Support network helps people living with heart disease, stroke

Posted: Published on January 29th, 2015

This post was added by Dr Simmons

Do you know where to go for help after you've had a stroke, been diagnosed with heart disease or learned your baby was born with a congenital heart defect? For years, doctors and nurses have turned to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for treatment guidelines to help you in your physical recovery. Now, the association also is a place to turn for help with your emotional recovery.

"Living with an LVAD." "Worst Day of My Life." "Recently Diagnosed." "What snacks can I eat that don't contain salt?" These are just a few topics that fill the pages of the heart section support network and other survivors are weighing in on their experiences to provide support for others.

The American Heart Association's support group found at http://www.supportnetwork.heart.org offers a community as well as materials for starting face-to-face, community-based support groups. The goal is to connect people living with heart disease and stroke with others who are going through similar journeys.

The network helps patients who are dealing with questions about their surgeries, cardiac rehab and their recovery process. The monitored community offers people a place to ask questions, share concerns or fears, provide helpful tips and find encouragement and inspiration.

Research shows the stress of dealing with an illness can impact health. A study just released in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that a general lack of social support is associated with poor health and quality of life and depression in young men and women a year after having a heart attack.

Jerry Keukuk volunteered with the former Mended Hearts chapter in Bloomington after he underwent bypass surgery and regularly visits heart patients at both hospitals in the area. "It's good for them to see that there is life after a heart event," he said. "I come in after playing a round of golf and they are surprised to see that I am still able to enjoy golf after having bypass surgery."

The person who's had a heart attack or stroke isn't the only one impact by these life-changing events. The stress of caring for a disabled spouse can significantly raise the caregiver's risk of future stroke.

"Today we see a lot more focus on the educating of caregivers," Keukuk said. "This is a good thing because the families really need emotional support. Other volunteers and I visit the families at the hospitals after a heart event and I talk with them about how they are doing, what it will be like when they go home and the importance of diet and exercise."

Even though the local chapter of Mended Hearts has dissolved, Keukuk said he and other volunteers will go on visiting heart patients at local hospitals. "We can take the time from our lives to help you," he said.

To join the American Heart Association's support network, visit http://www.supportnetwork.heart.org.

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Support network helps people living with heart disease, stroke

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