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Friday, May 11, 2012

Seventeen Months After Open Heart Surgery

I am at the point were at times I forget about my surgery!  But yesterday I visited my cousin George after his knee replacement surgery!  The memories flashed back!  The day after major surgery!  Wires all over your body, new medicines, & the lovely smell of hospitals!

George was doing what we all do after a major surgery - just trying to get through to the next day!  He are some things that my visit to George reminded me for all you patients our there!

1 - Be Your Own Self Advocate!
Ask questions!  If you do not understand something ask the nurse or doctors.  Understand what they are doing & how you body is reacting!  The ONLY person that know how you feel is you!

2 - Keep Good Notes!
Write down your questions (you may forget).  Keep track of your progress, your meds, your therapy.  This will not only be a benefit to you, but it will impress (or scare) your doctor!

3 - Heal the Mental Hurt Too!
Along with the physical healing, the mental healing is CRITICAL!  You need to stay positive, keep the fight, & talk to people about how you feel!  THIS IS HARD FOR MEN!  We get a little goofy talking about our feelings!

4 - Have a plan!
While you are laid up have a project!  Read a book!  Watch a movie!  Listen to some music from the "OLD" days!  Now that you have the time, use the time wisely!

GET BETTER GEORGE!!!!!!


Sunday, May 6, 2012

Heart Healthy Diet from Mayo Clinic

How about a heart healthy diet from the Mayo Clinic?

Check out the menu plan at their web site - Special Menu from the DASH Eating Plan

What is DASH? - Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension


What is an example of one day?



Breakfast1 small whole-wheat bagel with 2 tablespoons peanut butter (no salt added)
1 medium orange
1 cup fat-free milk
Decaffeinated coffee
LunchSpinach salad made with:
  • 4 cups of fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 sliced pear
  • 1/2 cup canned mandarin orange sections
  • 1/3 cup slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-fat red wine vinaigrette
12 reduced-sodium wheat crackers
1 cup fat-free milk
DinnerHerb-crusted baked cod, 3 ounces
1/2 cup brown rice pilaf
1/2 cup fresh green beans, steamed
1 small sourdough roll
2 teaspoon trans-free margarine
1 cup fresh berries with chopped mint
Herbal iced tea
Snack (anytime)1 cup fat-free, low-calorie yogurt
4 vanilla wafers

Well time to give it a try?