skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Monday, March 17, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Storm system to exit US, leaving behind at least 39 dead and vast destruction from tornadoes, wildfires and dust storms; ME farmers, others hurt by USDA freeze on funding grants; SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system; Trash 2 Trends: Turning garbage into glamour to fight climate change.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Secretary of State Rubio pledges more arrests like that of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Former EPA directors sound the alarm on Lee Zeldin's deregulation plans, and lack of opportunity is pushing rural Gen Zers out of their communities.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

AZ heart attack survivor stresses importance of CPR for Heart Month

play audio
Play

Monday, February 10, 2025   

February is American Heart Month, and an Arizona heart attack survivor wants more folks to learn CPR - which he said saved his life.

Bob Spicer called himself the luckiest man alive after having a widowmaker heart attack. It occurs when the largest of the three arteries that provide blood to the heart is 80% to 100% blocked.

He said if it weren't for his wife - who is a nurse, performing CPR on him - he wouldn't be here.

"She actually did CPR on me for about 10 to 15 minutes before they were able to find the automated external defibrillator to actually shock my heart back," said Spicer. "You know even one person in your family, or two people in your family have those types of skills, there is going to be a lot more people walking around."

About 90% of folks who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest die, according to the American Heart Association.

But the association says if someone performs CPR immediately, it can double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.

To find CPR training near you, visit CPR.heart.org.

Brian Kellar is the CEO of Banner Heart Hospital and Baywood, Goldfield and Ironwood Medical Centers and this year's Phoenix Heart Walk Chair. Kellar said heart health can impact anyone and at any age.

He recalled that two years ago, professional football player Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field after he went into cardiac arrest.

"Damar Hamlin's heart had stopped," said Kellar. "And without that kind of intervention, without somebody there - Damar Hamlin doesn't make it."

Kellar said while genetics can play a role in overall heart health, fluke situations can also cause cardiac arrest.

He encouraged everyone to get a heart check-up for peace of mind or to understand what treatment options are best for them.

He said next month's Phoenix Heart Walk will bring together thousands of people to raise awareness and celebrate survivors.

"This can affect people of all races, creeds, colors, ages - doesn't matter," said Kellar. "We see success stories and better education and awareness on how to intervene and how we can help healthier communities continue to arise."

The Phoenix Heart Walk is Saturday March 29 at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza.



Disclosure: American Heart Association Western States Region contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
Trash 2 Trends designers create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. Proceeds from the event fund recycling initiatives, litter prevention and community beautification in Orlando. (Trimmel Gomes)

Environment

play sound

What if your trash could be the key to a more sustainable wardrobe? The group Keep Orlando Beautiful is proving it is possible with its annual "Trash…


Social Issues

play sound

As the Trump administration continues to implement aggressive immigration policies, many Hispanic residents in Florida, a key voting bloc for Trump…

Social Issues

play sound

Cuts to the U.S. education system are expected to create a profound ripple effect on students and staff in Hamtramck's already struggling school …


Bobcats are elusive, native predators known for their sharp senses and solitary nature, typically hunting at dawn or dusk. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Indiana's Natural Resources Commission will decide this week whether to allow bobcat trapping, giving Hoosiers one last chance to weigh in. The …

Environment

play sound

Local leaders in California are slamming the Trump administration's moves to gut dozens of environmental policies on climate change and pollution in l…

Clean=energy advocates say wind and solar projects in Texas are reducing air pollution, saving water, supporting the grid and combating the global warming that threatens native ecosystems. (Peter Adams/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Clean-energy advocates in Texas are closely monitoring a bill before the Legislature that, if passed, could stop the development and operation of …

Environment

play sound

The Sierra Club is taking the Trump administration to court, joining a slew of legal challenges over the mass firings of federal workers. Sierra …

Health and Wellness

play sound

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure recently proposed new changes to regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of buprenorphine, also …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021