must rely on others to provide immediate treatment," says Mary Newman, president and CEO of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation.

"The two conditions require vastly different treatment. The chance of survival following a sudden cardiac arrest decreases 10 percent with every passing minute."

Though a heart attack and SCA are different, they are sometimes linked.

Brent Miller, 50, survived both. Brent knew something wasn't right when he started to experience frequent severe crushing chest pain in early 2021. He was an avid runner, so a heart problem may not have seemed likely. However, Brent knew to not ignore his symptoms. He went to the hospital and learned he was having a heart attack.

Brent's doctors implanted a stent in his heart to restore blood flow. The quick medical attention saved his life, but the heart attack weakened his heart's pumping ability. This condition put him at risk for sudden cardiac arrest. As part of his recovery, his doctor recommended he wear a lifesaving wearable defibrillator known as LifeVest for protection.

Watch Brent's story on the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation website.

2. SCA is sudden by its very nature; often the first sign a person has this condition is that they collapse and experience cardiac arrest.

SCA has no warning signs. However, there are factors that may indicate someone is at risk for SCA. For example, certain heart patients may be at increased risk, including those who have suffered a heart attack or have been newly diagnosed with heart failure.

Anyone who feels they might be at risk should see a cardiologist for evaluation. If you are at risk for SCA, a doctor may recommend a wearable defibrillator, implantable cardioverter defibrillator, medications, or other measures to prevent sudden death.

In Brent's case, following his heart attack, his doctors determined he was at high risk for SCA and prescribed LifeVest, a wearable defibrillator designed to detect certain life-threatening rapid heart rhythms and automatically deliver a lifesaving treatment shock.

"My SCA was very immediate; I did not feel it was coming on at all," says Brent. "I was talking to my wife, and I collapsed."

Learn how Brent survived sudden cardiac arrest on the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation website.

3. An SCA victim requires immediate emergency care, including CPR and a defibrillation shock -- and you can help.

If you witness what you think is sudden cardiac arrest, the first thing to do is to call 911 immediately before administering urgent and immediate care. After calling 911, start CPR compressions: Push hard and fast on the center of the chest. An SCA victim requires defibrillation and bystanders should seek an AED (automated external defibrillator) to provide treatment.

If a patient is wearing LifeVest, which does not require third-party intervention, the device is designed to prompt bystanders to step aside while treatment is delivered.

When Brent experienced SCA, he was at home in his bedroom. He suddenly lost consciousness. LifeVest detected the abnormal heart rhythm and delivered a treatment shock that saved his life.

"If I wasn't wearing LifeVest that day, I have no doubt that I would have died," Brent says. "I'm just extremely grateful."

With appropriate therapy, cardiac patients can often return to doing many of the things they enjoy. After experiencing both a heart attack and SCA, Brent has recovered and undergone cardiac rehab. He continues to run and is now training for a half-marathon in April.

Learn more:

• Watch Brent's story.
• Visit the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation website for more information. The mission of the foundation is to raise public awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and promote initiatives that help save lives.