BraveHeart First Aid

02/12/2026

We may be complaining about winter now…but the cool of winter also keeps the ticks obey that will awaken with warmer tempertaures…

Most of us know to check for ticks to avoid Lyme disease, but have you heard about Alpha-gal?

There’s been a lot of talk lately about people developing a red meat allergy after a tick bite. While it’s often mentioned in the same breath as Lyme, they are actually two different things!

Here’s the simple breakdown:
✔️ Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection (usually from the tiny Deer tick).
✔️ Alpha-gal Syndrome is a red meat allergy (usually from the Lone Star tick).
You don't get the allergy from having Lyme, but because both types of ticks live in the same woods and tall grass, it’s possible to run into both.

The "Sneaky" Factor: Unlike a peanut allergy that happens instantly, an Alpha-gal reaction usually waits 3 to 6 hoursafter you eat beef, pork, or lamb. If you ever get "mystery hives" or stomach issues in the middle of the night after a burger for dinner, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor!

Don’t let the bugs keep you inside! A few simple habits make a huge difference:
• 🧦 Sock Tuck: Tuck your pants into your socks when hiking (it looks dorky, but it works!).
• 🧴 Spray Up: Use a repellent with DEET or Picaridin.
• 🚿 Tick Checks: Do a quick "mirror check" when you get home and toss your clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes.

Knowledge is power! Stay safe out there and enjoy the trails. Snow or Spring☀️!

02/12/2026

❤️❤️

Registration is still open for the Babysitters Course.

Online @ www.westhants.ca/rec
Call : 902-798-8391 ext 214
Email : programs@westhants.ca

02/11/2026

🇨🇦 Powerful Statistic:
Around two-thirds of Canadians volunteer in their communities, one of the highest rates in the world!

From helping neighbors to supporting local projects, Canadians show that small acts of kindness make a big difference.

💡 Communities thrive when people give their time, let’s keep the spirit alive!

02/10/2026

🧸✨ Babysitting sits at the intersection of two very real parent perspectives.

On one side, parents want to raise responsible, confident kids.
Giving them opportunities like babysitting helps them learn accountability, problem-solving, and how to care for others.

On the other side, parents want peace of mind.
Leaving your child with a babysitter means trusting someone you may not know well — and that can feel stressful.
Will they make good decisions? Will they know what to do if something goes wrong?

That’s why preparation matters on both sides.

When young babysitters are taught how to handle real-life situations, everyone benefits:
✔️ kids gain confidence
✔️ parents feel reassured
✔️ children are safer

Because babysitting isn’t just about watching kids —it’s about trust.

02/09/2026

🩹 First Aid Kits: More Than Just Bandages

A first aid kit is a ready-to-go system for injuries, from minor scrapes to more serious situations.

Why keep one nearby?
⚡ Immediate response: Treat cuts, burns, or scrapes fast
⚡ Organization: All essentials in one place
⚡ Infection control: Sterile gauze, antiseptic wipes, gloves
⚡ Versatility: Home, car, office, or outdoors

💡 BraveHeart tip: The kit only works if you know how to use it. Practice makes your response faster and calmer.

02/06/2026

When we think first aid, we often picture cuts, burns, or accidents… but mental health crises can be just as urgent. Anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or emotional distress can affect anyone, and anyone can make a difference.

At BraveHeart, our Mental Health First Aid Certification trains you to:
- Recognize early signs of mental distress.
- Respond calmly and safely during emotional crises.
- Guide someone toward professional help without guesswork or stigma.
- Build confidence to support friends, family, coworkers, or community members.

💡 Think of it as first aid… for the mind. Just like CPR or bandages can save a life physically, knowing how to respond to mental health crises can save lives emotionally and mentally.

It’s real-world readiness for the mind, as much as the body. Because knowing how to act can change outcomes — and save lives.
More details and registration here: https://www.braveheartfirstaid.com/courses/mental-health-first-aid

02/05/2026

Calling all Dental Staff

If your BLS Recert is coming up, we’ve got an Evening Class in Kentville on Thursday, Feb 19, starting at 6pm. Easy to fit in after work.

02/04/2026

Kids Notice More Than We Think
Children can be surprisingly aware of potential dangers — a loose wire, a slippery step, or a friend in trouble. At BraveHeart, we see that natural awareness as a spark for confidence.

With guidance and practice, instinct becomes confidence — and confidence saves lives. Every small lesson today can empower a child to step up in a real emergency tomorrow.

02/03/2026

Think you can learn First Aid entirely online?

Many people assume a certificate can be earned from the couch.
But here’s the truth:
⚡ Theory can be online – you can study modules at your own pace
⚡ Skills must be practiced – CPR, AED, and emergency techniques require hands-on training
⚡ Real scenarios build confidence – muscle memory and decision-making under pressure come from doing, not just reading

💡 Fact: Canadian Red Cross certification requires you to demonstrate skills in-person. Online learning alone won’t cut it.

Your takeaway: online learning is great for theory, but life-saving skills need practice.

02/02/2026

Be ready. Be part of the lifesaving community. 🌟

Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime. That’s why highlighting lifesaving apps is so important—they connect trained responders and everyday people ready to help, increasing the chances someone gets help immediately.

📲 What GoodSAM does (among others):
✅ Alerts trained responders nearby during cardiac emergencies
✅ Connects everyday people ready to act before professional help arrives
✅ Provides tools to respond quickly and confidently

Download the app, share this and help your community be ready. Every second counts!

02/02/2026

This is the month where the old Braveheart First Aid Training Center becomes the new Kentville Downtown one!

By - new- February 25th all our weekly in house courses will run out of 28 Aberdeen Street. 🤎

More space, more social, more downtown we love it! Yet more accessible now- plan a little extra time to find your parking spot.

An official housewarming party is in planning 🎉.

01/31/2026

Huge shoutout to our incredible community!
❤️🏔️
North Mountain decided to give us a real weather challenge today. Even though we were fully prepared, conditions changed in a heartbeat and we took a little slide.

Luckily, everyone is safe and sound—but what really blew us away was how the community showed up. Within minutes, heroes appeared to help us out.

It’s a great reminder that while we always advocate for CHECKing before CALLing 911, having neighbors like you makes all the difference.

We are so grateful to live among such brave hearts. Thank you to everyone who stopped, helped, and checked in on us!

Special thanks to Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department