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You Really Can Die of a Broken Heart

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

The World Has Lost ‘Bright Lights’ with the passing of ‘Mother-Daughter’ actors Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. Two strong women known for their resiliency and humor, especially in the face of adversity and mental health issues. May they be together in everlasting peace. Peace to their family and friends. 

A Home in the Meadow – (The tidal beach pictured in this video reminds me of Good Harbor Beach.) 

Sung by Debbie Reynolds in the movie How the West Was Won, now seems a prelude to welcome her ‘home.’ Carrie Fisher died from complications of a heart attack. Her mother, Debbie Reynolds died one day later. While it is has been reported that Debbie Reynolds died from a stroke, dying from a broken heart is a real syndrome, and severe stress can cause the release of stress hormones that elevate blood pressure, constrict blood vessels and contribute to heart attack and stroke.

Dying From a Broken Heart – I first came across this syndrome while working as a registered nurse in cardiac rehab. One of our patients suffered what was believed to be a heart attack that occurred after hearing about the sudden and unexpected loss of their adult child. The patient was found to have clear heart arteries and no heart damage. They were later diagnosed with stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

Broken Heart Syndrome- also called stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy. (Tako tsubo is the Japanese name for octopus traps, which are thought to resemble the lower chamber of the heart.)octopus-trap-172293951725_1

Characteristics of Stress-induced Cardiomyopathy – 

  • Brought on by emotionally stressful events (E.g. the death of a loved one, divorce, break-up, outburst of anger, or even the sudden shock of something positive, such as winning the lottery.)
  • Caused by the reaction to a surge of stress hormones (from an emotionally stressful event.)
  • The heart temporarily enlarges and doesn’t pump well.
  • Women are more likely than men to experience the sudden, intense chest pain.
  • Can lead to severe, short-term heart muscle failure.
  • Broken heart syndrome is usually treatable, with most people making a full recovery within weeks.
  • Irregular heart rhythms and cardiogenic shock can occur, which can be fatal

Heart attack versus broken heart syndrome – In broken heart syndrome, symptoms occur suddenly after extreme emotional or physical stress. Here are some other differences:

  • EKG results are different than that of a person having a heart attack.
  • Blood tests show no signs of heart damage.
  • Tests show no signs of blockages in the coronary arteries.
  • Tests show ballooning and unusual movement of the lower left heart chamber (left ventricle).
  • Recovery time is quick, usually within days or weeks (compared with the recovery time of a month or more for a heart attack.)

Learning ways to deal with stress and our emotions is good for the heart, and can benefit our overall health and well-being.  Talk to your doctor about your risks of heart disease, prevention, and stress management. Contact me if you wish to discuss quick, easy and healthy ways to relax and decrease stress.

Knowledge is Power. Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds continue to help people, even after their passing. Carrie helped many people with her open and frank talk and writing about addiction and bi-polar disease.  And before today, few people may have heard of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Thank you to these two strong women. Keeping their family, friends and devoted fans in our thoughts and prayers.      ~ Karen

 

Karen Pischke B.S.N., R.N., C.C.R.N. Alumnus. Certified Hypnotherapist, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Usui Reiki Teacher/Komyo Shihan. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness for Mind, Body and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199

Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.

Sources and More Information:

American Heart Association

Harvard Health

Mayo Clinic

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Ring in the New Year with Treetop Yoga Studio!

What a better way to welcome the new year than on your yoga mat!?

In this all levels yoga workshop, we will begin the evening with an opening ceremony, setting our intentions for the year to come and reflecting on what we want to leave behind in 2016.

To make space for all the new year has to offer, we will move through a powerful, energizing and purifying sequence. This workshop will be fun and challenging, yet accessible to all levels as we flow to a soundtrack of musical hits through the decades.  We will conclude the evening with a guided meditation, followed by a glass of  bubbly and a toast to 2017!

Resister online now to save your space

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The Color Gold = Balance
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The Color Gold = Balance

Ayurveda Wellness Healing, LLC knows the effects color can play into our wellbeing.

Through the lens of Ayurveda the color gold is made up primarily of fire, water and earth but also has a little ether and air. Gold is warm, slightly moist, heavy and stabilizing.

In the mind, the color gold promotes stability and can be beneficial as part of a complete plan to manage anxiety and bi-polar tendencies. It accomplishes this without any sedative side effects. In fact, the color gold is energizing in a manner that promotes endurance rather than a quick high. It uplifts the spirit and helps to transform consciousness, as it promotes greater awareness. In the body, the color gold supports all immune functions. It helps prevent disease and is useful in the management of autoimmune disease.

