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Keith Ahrens
Health tips and discussions, motivational articles and positive lifestyle coaching from Lifestyle Change Expert, Keith Ahrens
11
Thanksgiving’s a day to give thanks.I give thanks for my continued health and that of my family and friends.
I’m thankful for having the most supportive family anyone could ever ask for.
I’m thankful for the paths I’ve traveled and the people I’ve met this year that have enriched my life. I’ve met some very strong people.
I give thanks to the troops and veterans who serve and served unconditionally and without reservation.
I give thanks that I am who I am and I can be what I want to be.
I’m thankful for knowing that I have the strength to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.
I hope you each enjoy a day of reflection, health, and love with many more to come. – Keith
Name One Heart Healthy Food dish that will be on your Thanksgiving dinner menu.
Are you feeling a little stressed?Are the upcoming holidays, family worries, or work piling up on with other obligations?
Managing and controlling stress is an important element in our overall health.
There’re many tips to relieve stress but, in my opinion, the top two are getting regular physical exercise and eating heart healthy.
Get up and take a walk. Climb some stairs. Take some deep breaths. Meditate for a few minutes. Add an extra serving of fruit and veggies to your plate. Eat several small meals instead of 3 large meals.
Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and drinking enough water to stay hydrated during the holidays.
When we don’t get enough sleep our bodies crave for more energy. Energy comes from the calories we consume. We fuel that energy by eating more when we’re stressed, tired or dehydrated. – Keith
I’ll be presenting and sharing my journey to the Las Vegas Chapter of Mended Hearts. This presentation will be at Desert Springs Hospital in Las Vegas on Saturday, November 20, 2010.I’m looking forward to presenting to other survivors and their families about healthy lifestyle changes while living with and surviving cardiovascular disease.
About Mended Hearts
Mended Hearts has been offering the gift of hope to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers for 60 years. Recognized for its role in facilitating a positive patient-care experience, Mended Hearts partners with 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums. Our mission is to “inspire hope in heart disease patients and their families.” From MendedHearts.org
For more information on Mended Hearts, visit MendedHearts.org
In this article Sharon shares many lifestyle change tips to prevent some of the most common diseases. The article was geared towards women’s health but this article reaches far beyond gender.
Feel free to leave a comment:)
Your Heart Is Working Hard
“Did you know that each day the average heart “beats” (expands and contracts) 100,000 times and pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood?
It pumps blood through approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels and veins etc. That’s enough to circle the earth 2 times.
Now that’s reason enough to take care of your heart.” – Keith
“Remember the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray? Each day he woke up and the day repeated itself.He was given the opportunity to change anything he wanted–for better or for worse. We’re given the same opportunity.
Yesterday’s gone.
Today we can make a positive impact in our lives or someone else’s life regardless of what we did yesterday.
When your alarm clock goes off tomorrow, make it your day!
Consider each day ahead a gift waiting to be unwrapped.” – Keith
Describe your success and what factors led you to change your life?HI…. My name is Amanda. I’m 30 years old and my success is surviving multiple heart conditions and many heart surgeries:( But I am here to tell u about it all:)
The factors that led me to change my life…. I have to keep myself heart healthy for my kids and my hubby…. It’s hard but I manage and I most of all do it for me:). It was either change how I live or die…not a hard decision. I suffer a lot and need to stay healthy:)
What was the journey like?
The journey has been a long one, almost 8 years of suffering and surgery after surgery. I started with A-fib at 23 when I was pregnant with my daughter and since than I have had A-flutter, A-Tachycardia, and scar tissue on my heart, Atrial myopathy and a pacemaker. I now suffer from congestive heart failure on top of everything else…WOW!!!!! I have had 6 Ablations, 3 cardio-versions and recently an open-heart surgery (Thoracotomy) to put my pacemaker. I deal with anxiety and post Thoracotomy syndrome, very painful and I have tachycardia arrhythmias daily. Still keeping my head up though…. It could always be worse!!!!
How did you do it?
All in all I think of my hubby and kids, the most important people in my life and I stay positive. Heart disease is very hard to deal with, but I have an amazing support system…. Including u Keith:). Before every surgery I put it in my head that when I came out I would laugh instead of cry and I do that every time I wanna cry…. trust me it works:)
What are your top 3 tips for success?
3 tips for success…
#1. Positivity
#2. Put yourself before everyone else, U are the most important person in the world.
#3. When you have heart disease, take it seriously. Eat right, stay active and DO NOT smoke or do anything to hurt your body. You only have one body…take care of it.
What inspires or motivates you?
My family inspires me everyday. My hubby keeps me smiling and happy, so most of the time I don’t feel like I’m sick at all.
