Listen To Your Heart – Wisdom
Approximately twenty years ago my father died of a massive heart attack. I can remember this as if it were yesterday. I was attending college at Kansas State University in Manhattan Kansas, when I received the news. My family members had contacted my finance (who I was engaged to at that time). They wanted him to relay the bad news to me.

I can remember him saying, “you’re father just passed.” When he said these words to me, I immediately took offense and said, “Oh my, you’re father died?” He held my hands and looked me in my eyes, and said again, “you’re father just passed from a massive heart attack.” For just that moment it seemed as though, the whole world stood still. My superman, the family bread winner, counselor, solider; passed away. What would our family do now?

For many years, my mother was a stay-at-home mom, who did not have to work. When people ask me, “how did you grow up?” My response, “like the Huxtables.” My father was not a doctor nor was he a lawyer, but what he was is a man of responsibility, integrity, and great courage. He provided for our family every need. My question to my mom when I arrived home for the funeral was, “what will we do now?” I do not remember her grieving much, but I do remember her taking the initiative to start providing for the family.

After the funeral, my mother decided to explain to me what happened. She said, “he was lying in the bed next to me, and when I looked over he was trying to gasp for air.” She went on to say, “I was literally frozen, and couldn’t help him.” Additionally, she said, “when the paramedics arrived, they pronounced him dead on arrival.” As a result, February is a special time for me, because it’s the month my father passed away; and it is the month that Congress has approved as American Heart Month. My goal is to challenge each person who is reading this blog to LISTEN TO YOUR HEART.

February Is American Heart Month – Color is Red
Congress approved American Heart Month in 1963 (AHA-American Heart Association)

Heart disease is the leading killer in the United States
AHA goal is increase public knowledge of various cardiovascular diseases, for the purposes of research fund-raising and prevention of heart disease by encouraging heart-healthy habits

Though there has been much information about heart disease since 1948, the goal of the AHA still remain the same

AHA went public to increase the nation’s awareness, and began a campaign to make the population more healthier

Goal is to reduce cardiovascular illness by 25%

The plan is to reduce the growth of obesity

Reduce untreated high blood pressure

Encourage people to stop smoking and to start exercising

Encourage people to take steps to reduce their cholesterol