New technology will save lives, Meditation for a healthier you

DULUTH - When it comes to heart attacks saving time means saving lives and Gold Cross ambulance, in collabaration with St. Luke's and SMDC, is doing just that.

Paramedic Randy Strohmeyer says the old cardiac monitors in ambulances only gave paramedics a quick view of the heart, but the new 12–lead ECG has changed that.

"With the new technology we have nowadays we can get a better look at the heart from different angles." Which means paramedics can determine in the field if a patient is having an acute myocardial infarction. This allows the paramedic to notify the hospital immediately so that when the patient hits the doors the doctors are ready to go.

The new monitors have been in place since May and are already proving to be a wise investment. After calling 911 Mary Haukkala knows firsthand how valuable this new protocol is.

"If they hadn't had the machine hooked up I don't think I would have made it."

In other health news, tuning out may be just the strategy for a healthier, happier you.

More and more research confirms sitting in silence has mental and physical benefits for those who do it regularly.

Meditating for about 20 minutes a day, ten minutes in the morning, ten minutes at night, can help focus your brain and avoid distraction. It can also slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure and improve your memory.

The trick will be making the time in your busy schedule to sit still for twenty minutes.