Educate Yourself..... Save a Life

Today, I want to talk about life saving skills. When was the last time you took a CPR or First Aid class? Did you know that once you get your initial certification; you need to take a refresher class every two years? While you may not think a lot has changed, CPR classes are now instructing people in the proper use of AED's (Automated External Defibrillators) due to their increased availibility. There are other updates that occur, especially in the area of the ratio of compressions to the ratio of breaths. As new guidelines are promoted, skills must be modified in order to keep up with these guidelines, and they do change. The instruction I received in 1993 (my first class) has changed from the instruction I took in 2005. Should there be a non-credit CPR or lifesaving skills class at your local community college, register for it. Save your paid invoice, as you may be able to claim the Lifetime Learning Credit on your taxes, depending on your annual income. See, not only will be practicing a much needed skill in today's world, but you may end up getting reimbursed for it. Stay tuned for more healthy living tips.