My Brother is Why!
As many of you already know, my brother Doug died of a heart attack at home on February 11, 2010. He was only 47 years old. He left behind a wife and 6 children ranging from the age of 8 to 19. His oldest was a Freshman at Siena College. I had to pick her up and drive her home without her knowing her dad had passed away. It was the longest 2 hour drive of my life. My heart was broken for her, her siblings, her mom, my parents and for me. My big brother was gone. Our family was forever changed.
The day he died he had several symptoms that he unfortunately ignored. He felt tired, anxious and "sick". He thought he would just go home from work early and lay down for a little while. When he got home he collapsed. His wife and kids were home. They performed CPR, they called 911, they prayed.
Please learn the signs of a heart attack. They are not always the signs you think of (pain in your chest and pain in your left arm). The warning signs are different in women than in men. Learn the differences. Please be active and eat healthy. I know that is easier said than done, I stuggle with it myself, but you can start by just making some small changes in your routines. Much of heart disease is preventable. Some is not. Babies born with heart defects today have such a better chance of survival becasue of all the funded research and advances in medical technology. The American Heart Assocatiaon has been fighting for healthier hearts for many years. Please join me in the fight by making a donation. Your donation helps fund research and raise awareness that Heart Disease is the #1 killer of men and women. Lets change that statistic!!
I want to THANK everyone who supports me and has supported me for many years. You are all awesome and I want you to know just how much I appreciate you.
In Heart Health,
Nicole