There are amazing people like Keith Ahrens that Inspire me with positivity…. Thank you Keith:)
My kids motivate me to stay healthy, happy and positive. I want to see them grow up, that’s enough motivation:)
How do you feel now and where are you going?
I am still suffering a lot, but I’m Happy and I have so much to live for, I will stick to my diet and do everything I can to be heart healthy so I can be around for a long, long time:)
I will keep moving in the right direction and I will always stay positive and keep my head up. I have more surgeries ahead of me and a lifetime of heart disease, but for now, I AM HAPPY and Thankful for all the blessings in my life.
If you have heart disease, stay positive and keep smiling. You can live your life and still stay heart healthy. Keep your head up, U are the most important person in the world, so love yourself and just believe that you will be just fine:) Give or take a few speed bumps in the road:)
Please feel free to post a comment about Amanda’s story below.
Calorie Lab releases its data for the most obese states. There are a few changes to the rankings but there’s no doubt an epidemic exists.
Mississippi and Colorado each hold one end of the belt stretching around these alarming statistics.
Click on the link to see where your state ranks. Calorielab.com
“CalorieLab computed the fattest state rankings for this year based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System database maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rankings use a three-year average in order to smooth out statistical fluctuations.” – Calorielab.com
“Studies have concluded that listening to music while working out can increase the intensity level and duration of your workout.That “sounds” good, right?
Beat, Tempo, Rhythm, are natural stimulants for our brain. Music provides all of these.
I know that when I’m at home on the treadmill — alone?, and start to sing out loud my heart rate increases. It’s like talking when you’re running. It provides some extra interval training for me.
IPods, Mp3, players, and other micro sound systems have made it easier than ever and less cumbersome to listen to our favorite tunes at the gym.
Music can also take away some of the boredom when working out. We all need extra motivation once in a while. Music is a great place to start.
What’s your favorite song that keeps you moving and makes your workout seem to fly by?” – Keith
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“Anniversary, Birthday, Thanksgiving…What a Day”
“5 years ago, August 23, 2007, is the day I had my open-heart surgery. I remember as if it were yesterday. More healthy, healing, positive energy from family and friends was sent my way that day than anyone ever deserved. I would imagine all survivors can relate to how I feel. I’m more alive today […]
Are You An Advocate?
If you could tell your legislators just one thing about Heart Disease, What would you tell them?
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Like I say, “I Hate Heart Disease”. Good man, Good life. RIP Mr. Clark. I’ll think of you every time the Ball drops. K Click on Link Below for Story, Dick Clark Dies: TV Legend Dead At 82
Are You CPR Smart?
Here is your chance to tell your legislators and others that you proudly support having CPR a required graduation credential for all high school students. To help, go to becprsmart.org I strongly believe that we need to have as many potential “First Responders” as we can. This is an excellent opportunity to do so. What […]
Denver Is A Safer Place Today
Mass CPR Training event in Denver today. Hundreds of men and women showed up today ranging from High School students to Senior Citizens to be trained in Hands Only CPR. Training took place every hour on the hour at East High School. We had over 50 trainers and the American Heart Association did a great […]
Mile High Kick-Off Party
This afternoon we held our annual Heart Walk Kick-Off Party for the American Heart Association – Denver at Sports Authority Field (Bronco Stadium) in the Visitors Locker Room. It was a wonderful team building and strategy meeting. We heard from a Stroke Survivor, got fired-up with a Zumba Team, and heard how last years top […]
Mass CPR Training Event – Denver
Saturday, March 24. East High School Denver. Last year 1600 trained… this year we expect over 2000. Saving lives by teaching one person at a time. Anyone can do it. It’s so easy to learn. If your near Denver just show up for an hour and we’ll show you how. Keith
SB68 Fails in the Colorado Senate.
This bill failed in committee for several reasons. I was able to testify in favor of the bill, but we were faced with some unexpected issues. We’ll try again next year. CPR in Schools: SB 98 would incorporate CPR training into high school curriculum. CPR and AEDs are tools that can save a life when […]
Alive, because someone knew CPR
Alive…. because someone knew CPR
Giving Our Kids A Chance
Coming Up In Committee In The Colorado Capitol. Trans-fat in Schools: SB 68 would create healthier school meals by removing trans-fats from school cafeterias. Trans-fats increase risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Healthier kids are more alert and learn better in the classroom. This bill will help reduce childhood obesity and create better students.
Is A First Responder Living In Your Home?
Coming up in Committee at the Colorado Capitol. Do you know CPR? CPR in Schools: SB 98 would incorporate CPR training into high school curriculum. CPR and AEDs are tools that can save a life when sudden cardiac arrest occurs. We want everyone to be trained in CPR so they can be a lifesaver in […]
Getting Started!
“Setting a goal for yourself is great, but don’t forget you need to start the race!” – K