Heart Health Awareness in Scouting: February is American Heart Month
As we celebrate American Heart Month this February, it’s a great time to focus on the importance of heart health and overall well-being as we gear up for upcoming Scouting activities. Whether you’re preparing for a weekend camping trip, high-adventure expeditions, or any physically demanding events, it’s crucial to take the right steps to stay healthy and safe.
Annual Health & Medical Record (AHMR)
As we begin planning for the exciting activities ahead, it’s essential to prioritize everyone’s health and safety. Start by completing the Annual Health & Medical Record (AHMR) for ALL participants involved in Scouting activities and update it any time there is a change in your health. The AHMR ensures that we have up-to-date and accurate health information for everyone involved.
- Parts A & B apply to all participants for any Scouting activity.
- Part C is required for any camp or event lasting 72 hours or more.
Please complete the AHMR as soon as possible to ensure your participation in all upcoming events. If you have any questions, you can find helpful answers on the AHMR landing page or in the AHMR FAQ page.
CPR/AED Safety Reminder for Scouting
Cardiac emergencies can happen at any time, and being prepared to respond with CPR and AED skills can help save a life. As part of our commitment to safety, we encourage everyone to learn or refresh their CPR and AED skills. We also recommend becoming CPR/AED certified through one of the nationally recognized training providers:
Learning or refreshing your CPR/AED skills will ensure that you’re ready for the challenges ahead. The Medical Risk Factors page has additional information that will help you as you discuss your next outing with your personal healthcare provider.
Heart Health Awareness in Scouting
As we recognize February as Heart Health Awareness Month, it’s important to take steps to protect your heart health before engaging in any Scouting activity. Understanding your own medical risks and taking proactive steps will help ensure your well-being throughout all your Scouting endeavors.
Know Your Medical Risk Factors
Before engaging in physically demanding activities, be mindful of any medical conditions that could affect your ability to participate safely. It’s important to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider well in advance of upcoming events. Be sure to talk about the physical demands of specific programs you’ll be attending, and develop a plan to mitigate any potential health issues. A conversation with your healthcare provider can help you assess your level of preparedness for upcoming activities and ensure that you’re ready for the challenges ahead.
The Medical Risk Factors page has additional information that will help you as you discuss your next outing with your personal healthcare provider.
Prepare for High-Adventure Activities
For those planning to participate in high-adventure activities or other physically demanding events, proper preparation is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or participating in any other challenging activity, be sure to prioritize safety in your preparation. Take the time to assess your physical fitness and work with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re ready for the physical exertion required.
Be sure to review the High-Adventure Risk Advisory specific for your event. They can be found on any of the national high adventure base websites or on the AHMR landing page.
For helpful tips and guidelines on preparing for high-adventure pursuits, check out this Safety Moment on High Adventure.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Heart health is something we should all take seriously, especially during physically demanding Scouting activities. By taking the time to complete your AHMR, learn or refresh your CPR/AED skills, and ensure you’re properly prepared for any physical challenges, you’re setting yourself and your fellow Scouts up for success.
Let’s use February as a reminder to prioritize heart health—both for this month and all year round. A healthy heart supports a strong, safe, and enjoyable Scouting experience!
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