Winter 2019 Issue 7 Healing Hearts

President’s Message: We are blessed to be living in the 21st century

Jeff Davidson

friends are. This heart support group, now 9 years old, has been so beneficial to me personally. Making new friends, learning continuously at monthly educational meetings, and reaching out to people at-risk is fulfilling! Join our 300-member group, talk with people on the same heart journey, and take charge of your heart health with continuing education. See our upcoming meetings on page 2. Inspiring and supporting people at risk and reaching people before they have a surprise cardiac event is our mission and it’s an opportunity to ease the concerns of someone who needs a dose of positivity!! For more information, visit our website www.healingheartscentralohio.org. You can reach me at (614) 580-1561 or at jadavidson@columbus.rr.com with questions, suggestions for a meeting topic, or information on how to join. Stay heart healthy, Jeff

I read an article that said cardiologists in Ohio, during the winter months, are writing prescriptions to send their patients to Florida. According to the article, the warm weather and salt in the Gulf of Mexico’s waters helps unclog the arteries and lower blood pressure in heart patients. I read this on Facebook, so I know it is factual.

What’s my philosophy as a heart patient? Every year on my birthday, I can either say “another year older or another year of life.” I choose the latter! The little things like: running out of coffee or eggs in the a.m., rush hour traffic, slow people in the popcorn lines at AMC, and my wife asking me to clean the house every Thursday (really?), don’t bother me anymore—well maybe a little. I can’t sweat the small stuff. Another year means I’m getting wiser, I realize more and more what life means to me, and how important family and

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Officers and Chairs:

President - Jeff Davidson jadavidson@columbus.rr.com Vice President - Jim Kelly Secretary - Lynne Kelly Treasurer - Helen Davidson Membership - Open Visiting Chair - John Afek Newsletter - Christine Ballengee Morris morris.390@osu.edu Marketing/Development Chair - Ron Keener Hospital Coordinator - Annette Salser Technology Chair - John Cole

Welcome New Members!

Our Mission: To inspire, comfort, support, and assist in educating Central Ohio heart patients, caregivers and people at risk of a heart event. Our Method: We partner with local hospitals and rehabilitation clinics to help those affected by heart disease. We help through our heart patient visiting program, monthly heart education meetings, and other outreach. Our Members: We have over 300 members, including medical professionals, heart care administrators, caregivers, and heart patients who can share a variety of “heart success stories” including: growing up with congenital heart defects, valve replacements, aneurysm repairs, stents, bypasses, pacemakers, ICD implants, LVAD and heart transplant surgeries. Local Sponsors and Partners: OSU Wexner Medical Center, Ross Heart Hospital, Boston Scientific, Briova RX, Collins Law Office LLC, Heartland, Hospice of Central Ohio, Kindred, MacIntosh Heart Health & Rehab Centers, Medtronic, Novartis, St. Jude, Vitas Health Care, YMCA of Central Ohio Newest Members: Michael and Gail Adams, Terri and Connie Bueter, Jim and Nancy Dressel, Tom and Karen German, Lee Gibson, Thalia Johanssen, Carol Kauffman, Mitsuyuki and Karen Kudo, Becky Lewinstein, Pat McEntee, Merv Muller, Jack and Judy Nasar, Rosemary Sergakis,

Meeting News

Thurs., Jan 10th: James Warner will speak on “Nutrition and a Heart Healthy Diet” (with a cooking demo) Thurs., Feb 14th: Dr. Ernest Mazzaferri will speak on “The Ross Heart Hospital: Past, Present and Future” Thurs., Mar 14th: Dr. Sitaramesh Emani will speak on “CHF: Causes, Treatments, and New Developments” Thurs., Apr 11th: Julie Wilkes will speaking on “Staying Inspired and Healthy Despite Serious Health Issues”

We visit at the Ohio State Ross Heart Hospital and University Hospital East.

We need more accredited visitors at each. Requirements to become a Visitor are: (1) Be a Healing Hearts member; (2) Attend a HH Accreditation class; (3) Attend a Hospital volunteer class; (4) Pass the OSU Hospital background check.

Patient Visiting Report

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This Surprising Symptom Could Be A Sign of a Heart Attack in Women

12/05/2018 MSN Lifestyle

Middle-aged, overweight men aren’t the only ones who should be worried about heart attacks. In fact, women under 55 are equally (or more!) likely to suffer from heart disease, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Despite the risks, a 2016 statement issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) has revealed that women are often undertreated for this deadly condition. The reason? Most fail to recognize the silent signs of a heart attack that apply exclusively to females.

While chest pain or pressure is one of the most common signs of a heart attack, there’s a more surprising symptom you should recognize. Women are more likely to experience jaw pain, too, according to Laxmi Mehta, MD, clinical director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center and lead author of the AHA’s statement. Other female-specific symptoms include upper back pain, arm pain, intense fatigue, heartburn, or “just not feeling right,” Mehta told Prevention.

