When an Oregon sheriff's deputy collapsed while overseeing an inmate work crew, two of the prisoners sprung into action to give first aid and save the man's life.

According to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, 53-year-old deputy Preston Dutson was supervising a jail work crew that stopped to help a stranded driver near Portland, OregonLive.com reports.

Dutson suddenly fell to the ground in need of medical assistance. Inmates James Parker and Michael Smith started cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the deputy, receiving guidance from a 911 dispatcher and a doctor who stopped to assist.

"We stayed because he's one of us," Smith told the news source. "Just because he's wearing a Multnomah County sheriff's uniform has no meaning to it. He's somebody's husband, somebody's father, somebody's grandfather."

Dutson, who is a 25-year veteran of the sheriff's office, was brought to the hospital and is listed in guarded condition, says ABC news.

Parker is scheduled to be released next week, and Smith will get out of jail in June. Lieutenant Mary Lindstrand of the sheriff's office said officials are thinking of ways to reward the men for their heroic actions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and it killed 652,091 Americans in 2005.

Though heart conditions may be hereditary, it is possible to modify one's lifestyle to live a full, thriving life and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Living an active lifestyle and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in red meat may make it possible to live a healthier life.

The American Heart Association supports efforts to reduce the amount of heart disease in the country, and accepts donations.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 4, 2010

Natasha Aeriel recently took the witness stand to tell the court what she remembers from the summer day in August 2007, when her brother and a friend were killed and she was scarred, reports the New York Times.

Aeriel was robbed, beaten, and molested before one of her attackers tried cutting her neck with a machete. She fought off one attacker and began to run away when she was shot by another. She crawled as far as she could before passing out. The next thing she remembers is awaking in an ambulance, the news source reports.

Since surviving that brutal attack she has endured multiple procedures to remove bullet fragments from her ear and jaw.

Aeriel was supported by more than 20 friends and relatives in the courtroom as she gave her testimony about the attack that was perpetrated by six individuals.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that from 1991 to 2005, homicide rates among persons ages 10 to 24 were higher than all ages combined.

The National Center for Victims of Crime has been working to assist victims in getting help and information they need as well as providing abundant resources and references.

Many women who have been through a violent attack may experience long-lasting emotional side-effects and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Individuals seeking to thrive despite having experienced a violent conflict or PTSD may also turn to the Trauma Resource Institute.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 4, 2010

Tampa police officer Craig Cimaszewski and his canine companion are lucky to have survived a bad car crash that totaled Cimaszewski's cruiser in a matter of minutes, according to ABC Action News.

While Cimaszewski was driving with his lights flashing and siren blaring, he collided with a postal semi. Both of the drivers were rushed to the hospital, and Cimaszewski's German Shepard was taken to the veterinarian, the news source reports.

However, the interior structure of the car may have provided Cimaszewski and the pooch with the added protection they needed to survive.

"The dogs in the back of police cars are placed in a box type of kennel, so it provided some safety for the dog, and it also provides safety for officers, especially in side collisions," an official told the news source.

Both men and the dog are expected to make a complete recovery.

Those who have been in a car accident and are on the road to recovery may benefit from the aid that group support offers. Sharing experiences with others is incredibly important, and those who have survived a car wreck are likely to prosper from the encouragement and camaraderie.

There are also a number of online resources that can help people deal with the aftermath of car accidents, including the Crash Survivors Network.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, a total of 16,520 people died in passenger car crashes in 2007 and 1,475,000 were injured in 2006 (the last year for which dates are available).

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 5, 2010

Richard Lopez survived a long battle with alcoholism to go on and be named Goodwill Industries International 2010 Achiever of the Year. The award is recognition of his fight against the disease, as well as his thriving career at Goodwill.

At the age of 36, Lopez and his wife, who was also an alcoholic, both decided to battle their addictions and achieve sobriety not only for their health, but for the future of their family.

As Lopez began to take control of his life, he found that seeking steady employment was his biggest challenge. He eventually found a position with Goodwill Industries as a mailroom clerk and the rest, as they say, is history.

"Goodwill brought out the best in me and had so much to do with my success," said Lopez.

Lopez worked his way up from mailroom clerk to mailroom supervisor, a position which involves the managing of two state contracts through the company.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is an excellent resource that provides countless statistics and resource guides outlining what kind of treatment options are available for those seeking help.

Those suffering from alcoholism or alcohol dependency should never feel helpless or alone. There are abundant resources available that provide information regarding treatment and how to locate professionals to assist in the recovery process. In the United States, l in 12 adults abuse alcohol or are alcohol dependent according to NIAAA.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been offering stability and support for people in a safe, confidential setting for decades. Their website offers information on AA and also enables people to locate a support group near them.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 5, 2010

Sammy Violante was held hostage by his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) until he nearly lost everything and decided that he would survive and create a new life for himself, reports The Buffalo News.

Through intensive therapy and his own willpower, Violante has channeled his energy into beating his OCD and helping those around him. He is a leading volunteer in his community, heads an OCD support group, and gives talks to many local groups as well.

The Buffalo-native sought the help of a national clinic in Philadelphia that specialized in OCD therapy and treatment.

"How many people do you know that are walking on this Earth that are living, breathing and embracing their passion every day?," he asked the news source.

He is now thriving, sharing his experience with OCD with countless individuals and showing them that there is a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of despair they may experience.

Those who suffer from OCD may feel like they are isolated from the world around them and have no hope, but there are many different treatments and therapies available. They should never hesitate to speak to their doctor and family about their OCD.

The International OCD Foundation is a not-for-profit group that was founded and is run by individuals with the condition. The organization works to educate the public about OCD as well as support research and improve victims' access to mental health professionals.

