As a fitness professional, I need to have current CPR training to maintain my fitness certification. With the help of Melissa Schaff, a certified CPR instructor, I finishing the required CPR and AED training at my office last week. Sigrid, who assists with my Posture Perfect!^TM classes, took the CPR training as well.

I suggested to Sigrid that it would be good for her to know CPR in case the emergency arose either in our Posture Perfect!^TM exercise classes or when she babysits her grandchildren on a regular basis.  

I have casually asked many people if they have taken CPR training. I am always surprised by the number who have never taken CPR or took it many years ago and really don't remember how it is performed. The only thing I can say to them is you will have a mountain of guilt on your back if the need arises for a loved one and you don't know what to do. I then proceed to share my personal experience.

Back in the 1980's my grandmother, at the age of 80, and I were returning from a trip to Europe. She suddenly dropped to the floor in JFK airport in New York and started to turn blue. With the help of another person, I performed CPR on her until the emergency medical service was able to take over.

We later found out that she had suffered a mild heart attack and that CPR had given her a better chance for a full recovery. She did recover and after bypass surgery for her heart, she went on to live an additional 15 happy and productive years.

In retrospect, when the emergency arose, it was nice to know and be able to administer CPR especially with it involved a loved one.

I have asked Melissa and she has agreed to conduct regular CPR classes at my office in Herndon. You can Click Here if you would like to learn more about CPR or when the next CPR class will be given.