Poor circulation from the heart can cause pain in a woman’s jaw, neck, or back, the AHA reports. However, doctors have yet to find a scientific reason why jaw pain and upper body discomfort affect women and not men. Here are the physical and emotional ways heart disease is different for women, too.

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a doctor right away. Research shows that women tend to wait longer to seek the treatment they need; however, doing so could lead to irreversible consequences. “Women tend to develop cardiogenic shock,” which occurs when your heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood, Mehta said. And the most aggressive treatments may no longer be effective if you wait for too long. Bottom line: It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keep an eye out for the most common heart conditions in women, and learn how to prevent heart disease.

The snow of Winter is moving in on little cat feet, at least Carl Sandburg might have so said. We will soon enjoy the quiet and tranquility that comes with fresh fallen blanket of white. How awesome that our Ohio seasons give us so much variety to our daily experience. Makes me grateful for another day of living even though burdened with extra cares of dealing with heart and sugar issues. Yes, dealing with daily meds and diet could be looked at as welcome new variety in our daily lives. Have you ever come to such a realization on your own? Life is what we make it, and a positive attitude makes it so much easier.

The other side of Winter for many involves the holidays: so stress-inducing, especially for those with challenging family issues. At least “ready advice” is abundant at this time of year, so here’s hoping you find some that works for you. If not, just focus on the peace and tranquility of the snow and the season, and the rest will pass on by.

Heart patients can feel extra lonely during the winter quiet or holiday festivities, this makes a visit especially beneficial. And as we say so often, that benefit flows both ways to visited as well as to visitor. Our hospitals don’t empty out much for the season, but our visitor corps does experience the impact of added seasonal responsibilities. As a result, our need for accredited visitors increases with the falling snow.

It may be that you never had the chance to give back before. Now might be the perfect time to join our Healing Heart visitors in becoming accredited. If you might enjoy getting out and spreading goodwill, Visiting Healing Hearts is the perfect Winter activity. Did I mention that we have almost no chance of sliding downhill into a tree? For more information: jimkelly4@gmail.com or 614 859 9365.

Winter Healing Heart Visits

By Jim Kelly

In The News

Heart Spotlight

Ernest L. Mazzaferri Jr., MD, FACC is the Medical Director of Ohio State’s Ross Heart Hospital and an interventional cardiologist who specializes in complex coronary artery disease, valve disorders, and chronic total occlusions of coronaries. “I believe that medical care should be a team effort among the physicians, medical staff, family and, most importantly, the patient. I strive to provide individualized care that’s tailored specifically to my patients’ needs and do my best to simplify complex problems so they can make informed decisions about treatment plans. I’m motivated to positively influence the health and lives of others.” Dr. Mazzaferri earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in interventional cardiology at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in cardiovascular disease at the University of Florida School of Medicine in Gainesville, FL.

“It’s exciting being part of such a great university and academic medical center, and I appreciate the opportunity to work with many talented colleagues and providers at Ohio State. I also enjoy participating in clinical trials as well as teaching and mentoring the physicians of the future. My research interest is in clinical trials as well as translational research that explores unique family genetics of early onset coronary artery disease.” Outside of work, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife Laura and our 3 children Mandy, Ryan and Chris. I also enjoy exercising, golf, and cheering on my alma mater, the Buckeyes.

Highlights

Induction into the Gold Humanism Honor Society, 2018 Medical Director, The Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital Charles A. Bush Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2014–2017 Named to the Castle Connolly list of “Top Doctors,” 2009–2018 Courage to Teach Award, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2018

John Afek: I was born with a normal heart and spent most of my life enjoying life to the fullest; raising my children and devoting myself to my early passions, which included staying in shape and boxing. In 2004, in the summer, I went on vacation with my children feeling good and without any indication of a heart problem.

One year later, in 2005 at age 48, my life changed abruptly. After having chest pains, medical tests found a 95 percent blockage in my arteries and they were corrected by stents. During the next 5 years, I had three heart attacks, a massive heart attack in 2007 and a congestive heart failure (CHF) diagnosis. My doctors at the Ross Heart Hospital declared that I would need a heart transplant.

The call of a lifetime for a new heart came on December 22, 2011. My children and I were not sure if I would be alive for the holidays. I was sick for so long with CHF that I consider myself a miracle having survived the heart attacks, CHF and the subsequent heart transplant to be here today. At death's door, the gift from an organ donor gave my children their Dad back and a future full of possibilities.

After 6 years of living a healthy life with my new heart and no problems, on 12-19-17, I was admitted to the Ross when my body started to reject my transplanted heart. I went from a 60% ejection fraction to 20% and was hospitalized for 105 days 4 separate times over 5 months. My transplant team at the Ross worked feverishly to save my life and to stop the rare rejection and pneumonia. They threw the “kitchen sink” at me using state of the art drugs and consulting the top heart transplant hospitals in the country. My heart failure/transplant team saved my life AGAIN! As of 5-16-18, I haven’t been in the hospital and am recovering and improving every day.

