A Reminder to Take Care of Your Heart
A REMINDER TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEART
Shannon’s September Update ✨
I’m not quite sure how to start this email, so I’ll get straight to it: a little over two weeks ago, my husband and best friend, Matt, had a heart attack. It has rocked my world to the core!
Thank goodness he recognized what was happening. His sister was there to help, and the hospital was only five minutes away. The ER team moved quickly: within about 20 minutes, he’d had an EKG and was on his way to the operating room.
I was flying with our kiddos at the time and had no idea what was happening, which may have been for the best, because I’m pretty sure I would have made a stressful situation 10 times more stressful. I’m grateful beyond words and can’t stop the constant reel in my head of all of the "what ifs."
Since then, we’ve been taking life a little more slowly. We’re lingering over sunsets, making time for conversations, and reconnecting with people we haven’t spoken to in a while.
A Wakeup Call
An experience like this has a way of reminding you that we get one life, and the people in it mean so much more than the things we collect.
Along with “How is Matt doing?” and “Is there anything I can do?”, the question I’ve heard most is: “How can I prevent a heart attack? What do I need to know?”
At first, I had no idea how to answer. I’m certainly not a doctor. But one thing I feel strongly about now is this: go to the doctor, ask questions, and advocate for your health.
Matt knew heart disease ran in his family, but I don’t think he emphasized it enough with his doctor. I think many of us do something similar. We know diabetes or cancer runs in our family, but we put off asking what that means for us. Sometimes we’re afraid of the answer. Still, knowing our risks gives us a chance to talk about what we have control over and what we can do.
I’ve been reading a lot about heart health lately and, TBH, I had some pretty big misconceptions about heart attacks. Heart.org has been a helpful place to start. If I could go back, I’d want Matt to have a conversation with his doctor about:
Blood pressure: What is his reading, and should he check it regularly at home?
Cholesterol: What do his cholesterol panel, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides show?
Blood sugar: Should he have an A1c or fasting glucose test?
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a): Has he had this once-in-a-lifetime blood test?
Overall heart and stroke risk: How do his results and family history fit together? Would medication help lower his risk?
Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan or coronary CT angiogram (CCTA): Given his family history, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, would you recommend either of these scans for prevention?
Those aren’t tests everyone needs on the same schedule, but are a great starting point and something to build on.
It’s also important to know the warning signs of a heart attack. Chest pressure or pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the arm, back, neck, or jaw can be signs of a heart attack, sometimes along with sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness. If you think you might be having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Don’t wait for an appointment or drive yourself.
If you take one thing from this email, let it be this: You matter. You are important. You are loved. Please make the appointment you’ve been putting off, share your family history, and ask the questions on your mind, whether they’re about heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or something else. Taking care of yourself is one way to make more time for the people you love.
That’s it for now. Thank you for caring about Matt and our family, and enjoy some time with your own family in this beautiful fall season.
“Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and never regret anything that makes you smile.”
What Matters Most to Your Team?
Sometimes it takes a moment that shakes us to remember what really matters. The same can be true for teams. When people feel connected to something bigger, supported by one another, and reminded why their work matters, everything can change. If your team could use a meaningful reset, a fresh perspective, and a little Sparkle Power heading into the next season, I’d love to bring that energy to your next conference, retreat, or company event. Let’s create a moment your people won’t just hear, but carry with them.
3 Meaningful Ways to Lower Your Risk of a Heart Attack
Cut back on added sugars, high-sodium foods, and ultra-processed items.
Move daily by aiming for at least 150 mins of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.
Stop smoking completely to protect your blood vessels and lower heart strain.
Sparkle on,