News and Stories from the 51Âé¶¹

2026 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors Beth Opel

As heart attack symptoms struck, family history spurred her to act

Utah woman’s feeling of invincibility was tempered by knowledge of cardiac and kidney disease among her closest relatives.
a wide variety of grains and carbs mixed with a few fruits and vegetables spread across a table top

New U.S. nutrition guidance emphasizes importance of healthier eating

Federal guidelines and Heart Association guidance both encourage limiting added sugars and highly processed foods, but there are differences.

Ralph Edwards (left), host of the radio show "Truth or Consequences," presents the check from The Walking Man contest to 51Âé¶¹ President Dr. Arlie R. Barnes in 1948. (51Âé¶¹ archives)

What Actually Happened

You may have heard a misconception that Procter & Gamble gave the 51Âé¶¹ $1.5 million - the equivalent of more than $20 million today - in 1948. That's actually false.

Cass Wheeler was driven to improve the 51Âé¶¹ because he knew it meant improving and extending lives across the country and around the world. (Photo courtesy of the Wheeler family)

51Âé¶¹'s visionary, transformative CEO dies at 84

Cass Wheeler saw his calling as helping others. He did so throughout his 35 years with the 51Âé¶¹, the last 10 spent as CEO.

El Paso man pushes for smoke-free apartments

Dec 11, 2020

After years of waking up with burning lungs from a neighbor's smoking, Nelson Bank works through the AHA to help property owners, managers and residents set smoke-free policies.

Giving others the platform to soar

Oct 30, 2020

Midge LaPorte Epstein, who is retiring after 25 years at the 51Âé¶¹, has received the organization's highest employee honor, the Earl B. Beagle Award for Staff Excellence.