Being able to do the things I love, includes inspiring and supporting other heart patients and being there for my children, family and friends. It’s difficult to express my gratitude to the donor of my heart; for my faith and God pulling me through the years of heart failure, transplant, current rejection; and prayers and support from family and friends. "I am so grateful to be here”!!

White Chicken Chili

Makes 10 Serving | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 6-8 hours Nutritional Info | Calories: 245 | Protein: 28 | Fat: 3 | Carbs: 24

INGREDIENTS • 4 cups chicken stock (no added salt) • 3 cups carrots, chopped • 2 lbs. chicken breast • 2 15 oz. cans Great Northern beans, drained • 16 oz. salsa verde • ½ onion, diced • ½ Tbsp. garlic powder

DIRECTIONS 1. Place chicken stock, chicken, carrots, salsa, onion, and garlic powder in a large slow

cooker and stir to combine. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours.

2. About 30 minutes before removing from the slow cooker, add both cans of beans. Remove chicken from mixture, shred with two forks, and then return to slow cooker.

3. Allow to cook for 30 minutes, then season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Heart Healthy Recipes

Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Makes 4 Servings | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes Nutritional Info | Calories: 305 | Protein: 28 | Fat: 12 | Carbs: 24

INGREDIENTS • 2 spaghetti squashes • 1 lb. ground beef or turkey • ½ onion, diced • 1 tbsp. coconut oil • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced • 1 zucchini, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped • 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil • ¼ cup chopped fresh oregano • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400° F and pour water into a baking dish (or 2). 2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place squash halves with cut sides

down in baking dish and roast for 40 minutes. 3. While squash is in the oven, sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium-high heat

until the beef is cooked. Set aside. 4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, crushed

tomatoes, basil, oregano and parsley. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked.

5. Add the ground beef and onions and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally. 6. When the spaghetti squash is finished, scrape the inside halves with a fork – it should fall apart

into spaghetti like strands. Top with meat sauce and enjoy!

Heart Healthy Recipes

MEMBER ENROLLMENT FORM MEMBER INFORMATION

Date:

Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms):

Address:

City: State: ZIP Code:

Email: Phone:

Birthdate: Occupation: I am interested in visiting heart patients in the hospital

SPOUSE INFORMATION IF JOINT MEMBERSHIP

Name (Mr/Mrs/Ms):

Email: Phone:

Birthdate: Occupation: I am interested in visiting heart patients in the hospital

MEDICAL INFO (OPTIONAL, FOR MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATION ONLY)

APPLICANT INFO (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

Angioplasty Heart attack Valve-Surgery Valve Transcath Congenital Heart Disease

CABG (Bypass) Pacemaker Stent AFib arrhythmia Other arrhythmia

ICD (Defibrillator) Transplant Aneurysm Diabetes Other

Caregiver Medical Professional Sponsor

SPOUSE INFO IF JOINT MEMBERSHIP (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) Angioplasty Heart attack Valve-Surgery Valve Transcath Congenital Heart Disease

CABG (Bypass) Pacemaker Stent AFib arrhythmia Other arrhythmia

ICD (Defibrillator) Transplant Aneurysm Diabetes Other

Caregiver Medical Professional Sponsor

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES

Individual $25.00 annual dues -or- $250.00 lifetime dues -or- Couple $40.00 annual dues -or- $400.00 lifetime dues

I would like to make an addt’l tax-deductible contribution of $

Total Payment Enclosed $

Please send payment with enrollment form to:

Healing Hearts of Central Ohio 7774 Brandonway Dr Dublin, OH 43017

Ifundeliverablereturnto:JeffDavidsonHealingHeartsofCentralOhio7774BrandonwayDriveDublin,Ohio43017__________DATED MATERIAL

ABOUTHEALINGHEARTSOFCENTRALOHIOWeareacentralOhioheartsupportgroupdedicatedtohelpingheartdiseasepatientsandtheirfamiliescopewithheartevents.Ourtrainedanddedicatedmembersvisitpatients,withdoctorandhospitalapprovals,whiletheyarehospitalizedandinmostneedofcomfort,supportandinspiration.WeprovideliteraturerelatedtoHealingHeartsandtoheartdiseaseandweinspireeachotheratourmonthlymeetings.Wealsovisitbytelephoneandontheinternetandwesendaheartpatientwevisitthenextthreeissuesofourchapternewsletter.Formoreinformationaboutus,pleasecontactJeffDavidsonat(614)580-1561oratjadavidson@columbus.rr.com…ORJimKellyat(614)859-9365oratjimkelly4@gmail.com

HealingHeartsofCentralOhioJeffDavidson,President7774BrandonwayDriveDublin,Ohio43017

Pleasevisitusatwww.healingheartscentralohio.orgWearededicatedtoinspiringheartdiseasepatientsandtheirfamilies.

Whenyoufinishreadingthisnewsletter,pleasedonotthrowitaway.Passitalongtoafriend,arelative,a neighbor,ordropitoffinsomeone’swaitingroom.ThiswaymorepeoplewillgetOURMendedHeartsmessage….”Thattherecan

beagreatlifeafteraheartevent?”.