Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in America, but here's the good news: 80% of it is preventable. In this episode of the Community Resource Podcast, recorded live at the My City My Health Conference, host Paula Bell sits down with Lezlie Mestdagh, Executive Director of the Iowa Heart Foundation, to discuss the incredible free resources available to all Iowans.
Lezlie shares her personal journey—raising a son with genetic heart disease—and how it fuels her passion for helping others protect their hearts. From free blood pressure devices at your local library to AEDs in schools and churches, the Iowa Heart Foundation is working tirelessly to ensure every Iowan has access to life-saving resources and education.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to take control of your heart health, this episode is packed with actionable information you can use today.
In This Episode, You'll Discover:
- Why knowing your blood pressure numbers could save your life
- How schools can get FREE heart health education kits (worth hundreds of dollars)
- The truth about modifiable vs. non-modifiable heart disease risk factors
- Why women receive CPR at significantly lower rates than men
- The surprising connection between heart health and brain health/dementia
- Where to find free blood pressure monitoring devices in your community
- How genetics play a role in heart disease (even if you're living a healthy lifestyle)
Guest Bio: Lezlie Mestdagh is the Executive Director of the Iowa Heart Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded over 30 years ago by cardiologists at Iowa Heart Center. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded from serving central Iowa to providing resources and education across the entire state. Lezlie's personal experience with genetic heart disease—her son has been on heart medication since four months old—drives her commitment to prevention and ensuring equitable access to heart health care for all Iowans.
Resources Mentioned:
- Iowa Heart Foundation Website: iowahartfoundation.org
- 521-0 School Registration Program (FREE)
- Blood Pressure Devices at Iowa Libraries
- AED Placement Programs
- CPR Training with Inclusive Mannequins
- Partners: Healthy State, 4-H, Iowa State Extension
Connect with Iowa Heart Foundation:
- Website: https://iowahartfoundation.org
- Facebook: @IowaHeartFoundation
- Instagram: @IowaHeartFoundation
- Twitter: @IowaHeartFoundation
- LinkedIn: Iowa Heart Foundation
Host: Paula Bell Guest: Lezlie Mestdagh, Executive Director, Iowa Heart Foundation Recorded at: My City My Health Conference Episode Length: Approximately 7 minutes
SHOW NOTES:
Episode Highlights
[00:16] Meet the Iowa Heart Foundation Lezlie introduces the Iowa Heart Foundation, a 30+ year-old nonprofit founded by cardiologists specifically to improve heart health and prevent heart disease across Iowa.
[01:21] Free Resources Expanding Statewide Learn about the Foundation's recent expansion, including:
- 12 new AEDs donated this month
- 10 new blood pressure devices sent to libraries
- Resources now available throughout Iowa, not just central Iowa
[02:00] Schools: Register for FREE Heart Health Kits The 521-0 School Program offers:
- Free registration (no cost to schools)
- Complete classroom kits with lesson plans
- Heart models and stethoscopes
- Educational supplies
- Partnership with Healthy State, 4-H, and Iowa State Extension
[02:38] Know Your Numbers: The Silent Killer Hypertension often has no symptoms, making regular blood pressure monitoring critical. Find out where you can check your blood pressure for free.
[03:09] Understanding Your Risk Factors Lezlie breaks down the difference between:
- Modifiable risk factors (diet, exercise, lifestyle)
- Non-modifiable risk factors (genetics, family history) Plus: Why certain populations face higher risks
[03:37] A Personal Mission Lezlie shares her son's story—born with an enlarged heart muscle and on medication since four months old—and how it drives her passion for prevention.
[04:58] The Power of Prevention - Heart disease is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. (for decades)
- BUT: 80% of heart disease is preventable
- Your choices today impact your heart health tomorrow
[05:51] Heart Health = Brain Health New research reveals connections between hypertension and dementia—another reason to monitor your blood pressure.
[06:15] CPR Disparities & Solutions Women receive CPR at lower rates than men. The Iowa Heart Foundation addresses this by:
- Using mannequins with breasts in CPR training
- Teaching people it's okay to touch a woman's chest to save her life
- Focusing on equitable access to emergency care
[07:05] Stay Connected How to follow the Iowa Heart Foundation and access resources.
Key Takeaways
✓ Take Action Today: Visit your local library to check your blood pressure for free ✓ Educators: Register your school at iowahartfoundation.org for free heart health education materials ✓ Know Your History: Ask your doctor about your family's heart health history ✓ Understand Your Risk: Learn about both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors ✓ Share the Message: Someone you love needs to hear this information
Memorable Quotes
"We can prevent at least 80% of heart disease. So I want people to know that someone loves them, and someone wants them to take care of their heart, because we need to make the most of what we've been given." - Lezlie Mestdagh
"We all take our health for granted until we don't have it."
"You get one heart and it impacts all other aspects of your health too. We're really talking right now about the connection between brain health and heart health."
"All of us deserve the same care."
"I want those people that were blessed to have that healthy heart to take care of it."
Additional Resources
Iowa Heart Foundation Programs:
- Pediatric Heart Health Education
- Adult Heart Health Screening
- AED Placement & Training
- CPR Certification
- Community Outreach & Education
- Blood Pressure Monitoring Access
Topics Covered: #HeartHealth #HeartDisease #Prevention #Iowa #CommunityHealth #BloodPressure #CPR #AED #HealthEducation #Wellness #Cardiology #HealthEquity #GeneticHeartDisease #Hypertension #BrainHealth
About the Community Resource Podcast
The Community Resource Podcast is produced by My City My Health, connecting communities with vital health resources and the organizations making a difference. Each episode highlights vendors, nonprofits, and health advocates working to improve health outcomes in Iowa and beyond.
Subscribe to stay connected with community health resources:
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- Or wherever you listen to podcasts
Produced by: My City My Health Host: Paula Bell Recorded at: My City My Health Conference
Call to Action
🩺 Visit your local library TODAY to check your blood pressure 📚 Schools: Register for FREE education kits at iowahartfoundation.org 💙 Share this episode with someone you love 📧 Subscribe for more community health resources ⭐ Leave a review to help others find this vital information
Disclaimer
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals regarding your specific health concerns and before making any changes to your health regimen.
Contact Information
Iowa Heart Foundation Website: iowahartfoundation.org Email: [Contact through website] Social Media: @IowaHeartFoundation (all platforms)
What is The Community Resource ?
Welcome to The Community Resource, the official podcast of the My City My Health Conference! Join us as we shine a spotlight on the incredible vendors, organizations, and service providers who are making a real difference in our community's health and well-being.
In each episode, we sit down with conference vendors to explore the vital services and resources they offer—from healthcare and mental health support to nutrition, fitness, social services, and beyond. Whether you're looking for help, want to connect with local resources, or simply want to learn more about what's available in your community, this podcast is your guide.
This year, we're honored to have Paula Bell as our special guest host. Paula is a CBAP-certified Master Life Coach, Career Development Coach, and Motivational Speaker with deep expertise in Business Analysis, Project Management, Inclusion & Belonging, Leadership, and Career & Self Growth. Her insightful conversations will help you discover not just what services are available, but how they can truly transform lives and strengthen our community.
Subscribe now and discover the resources that can help you and your loved ones thrive. Because when we know what's available, we can all live healthier, more connected lives.
The Community Resource—Connecting you to care, one conversation at a time.