As you can see from the description, gold is neither very balancing nor very disturbing to any one dosha. It is safe to use by everyone. This makes gold a tridoshic color.” ~ Excerpt from “Healing Your Life, Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda,” by Dr. Marc Halpe

Incorporating gold into your life can be as easy as being in the warmth of the sun, eating honey, wearing gold jewelry, or gold clothing – how about some gold pillows on your furniture?

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂

info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

http://www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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Yoga Nidra & Aromatherapy
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Yoga Nidra & Aromatherapy

You will float out of this class!

December 28

6:00 – 7:30pm

Ayurveda Wellness Healing, 25 Lexington Ave, 2nd Fl, Magnolia, MA

Please join Ayurveda Wellness Healing for a powerful session of restorative Yoga combined with the deep relaxation of Yoga Nidra . (Yoga deep sleep) & Aromatherapy.

This class will incorporate meditation, breath work, aromatherapy, and supportive healing yoga poses. We will combine the energy of the new moon to set our intention for the month and New Year ahead while deeply relaxing the body to ground these intentions and heal the body and mind.

Benefits of Yoga Nidra
• Increase Immune function
• Improved digestion
• Better sleep
• Releases old habit, fatigue, worry and stress

We supply all the mats and props.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Investment:  $27

Please register by calling 978-852-0066.
Or email us at info@ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

“Blockage is disease/Flow is health” 🙂

http://www.ayurvedawellnesshealing.com

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The Holidays: A Time of Discovery

The holidays may be one of the few times that we have the opportunity to truly gather together as a family due to life’s schedules and proximity of our loved ones. For those who traveled to a loved one this past weekend, it may be the time when you noticed things are changing with mom or dad. While you’ve connected often on the phone, the extended time together may have provided a deeper look at their daily lives. Perhaps you noticed they were repeating themselves more often or that they appeared to be having more difficulty getting around. Couple this insight with the resolve that married couples may attach to the “for better or for worse” marriage vow. “No one can care for you as well as I can” or “I’m your husband, it’s my duty to care for you.” It’s important as families to talk to one another about how things are changing and for everyone to understand that asking for help does not mean giving up. It simply means taking control.

As part of the evaluation of your family you might consider “what you can do” and “what can be done by others?” Perhaps having some help with food shopping or meal prep, which could be a grocery delivery service, signing up to receive Meals on Wheels and/or receiving in-home services from a respected agency like ABC Home Healthcare. Homemaking assistance can go a long way. Having someone come in to do the laundry may help avoid a fall that could lead to a hospital stay. As we get older making beds becomes more strenuous; if we can utilize others to accomplish these more manual chores we may feel better physically and mentally. Just a LITTLE help each week can make a BIG difference.

Caring for someone as they age can lead to moments of increased stress and frustration, possibly leading to exhaustion and what is referred to as “caregiver burnout”. To be a successful caregiver you need to take care of yourself. It may mean exercise, quiet time alone or social time with friends. As little as 15 minutes a day can make a world of difference in the life of a caregiver.

As we age we find comfort in our surroundings. In addition to help inside the home there may be modifications that may make life at home more manageable. It might be adjusting the layout of furniture or removing some rugs to allow for easier foot traffic, adding grab bars in the bath to help us get in our and out of the shower safely; installing hand held shower fixtures to make bathing easier and more. ABC Home Healthcare offers FREE in-home evaluation of our clients AND their surroundings to help identify potential hazards before they become an issue. Our In-Home Safety and Modification team can help make home more accessible and comfortable to our clients as they age.

As you enjoy time together with your loved ones this holiday season consider the gift of home, health and peace of mind as we age. Developing a relationship with an established agency like ABC Home Healthcare ensures that you’ll have a trained, compassionate caregiver there for you according to your schedule. Together we can make home happen.

Jeannette Sheehan, MSN, CCM, RN, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner is founder and owner of ABC Home Healthcare Professionals, providing private medical and non-medical home care services to metro Boston, North Shore Merrimack Valley and the Cape Ann communities. When researching home care services, give us a call at 978-281-1001, or visit our website at www.abchhp.com

 

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GloucesterTEASE™ – Enter Contest for a FREE T-Shirt

