The Mended Hearts, Inc.

Today marks the 10 year anniversary of our Young Mended Hearts Bellingham Chapter❗️ In April 2015, Dr. Elisa Zaragoza, Marilynn Huffman and Dianna Konrad held the first Young Mended Hearts (YMH) meeting. The group has provided young heart patients and their families a welcoming and supportive place to be themselves with people just like them and acted as the blueprint for a national Young Mended Hearts program🫀🤝 "I am proud to say it has been a marvelously rewarding ten years" says Dianna Konrad "Today even more people can experience the individual compassion and support available to them that wasn't possible before YMH" Join us in celebrating them and their many successes! We are so grateful for everything you have done for MHI and your local #HeartCommunity❣️🎊 📸 Pictured above are YMH Bellingham's founders: Dr. Elisa Zaragoza, Marilynn Huffman and Dianna Konrad

Our Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure guide is now live on our website❗️ Studies show that approximately 50% of all heart failure patients are also living with iron deficiency🫀 Our newest discussion guide explores: 🩸What is iron deficiency? 📉Causes of low iron 😵💫Symptoms 🏥Diagnosis 💉Treatment 👩⚕️Questions to ask your doctor Download your free copy of the Iron Deficiency in Heart Failure Discussion Guide at the link below⬇️ https://ow.ly/QgzK50VGpXi

Loving the earth also means loving your heart❗️ This #EarthDay explore the connection between the earth and your heart👇 💨Air pollution can increase your risk of developing CVD 🌡️Rising temperatures can put heat stress on the heart increasing risk of a heart event 🌳Lack of green spaces have been linked to a higher rate of CVD in neighborhoods Together we can create a happier and healthier earth for all🌎❤️

“The heart of a volunteer is never measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.” -DeAnn Hollis Join us this #NationalVolunteerWeek in honoring, celebrating and thanking our volunteers🌟 Our MHI volunteers' commitment to the #HeartCommunity is at the core of our success. Your love, care and dedication to others is an inspiration that does not go unnoticed. Thank you for all you do❤️

This week is National Pediatric Transplant Week❗️ This week highlights the unique need for pediatric transplant and the fight to end the pediatric waiting list. We also honor donor families whose children have saved and healed lives through donation and share the thanks of recipient families🫀💪 Join us in celebrate the gift of life provided through pediatric donation and transplant and remembering our donor families💙💚

This #SelfCareSunday we want to know what you are grateful for❗️ Life navigating a cardiovascular condition can come with a range of emotions, trials and tribulations. However, through it all, recognizing what you are grateful for can bring some comfort to you❤️ We encourage you to wrap up your week by writing a list of 5️⃣ things you are grateful for, whether it's family or the ice cream you had for dessert📝 If you are comfortable, share with us in the comment, one thing from your list⬇️

This week's #SaturdaySpotlight is on MHI member Eugene🌟 Eugene was recently chosen to receive the Friends of Strong Elizabeth Crozier Long-Term Award🏆 Eugene's commitment, dedication and service to patients and families living with cardiovascular disease has not gone unrecognized❗️ He will be recognized at the Friends of Strong Volunteer Reception next week. Join us in congratulating Eugene and thanking him for his unwavering support of his local #HeartCommunity❤️

Fact or Fiction: “Cardiovascular disease runs in my family, so there’s nothing I can do to prevent it.” FICTION❗️While cardiovascular disease may run in your family there are still steps you can take to prevent it💪 You can lower your risk of #CVD by: 🥗Eating a heart healthy diet 🚴♀️Exercising regularly 🩸Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol 🧘♂️Manage stress 🍷Limit alcohol use 🚭Quit tobacco use Learn more about protecting your heart health at the link below👇 https://mendedhearts.org/

Recovery time after a heart procedure is unique experience for each person❤️🩹 However, there are several tips and tricks you can follow during your recovery period to keep your heart happy and healthy❗️ Here's what you can do while recovering from a heart procedure: ⚕️Follow your healthcare team's recommendations 💊Take medication as prescribed ❤️🩹Care for your incision and monitor for infection 🩺Check your pulse every day ⚠️Recognize and react to warning signs and symptoms 🧘♀️Gradually resume physical activity approved by your doctor 🥗Eat a heart-healthy diet 👂Listen to your body and be patient! Do you have other tips for recovery? Share them with us in the comments below⬇️

#DidYouKnow Reading is considered a form of self care❓ Reading for just 6️⃣ minutes a day can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower your heart rate, and strengthen your brain📚 This #StressAwarenessMonth try setting aside time to read one chapter of a book for your mental and heart health❤️