Heart Health

I worked on the Cardiology unit today and have to start this post with a picture taken on the trail as I rode my bike to work this morning. It is hot and very humid but the sunlight was beautiful through the mist in the trees along the trail. What a great way to start my day!

The hospital has a comprehensive inpatient and outpatient regional cardiac centre. The staff are highly skilled and compassionate and if you needed cardiac care, this is a great place to be a patient. 

This Friday is a special fundraising and educational day for the cardiac centre. The website states that 80% of heart disease is avoidable. Lifestyle plays a big role in cardiovascular health. When vascular health is compromised, the result is heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, as well as other organ dysfunction. Healthy eating and regular exercise are two important contributors to overall health. 

As I was walking with patients in the hallway today, I stopped to look at the patient education boards around the unit. This one describes how sugar contributes to many health problems, and it gives tips on identifying hidden sugars in our diets. There are good educational resources for cardiac patients but it takes a highly motivated person to follow through with the recommendations. We are constantly tempted to eat foods that are delicious, but unhealthy for our bodies. Our next door neighbour had a heart attack several years ago and subsequent cardiac surgery. He has adhered to a strict, heart healthy diet since then, maintaining a healthy weight and staying active. His diligence and perseverence is exceptional though. 

It seems incongruous to me that fundraising for heart health includes the sale of cookies, complete with red icing EKG markings. And all staff are invited to get free ice cream in the parking lot. I do love a good cookie and ice cream as much as the next person, but wish the fundraising could promote heart health in a tangible way. How can we motivate our patients to change their habits if we do not lead by example? Many of my coworkers are very fit, with healthy lifestyles, and I do not think they will be indulging in these sweet treats. 

My father's younger sister had some health issues that made her decide to make significant lifestyle changes. She shared with me that for the past two years, sugar is no longer part of her diet, and she eats only whole, unprocessed foods. Her daily menus look delicious and she is active, painfree and benefitting greatly from her disciplined approach to food. She is 16 years older than me and a great role model!! 

There is no magic pill that can be a substitute for healthy living;- 

good food, exercise, adequate rest, social interaction, 

stress management, and meaningful spiritual practice.