February is my favorite month! Because it is Heart Month, ofcourse. It is a month that is dedicated to bringing awareness to the nation's number one killer, heart disease.
I have been given the honor of serving as the local American Heart Association's spokesperson. Here is my survivor story...
When I was two, I was diagnosed with a heart defect known as Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). An ASD is a hole in the septum of the heart, between the heart's two upper chambers known as the atria. Now, everyone is born with an opening in the atria, allowing blood to move away from the lungs before birth. After the baby is born, the opening is no longer necessary and typically closes. Needless to say, mine didn't close. This hole was allowing oxygen-rich blood to leak from my heart's left side back to the right side, pumping back to the lungs - creating more work for the right side of the heart. My poor little heart was working much harder than necessary and could have lead to heart failure.
Luckily, my defect was found and I had open-heart surgery to repair the hole when I was nine. I am completely healthy now and am able to participate in activities that I would have never been able to. I was an All-State cross country runner, an All-American cheerleader, and I still practice heart-healthy living. I consider myself very lucky and want to pass on the heart-health knowledge! I mean, heart disease is the NUMBER ONE killer among women... Who knew? Now you do!
Friday, February 5, is National "Wear Red" day. So I hope everyone will participate, and send in pics of your red ensemble. If you would like to donate, volunteer, participate, or just learn more about heart health, visit the American Heart Association's website at americanheart.org, or email us at rise&shine@43thespot.com. Email us your survivor story! We'd love to hear.
Toni B.
