I just realized what today is for me.  This is year number 5 on this exact date that I suffered a ‘significant’ heart attack.  Wow!  I am really blessed and very grateful to still be alive and kicking!  Anyone who has ever suffered a heart attack knows that your life will never be the same as before.  Not to say that you cannot still be very functional and active – it’s just that there are a few subtle signs and symptoms that your body will ‘remind’ you that you did have a heart attack.

I do know the key things for a long-lasting recovery ARE:

• to definitely diminish the stress in your life.  In this world we live in now, it’s almost impossible to avoid stress, but there are various ways of lowering your stress level.  Forget what people think of you!  As long as God is satisfied with you, then that’s all that matters.
• better, healthier eating habits.  It may be more expensive to eat healthier, but it is so well worth it.  Though I still tend to stray from eating healthy every single day, I do pick myself up and get back on track and I don’t beat myself up about it.  A little determination goes a long way!
• exercise frequently.  Walking – which is my preference for exercising – can be so refreshing, relaxing and both mentally and physically healthy for you.  One of the many things I enjoy about living in the South is the 8+ months of warm weather where I can get out and participate in either very early morning or late afternoon walks, walking almost anywhere I live. I have the option of taking in a little exercise in our gym facility here in the complex or any gym facility down the street, taking a casual walk in the community, at the local park or whether it’s taking a walk in Stone Mountain Park (which I hope to accomplish again – hadn’t done that in over 15 years!).
• continue medications as prescribed.  None of us like the fact that we have to take medications, but when your body suffers a traumatic event and your doctor tells you to take your meds, then do so!  Thinking you know everything and wanting to wean, or completely stop taking your medications on your own is foolish.  If you have concerns about certain meds you’re taking, then by all means talk with your doctor first BEFORE stopping the medication yourself.

Though I just recently received what’s called a cardiac event monitor as I’ve had some recent palpitations  (or heart flutters), I am still active (more active than many of my neighbors who are older than me) – with the intention of becoming more active as the weather is coming into spring.  Most of all, I’m ever the more hopeful on my future outlook on my life – and lowering any more chances of any further heart attacks!