CAMBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 30: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is given a demonstration of CPR, (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), while visiting the NHS's Addenbrooke's Hospital on June 30, 2023 in Cambridge, United Kingdom.
This February, we will be celebrating American Heart Month and the American Heart Association‘s 100th birthday! The American Heart Association is urging everyone to make sure all family members learn CPR.
Joel and I had an interview with Dr. James Hart who has a mission to get everyone to learn CPR. You may personally know Dr. Hart who is a professor at Rutgers University. Dr. Hart is also a church pastor.
Joel and I had an eye-opening interview with Dr. Hart, where he shared a personal and life-changing experience. He emphasized the critical importance of CPR. When we spoke with him, I thought I needed to get everyone in my family educated on the method of CPR. You do not think of needing this knowledge until you do! Dr. Hart recounted a very scary incident where he suffered a heart attack while driving home. His three sons, acted swiftly using what they learned and performed CPR. His three sons ultimately saved his life.
The miraculous part of the story is that one of Dr. Hart’s sons had taken a CPR class in school. I wish everyone had to learn this in school. Thanks to that training, he knew exactly what to do in the critical moment. Dr. Hart will be featured as a speaker at the upcoming Heart Ball in June, an event that holds particular significance. This real-life story aligns with the American Heart Association’s 100th birthday celebration.
I urge you to listen to this interview because it serves as a powerful testimonial to the impact of CPR training. This real-life event highlights the potential for ordinary individuals to become heroes in life-threatening situations. By participating in the Heart Ball and wearing red on February 2nd, the community can come together to celebrate life, raise awareness, and take tangible steps to be prepared to save lives through CPR. Here’s an interesting fact: more than 350,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, including 23,000 children.
Interested individuals can visit heart.org/nation to learn more about CPR and how they can contribute to the cause. – Maryann Morgan
Listen to the full interview here:
5 Passport-Free Getaways Where Travelers Can Explore
Most of the time, if you’re traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport. And that’s good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.
Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.
You don’t always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it’s important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.
Do I need a passport for cruises?
When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver’s license or identification card usually suffices.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.
To make your trip planning a breeze, we’ve got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don’t have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.
Puerto Rico
This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don’t need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It’s worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there’s this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn’t compliant with this Act, you’ll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.
Sean Pavone/ Getty Images
St. Croix
If you’re craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won’t need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.
NAPA74/ Getty Images
Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.
raksybH/ Getty Images
St. Thomas
St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won’t need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it’s important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.
SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images
St. John
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.
SeanPavonePhoto/ Getty Images
Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.
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