Wear Red on Friday

Two important things happened last Thursday. My dad had two more stents put in his arteries and I had to meet with an endocrinologist. For my dad, this was another round of work on his heart. His family has an extensive history of heart disease and heart problems. He is no exception. He has had quadruple bypass surgery, a valve implant and several stents. It's truly amazing to me that he needs all of this because my mother is so vigilent about his diet and exercise. It's definitely hereditary.

My visit to the doctor started because I was told to have a specialist take a closer look at my thyroid. She had questions for me and I had questions for her. What if I chose to not do the procedures she was suggesting? Her response was that it could cause heart problems down the road and possibly strokes.

Knowing my dad's heart history puts everything in a different light. While I am still exploring my options with my thyroid care, I am continuing to do the things I have always done for my heart. I exercise every day except Monday.(gives my muscles a rest). I really watch what I eat and read food labels. My cholesterol is low and I think I have a handle on my stress level. I can only hope that I have inherited more of my mother's heart genes than my dad's!

Friday, Feb 5, is National Wear Red Day. Wear red and show your support for women's heart disease awareness. What are you doing to take care of your heart?