Living Heart Foundation's Shape-A-Life Program Designed for Retired NFL Players


The Living Heart Foundation (LHF) was the first group to perform IRB approved cardiovascular screening studies for active and retired NFL players beginning in August 2003.  Initial research grants from Pfizer, Siemens, and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA ) supported the starting program.

In 2007, a partnership among the NFL, NFLPA, NFL Alumni and the Pro Football Hall of Fame created the "NFL Alliance" which later became known as the NFL Player Care Foundation.   Additional research grants were generated by this cooperative group to support the retired NFL players and permit the LHF to continue the screening and research processes.   As of January 2010, over 1,500 former NFL players have been performed by LHF, in conjunction with its national network of hospital partners and physicians.

From a study point of view, there has been 4 peer reviewed articles published in respected medical journals, with 2 more in the process of evaluation and publication.  From a player's health point of view, hundreds have been clearly helped, including a smaller number of these lives that were clearly changed.   The NFL retired player health screenings continue actively in 2011 and the number of NFL retired players screened is now over 2000 players.

Learn more about the CV program designed for retired NFL players by clicking on the Player Care Foundation logo.

Tackling heart disease: Former NFL players take part in cardiac health screenings

After seven of his teammates died from a stroke, heart attack or heart disease in 2010, former offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins Keith Sims made a change. At 367 pounds, a cardiac health screening sponsored by Dr. Arthur 'Archie' Roberts of the Living Heart Foundation last year, provided Sims the information he needed to undergo Lap-Band surgery at Strax Rejuvenation. Since September of last year, he has since lost 85 pounds. These are his before and after photos. (Submitted photo)NAPLES — Dr. Arthur “Archie” Roberts always had two loves: football, and heart surgery. The 68-year-old has fulfilled both dreams.

Even though he only played in one game during his three-year NFL career in the 1960s, Roberts still managed to merge his passions. The former quarterback with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins developed The Living Heart Foundation. The non-profit is intended to prevent cardiac health issues in professional football players.

Excerpted from Naples News, March 25, 2011.

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Living Heart Foundation and Project Hope Join Forces to Battle Chronic Disease in the Underserved Dallas Communities.

HABITS FOR LIFE, JANUARY 2011, DALLAS, TEXAS

 

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