First TAVR patients in Kern County, Mr. Jones and Mr. Abler along with Michele Shain, Senior Director, Neuro & Cardiac Services
As I watched the cameras, reporters and hospital staff capture the story of two men who had gone to the hospital for heart surgery on a Thursday and were up walking and talking just five days later, my own heart started beating a little faster. My mind wandered back to when I gave birth to our first child born at this very hospital. I was home recovering from an emergency c-section and adjusting to life as a new mom when I got a call from my dad. He had gone in for heart surgery to repair two blocked arteries. I remember talking to the nurse over the phone and he told me, “your dad is quite the fighter.” It took several months before my dad was able to return to normal activities. It was a very painful recovery for him and yet these men, about the same age my dad was when he went under the knife, were up moving, smiling and even laughing. I felt like I was witnessing a miracle in modern medicine, A Christmas Miracle.
Elmer Jones and Leo Abler were the first patients in Kern County to have Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedures at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. “The TAVR procedure is a viable treatment option for patients who have been deemed too high risk for surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). This does not mean that they are invalids or bed ridden. This procedure gives these individuals an improved quality of life that they might not otherwise have had; and to continue to do the things they love that are important to them to help keep them healthy; both physically and mentally,” Michele Shain, Senior Director, Neuro and Cardiac Services, Dignity Health, Bakersfield Memorial Hospital.
A friend of mine was also moved by the TAVR patients. Michelle shared with me about her dad’s triple bypass and valve replacement a couple years ago. Her dad Fred is a tough, country guy. It was difficult for her to see him in such intense pain following his open heart surgery and his recovery was long and difficult. It was months before Fred could get back to doing what he loved, like working around the house, gardening and traveling. “It’s amazing to see these two TAVR patients moving around the hospital just days after their valve replacement,” said Michelle Willow, Director of Communications, Dignity Health, Mercy and Memorial Hospitals. “Mr. Jones and Mr. Abler are feeling great and are ready to get back to the activities that keep them young at heart. This is a monumental step forward for cardiac patients in our community and I’m thankful for the cardiac team at Memorial for the incredible work they’re doing.”
These patients not only touched my heart but made me think about life’s blessings and how we often take our own health for granted. The holidays are often filled with busy schedules of shopping, parties and taking care of others. But, when do we take pause to think about our own health?
As we countdown to the 12 days of Christmas, here are 12 ways to a healthy and happy heart this holiday season:
1. Run Rudolph, Run
I don’t know what it is about this song but it always makes me want to get up and move! Staying active is very important to keeping your heart healthy. If you like to run, great—run. If not, even a brisk walk will help keep off the extra holiday pounds. Get your kids and family to join you too. According to American Heart Association, just 10 to 15 minutes of exercise a day can help with a jolly heart during the holidays.
2. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Yes, the holidays can be full of parties, events and plenty of “to dos” with family and friends. It is a festive time of year that can also lead to stress. So how do you fit it all in without feeling overwhelmed? I suggest the polite practice of “no, thank you.” We can’t be everywhere, doing everything and if we try, we will definitely pay the price. Make a list of the “yes-worthy” events and stick to them. Set healthy boundaries, put together a plan days or even weeks ahead of time. And, when all else fails just remember that stressed is just desserts spelled backwards. Reward yourself with a little something sweet even if it’s just a sweet break from the hustle and bustle in your pj’s, reading your favorite book in the comfort of your own home.
3. Blue Christmas
One way to avoid the blues this Christmas, is to make sure to go green! Of course you are going to be tempted by the sugar cookies, candy canes and peppermint mochas (I know I am!), but if you can choose the “green foods” first, you will fill up before consuming the extra wasted calories. To stay on track of your diet goals, choose veggies, fruits, nuts and protein foods before attending an event to avoid over-eating the unhealthy foods.
4. Mistletoe and Wine
Cheers to the holidays! Holiday parties are full of “adult beverages” in lovely stemware that are often ugly on your waistline. Just because there will be alcoholic drinks around every corner, it doesn’t mean there aren’t healthy choices you can make. Keep it clean by avoiding mixed or sugary drinks. Choose red or white wine. Toast with club soda and one liquor of your choice. These decisions will add up to fewer calories and more natural ingredients.
5. My Only Wish
My only wish this holiday season is to remember to put some “me” time on my list. This time of year can keep us so busy that we neglect our own health: mind, body and soul. Meditation, yoga and even spa time are top on my list. I have been practicing the art of meditation. I really like the app Headspace as it has helped me put this practice into a regular routine with just ten minutes each day. Yoga has also helped to clear my mind and keep my body active and healthy. And, some massage time is not just a luxury it’s a necessity to increasing blood flow, getting rid of the aches and pains and just feeling good. Try to make some “me” time for you each day to help you de-stress and increase the positive thoughts and feelings.
6. Naughty or Nice?
Whether you feel you have been naughty or nice this year, the good news is that the end of the year allows for reflective time to reset your goals for a happy new year. Start your New Year’s resolutions now to put them into practice ahead of January 1st. Set realistic, achievable goals for your health, family, friends and work. Try listening to a new podcast to start off a new morning routine.
7. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Yes, the colder temperatures may have you reaching for the covers and tempting you to stay in bed longer. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important for your heart health.
8. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
You may have noticed by now that I have chosen some of the top holiday songs as my title headings and I have done that not only to get your attention, but to also encourage you to rock some of your favorite tunes this holiday. Music brings us all together and is good for the heart and soul. Create your favorite playlist, share it with family and friends, play it loud and sing along. Do you have a favorite song? Share it in the comments below. I love adding new music to my holiday song list!
9. Do You Hear What I Hear?
I’m a firm believer in “sharing the good news” because I truly believe you are what you say. Words are so powerful. They can inspire us or tear us down. We have all fallen into the trap of gossip and the downward spiral that can follow. I like to use the acronym THINK when it comes to choosing my words. Is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? Let’s choose our words (the ones we say aloud and in our head) to spread more love and humankindness into this world.
10. A Holly, Jolly Christmas
If the holidays do not have you feeling merry and bright, if you celebrated alone or not at all, or if you felt alone even with family all around you, just know that you are not alone. Social isolation is one the of biggest predictors of depression during the holidays. Reach out to family and friends for support. If your heart still isn’t happy, you may want to try a support group or contact a therapist.
11. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Whether you celebrate Old Saint Nick or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa or focus on Christ’s birth, choose the traditions that make your heart happy. During the holidays, we can often be pulled in many different directions. Choose to attend the functions that bring you joy and spread that joy with others.
12. Please Come Home for Christmas
Whether you are like these heart patients and are grateful to be home for the holidays or wherever you call “home” this Christmas, take a moment to connect with your loved ones. Take time to enjoy the moments with family and friends. Maybe there is someone in your life who needs a smile, a hug, a laugh, a prayer, who needs your love more than any gift on your shopping list.The holidays are truly a magical time of the year. Be present. Be grateful. Be kind. It is good for your heart.