I am constantly amazed by the great strides researchers in all aspects of medicine are making to identify, diagnose and treat heart problems. From ethical research focused on using an adult’s own cardiac stem cells to regenerate heart tissue that has died due to heart attack, to the medications that have been and are being developed to treat all manner of cardiac-related illnesses, we live in exciting times!

But perhaps most exciting to me is the control that I have regarding heart health.  So often, when you have a chronic illness, you might feel like a victim to it and the restrictions it poses (and the pain and discomfort). It is true that other medical conditions, such as lupus, predispose some to particular cardiac problems. But, even so, I can control how and when I exercise, what I eat, how I approach stress, and other things that have a great impact on wellness in general and heart health specifically. I can talk with my doctor about things I can do better, or add, so that I’m kept on track. I can understand the dangers of smoking – and never, ever even think of starting. I can keep learning and use that knowledge to my and others’ benefit.

And, of course, I can keep my spirit strong and attitude positive so that, if and when problems do arise, I’m better able to cope and do what’s best at that time.

Although February is coming to a close, we don’t have to stop increasing our awareness of heart-health issues. In fact, the more we hold hearts close, the better we’ll be throughout the rest of the year and beyond.

Blessings for the day,

Maureen