Heart health is important year-round

While all systems of the body are important, the heart is the epicenter of it all. That’s why cardiac health is important to consider at all times of the year; however, it becomes even more prevalent during February, which is deemed American Heart Month by the American Heart Association.

There is good reason to raise awareness of heart issues such as heart attack, stroke and cardiac arrest. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. And in the fire service the No. 1 death by injury according to the National Fire Protection Association is cardiac arrest, which doesn’t only affect people with heart disease. Cardiac arrest is also the cause of death for about 436,000 Americans each year.

MnFIRE’s own executive director, Wayne Kewitsch, knows all too well about cardiac arrest and the importance of heart health. Within a seven-month span in 2020, Kewitsch experienced three cardiac arrest incidents, which ended his 25-year career in the fire service.

“I don’t want that to happen to any other firefighters,” said Kewitsch, who is the former Richfield Fire Department Chief.

Two of his cardiac arrests happened about one month apart. The first one, Kewitsch’s wife, Ruth, watched as their son, Jack, performed CPR on Kewitsch in the family’s home before seven Edina paramedics arrived and stepped in. The second incident happened while Kewitsch and Ruth were driving north on Highway 169 for a weekend with friends on Crosslake.

After making a recovery and having surgery to implant a heart defibrillator, Kewitsch is thankful for all the people who helped him. Now he’s helping other firefighters in Minnesota get through or reduce the number of cardiac, emotional trauma or cancer diagnoses through his MnFIRE role.

To help you better recognize a heart incident, know the symptoms.

Heart Attack – when blood flow to the heart is blocked:  

  • Chest discomfort
  • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as the arm or shoulder, along with pain in the jaw, neck or back
  • Shortness of breath
  • Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke – when blood flow to the brain is blocked:

  • Face drooping
  • Arm weakness or numbness
  • Speech difficulty
  • Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble speaking
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
  • Trouble walking, dizziness or loss of balance/coordination
  • Severe headache with no known cause

Cardiac Arrest – sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm:

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness
  • Sudden collapse
  • No pulse
  • No breathing

If you see someone around you experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. For cardiac arrest, performing CPR and using an AED will significantly increase a person’s chance of getting through the incident.

To reduce or potentially even eliminate the chance for a cardiac incident, people can take steps to care for their heart by eating a balanced and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, managing stress in a healthy way and getting enough sleep.

There are MnFIRE resources available for firefighters who have experienced a cardiac incident and those looking to prevent one. As part of the Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (HHAP) through the Critical Illness Program, firefighters who are diagnosed with a cardiac illness or another critical illness can receive up to $20,000 to assist with expenses.

Additionally, the HHAP provides free training for departments to become MnFIRE Aware and dive deeper into topics such as cardiovascular health, cancer, emotional wellness and more. Visit the MnFIRE Training section on the MnFIRE website to learn more and to register for a training.

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1 day ago

MnFORE 2025 was a swinging success, and we're still amazed at how all of our golfers, volunteers and sponsors showed up to support Minnesota firefighters.

Enjoy these smile-filled snapshots from the day! 📸⛳
... See MoreSee Less

MnFORE 2025 was a swinging success, and were still amazed at how all of our golfers, volunteers and sponsors showed up to support Minnesota firefighters. 

Enjoy these smile-filled snapshots from the day! 📸⛳Image attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

The 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament was full of celebration, camaraderie, and chipping in to support a cause we all care about. Golfers, volunteers and sponsors – your participation makes immeasurable impacts in the lives of our state's firefighters. Thanks for an un-fore-gettable day! 🏌️ ... See MoreSee Less

The 2025 MnFORE Golf Tournament was full of celebration, camaraderie, and chipping in to support a cause we all care about. Golfers, volunteers and sponsors – your participation makes immeasurable impacts in the lives of our states firefighters. Thanks for an un-fore-gettable day! 🏌️Image attachmentImage attachment+7Image attachment

Last but not least, we recognize our MnFORE Premier Hole Sponsors:

Heiman Fire Equipment
Meuser, Yackley & Rowland Law Office
TSR Injury Law
Arko Companies
Optum
Restorations by Highmark
The Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group
PRO Network

Thanks to all of our 2025 sponsors for making MnFORE a fantastic event for all to enjoy, and most of all, for supporting our state's hometown heroes. See you tomorrow! 🏌️
... See MoreSee Less

Last but not least, we recognize our MnFORE Premier Hole Sponsors: 

Heiman Fire Equipment 
Meuser, Yackley & Rowland Law Office 
TSR Injury Law 
Arko Companies 
Optum 
Restorations by Highmark
The Parr McKnight Wealth Management Group 
PRO Network 

Thanks to all of our 2025 sponsors for making MnFORE a fantastic event for all to enjoy, and most of all, for supporting our states hometown heroes. See you tomorrow! 🏌️

Next, we acknowledge our Driving Range & Cart Sponsors, Farmington Firefighters Relief Association and MacQueen Emergency Solutions! MnFORE wouldn't be the same without you, and we are thankful for your dedication to the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. ⛳ ... See MoreSee Less

Next, we acknowledge our Driving Range & Cart Sponsors, Farmington Firefighters Relief Association and MacQueen Emergency Solutions! MnFORE wouldnt be the same without you, and we are thankful for your dedication to the health and well-being of Minnesota firefighters. ⛳

Thanks to our Meal Sponsors, Lindstrom Restoration and MESFire, for keeping us fed and nourished at MnFORE! On top of funding the day's food, your year-round commitment to Minnesota firefighters is admired and appreciated. 🧑‍🚒 ... See MoreSee Less

Thanks to our Meal Sponsors, Lindstrom Restoration and MESFire, for keeping us fed and nourished at MnFORE! On top of funding the days food, your year-round commitment to Minnesota firefighters is admired and appreciated. 🧑‍🚒
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