February 1, 2023
It’s been a while since I’ve posted “The Pulse”. I’m picking it back up with a personal edition.
I’ve billed “The Pulse” as “a collection of things that I have recently found interesting and that are keeping me going.” Today’s edition is literally all about hearts: mine, my family’s and yours. Interesting is not the best adjective in this case, but heart health is most definitely something that is keeping me going right now as you will read.
My aunt, Peggy Anne Beckley (1950-2022), passed away on November 13, 2022, as a result of a heart attack that led to multiple organ failures. She fought valiantly for several days, with her doctors noting the uncanny strength of her heart as she tried to recover. Ultimately, the trauma to her whole body was too much to overcome but her years as an avid runner and tennis player did not go unnoticed.
My uncle, Jeffery Warren Beckley (1953-2023), passed away from a stroke on January 12, 2023, just sixty days after his sister. Uncle Jeff and I were birthday twins, born on the same date 19 years apart. We always shared a special bond. (The year I turned 21 and he turned 40 was pretty cool, though we lived half a world apart and didn’t see each other in person.) He had some risk factors for heart disease which he was treating with the guidance of his doctors, but his death was sudden and still a shock.
My family is grieving. We are working on healing our loving hearts, knowing there will always be an ache for Peggy and Jeff. I am also paying acute attention to my physical heart and the impact of my choices on my heart health. “The Pulse” will continue to be a venue for sharing things I am finding interesting. In honor of Peggy and Jeff, it will also include a tip or a fact for “Taking Care of Your Heart”. It’s for them. It’s for me. And just maybe the tips will have some value to you, too.
❤️ Today, February 1, begins American Heart Month. This Friday, February 3 is Wear Red Day to raise awareness for heart health. Will you join me?
❤️ According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for 32% of all deaths. Of those, 85% are the result of heart attack or stroke.
❤️ The World Health Organization, the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute all agree: your lifestyle choices contribute to the quality of your heart’s health. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise, monitoring your heart numbers, limiting alcohol and tobacco, managing stress, and getting a good night’s sleep are all important for maintaining your heart health. What’s one heart healthy choice you can make today?
If you made it this far, thank you for reading until the end.
I hope you’ll tend your loving and physical hearts today by hugging your loved ones and finding even 5 minutes of movement and exercise.
Thanks for the post and my hugs for your losses. They were young and I’m sure young at heart. My 71st hit me hard and the work of staying fit and heart healthy have been made more clear as a Nonna. Live well, spread joy and for goodness sake be kind! Why is that so hard for some? I miss you my friend and am so proud of your accomplishments. Love to you and the family, Carol