The National Institute of Mental Health is an excellent resource for those wanting to learn more about what treatments are available to them and how to locate services that can help them manage their OCD.

By The Survivors Club Staff
May 3, 2010

Abe Price, 87, has been sharing the story of how he weathered and survived the holocaust for some time, though his older brother, Charles Pierce, wasn't able to be so open about his experiences until recently, according to the Las Vegas Sun.

However, the two brothers recently met up with each other in Las Vegas to talk about their shared experiences. The two have kept in touch, but have not visited each other often, the news source reports.

The two were among five siblings who were sent to the Kielce ghetto in 1941 after they were separated from their parents who were later killed at the Treblinka camp. Though seeing each other may serve as a painful memory of their past, the two enjoyed the time they recently spent together in the popular U.S. city.

Many victims of violence and physical and emotional trauma have a difficult time talking about their experiences. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 5.2 million Americans aged 18 to 54 have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Experts suggest many different types of treatment for PTSD. Individuals who are affected by the condition should consult with their doctors to decide which method works best for them.

According to Brainline.org, cognitive-behavioral therapy and medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors appear to be the most effective treatments for PTSD.

The proper counseling and medication therapies can help survivors feel in control of their emotions and live thriving lives.

Individuals who have experienced a violent conflict or PTSD may turn to the Trauma Resource Institute or the American Red Cross, a prominent non-profit organization which helps war victims and accepts donations.

By The Survivors Club Staff
April 30, 2010

After Luke Fisher crashed his car into a tree and broke his neck in three places, doctors feared that he would never walk again. However, the 18-year-old is now expected to make a full recovery, according to the Daily Mail.

The teenager credits his survival to the large tattoo of a guardian angel that he had gotten only two days before the incident. Underneath the image, the words "only the strong survive" are written in stylized letters.

"I think it definitely helped me in this case, it is quite a coincidence," Fisher told the news source. "I just hope it will continue to look over me."

Fisher has 18 months of physical therapy ahead of him, and then he plans to join the army, the news provider reports.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that a total of 16,520 people died in passenger car crashes in 2007 and that 1,475,000 were injured in 2006 (the last year for which the date are available).

Those who have been physically or emotionally injured in a crash can contact organizations such as the Crash Survivors Network which offers information, resources and support to victims and their families.

Truck driver Jim Moore was crossing the train tracks in Alma Center, Wisconsin, earlier this month, and thought he was in the clear, when his rig was struck by a freight train, according to WXOW.com.

The news source reports that Moore was traveling at approximately 30 miles per hour when the train hit the side of his vehicle and dragged it almost 400 feet.

Somehow, Moore walked away from the horrific accident, as did all of those who were on the train.

"There were no injuries, significant injuries to anybody, and that's always fortunate, and the fact that we didn't have any fuel leak or any train cars de-rail was a good thing," one of Moore's coworkers, Terry Turnmire, told the news source.

Turnmire suggested that if Moore had his windows up and the radio on, it may have been difficult for him to hear the train that was approaching.

According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 1.5 million Americans were injured in passenger car crashes in 2006, the last year for which information is available.

Because excessive speed and intoxicated drivers are typically the causes behind the majority of accidents, experts suggest that obeying the speed limit and the rules of the road could reduce one's chances of being involved in a crash. Wearing seat belts can also increase one's chances of surviving a crash.

Those who have been in an auto accident can access valuable resources through the Crash Survivors Network.

By The Survivors Club Staff
April 30, 2010

Anyone who has experienced a marital separation knows that it can be a challenge to conduct oneself with dignity when their relationship is falling apart. However, Sandra Bullock weathered the public allegations that her husband Jesse James had repeatedly cheated on her with grace. The star has survived the ordeal with her sense of self intact, and a happy secret.

The actress, who won an Academy Award earlier this year for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side, appeared on the cover of this week's People magazine with her new adopted son, Louis.

Louis is a 3-and-a-half year old boy who was born in New Orleans. "He's just perfect, I can't even describe him any other way," Bullock told the magazine in an exclusive interview. "It's like he's always been a part of our lives."

The actress also revealed that she and James had begun the adoption process four years ago, but that she has decided to file for divorce and will be completing the adoption as a single parent.

A study conducted by the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology found that approximately 50 percent of first marriages, 67 percent of second and 74 percent of third marriages in the U.S. end in divorce, according to DivorceRate.org.

Those who are currently experiencing a divorce can seek the help of The Divorce Center which offers educational resources and support groups to help those who have survived the ordeal thrive.

By The Survivors Club Staff
April 30, 2010

Two Jamaican men, Anthony Hibbert, 35, and Jason Noble, 25, survived 36 days adrift on the open seas with no provisions on their boat, the 33-foot Gentle Breeze.

The two men kept their strength up by drinking sea water and eating morass, according to NewsBelize.com.

Unfortunately, Hibbert and Noble were among a group of five who were stranded on the boat. Three of the men succumbed to the harsh conditions at sea.

In the five weeks that the men were adrift, boats continually passed the Gentle Breeze by, and didn't recognize their calls for help, the two survivors told the news source. Hibbert and Noble are both recovering in the hospital as of now.

"I'm looking forward to getting back home because my family's dying to see me," said Noble. "They all [think I'm dead] already. And they [were surprised and overwhelmed] to know that I am alive and know that I am a survivor."

The Discovery Channel has a few suggestions one might keep in mind if they are ever adrift at sea. Catching rain water is preferable to drinking sea water, which can cause kidney damage.

It's also important to stay dry for as long as possible, because strong winds and wet clothing can cause hypothermia.

According to the International Life Saving Federation, 1.2 million people per year die by drowning around the world, and most drownings occur in open water.