Hi Joey.
 Thanks for Posting and Sharing in the FUN!  Enter our Contest for a FREE T-Shirt; the latest in our Gloucester line. 
GloucesterTEASE™ is a new Gloucester t-shirt (currently on-line) store with a message: Together Everyone Achieves Something Extraordinary; Promoting Optimism, Peace, Love, Community and the City of Gloucester with Unique designs.
High quality shirts that are “so soft” and “wash and wear well.”  T-Shirts are designed, created, and manufactured locally by Gloucester residents. Pet Bandanas – ‘Paws for Peace’ and ‘Paws for Love’ also available. Portion of proceeds donated to charity.
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Last month, GloucesterTEASE™ released the “Thank Cod for Little Fisherman” youth shirt (shown below.) NOW we’re about to release our next t-shirt in our Gloucester Line, promoting the city where we Live, Love, and Create. 
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GMG followers – Join in Our CONTEST and ENTER a RAFFLE to WIN a FREE t-shirt. Comment and Post Guesses here about the latest of our Gloucester line to Enter and Win. Contest Ends at 5 pm December 22nd. 
Our Latest CLUE: Why Come to Visit or Live in Gloucester?  Share your reasons here and be entered into our contest.
Current entries – “The great restaurants.”  – Jess Winn  “Feels like home.” –Pat Dalpiaz
Clues #1 and 3 with photos can be found on GloucesterTEASE FB.
Clue #2 – included these Facts about Gloucester MA:
  • Gloucester is America’s oldest seaport
  • Most of the city’s visitor attractions are closely tied to the region’s maritime setting, economy, and history.
  • Aside from any single attraction, visitors are drawn to City of Gloucester, MA to observe the working waterfront, particularly the operations of the fishing fleet.
  • There are 16 business offering deep-sea fishing excursions.
 Can you guess the theme for our next design? Or maybe, the design itself??
 Another clue is buried in this post.  😉 

Comment and enter guesses here on this post, or at GloucesterTEASE Facebook to Enter and WIN. 

Note: Family, friends and neighbors that previewed the shirt are ineligible to win, but you can still join in the fun comment on ‘Why you Come to Visit or Live in Gloucester? ‘Otherwise, Fair Catch for everyone else.

Follow GloucesterTEASE on Facebook (website under construction) for upcoming new releases, contests and promotions.

Join in the Fun. Share the Optimism and Positivity.  

-Karen Pischke and Diana Whitten, GloucesterTEASE™ Gloucester MA


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Yoga for Health

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Your Bridge to Health; Promoting Optimal Wellness for Body, Mind and Spirit

Studies show that yoga offers benefits for mind, body and spirit.

For general information on Yoga – from the National Institutes of Health/National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm

But with so many styles of Yoga, which do you choose?

  • Hatha
  • Kripalu
  • Vinyasa.
  • Iyengar.
  • Ashtanga.
  • Bikram.
  • Hot Yoga.
  • Kundalini.
  • Yin Yoga. ….

My Personal Introduction to Yoga – Nineteen years ago yoga was part of my ‘tool kit’ for smoking cessation. Gentle hatha yoga that focused on slow, stretching movements in synch with following the breath. The ending shivasana (pronounced Shuh-vah-sana) allowed for a deep head-to-toe (or toe-to-head, depending on the instructor) relaxation. Sometimes accompanied by a guided meditation and a warm blanket. My first session allowed for an emotional release I had not expected. Perhaps a release and letting go of my former 22 -year pack-per-day habit that, I was somewhat reluctantly giving up. For the first 3 sessions, the deep breathing and rocking movements caused a bone racking cough that I felt was cleaning out my polluted, tar-ridden lungs.

Since then, I continue to intermittently enjoy a variety of yoga classes. Gentle hatha and kripalu style are still my favorites; helpful for general relaxation, improved balance and flexibility, and improved mood. Shavasana remains my favorite pose (asana.) Lying flat on my back, arms at my side, focusing on the breath flowing easy in, and easy out. This position of deep rest and relaxation can be practiced most anywhere. That along with self-Reiki, remains part of my daily practice for relaxation and stress relief.

The Good News – there is a style of yoga and teacher to suit everyone, including ‘chair yoga.’ Yoga is often available at local senior centers, including at the Rockport Senior Center and Gloucester’s Rose Baker Senior Center.

Recommendations From the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Healthcare – 

If You Are Considering Practicing Yoga:

  • Do not use yoga to replace conventional medical care or to postpone seeing a health care provider about pain or any other medical condition.
  • If you have a medical condition, talk to your health care provider before starting yoga.
  • Ask a trusted source (such as your health care provider or a nearby hospital) to recommend a yoga practitioner. Find out about the training and experience of any practitioner you are considering. To learn more, see Selecting a Complementary Medicine Practitioner.
  • Everyone’s body is different, and yoga postures should be modified based on individual abilities. Carefully selecting an instructor who is experienced with and attentive to your needs is an important step toward helping you practice yoga safely. Ask about the physical demands of the type of yoga in which you are interested and inform your yoga instructor about any medical issues you have.
  • Carefully think about the type of yoga you are interested in. For example, hot yoga (such as Bikram yoga) may involve standing and moving in humid environments with temperatures as high as 105°F. Because such settings may be physically stressful, people who practice hot yoga should take certain precautions. These include drinking water before, during, and after a hot yoga practice and wearing suitable clothing. People with conditions that may be affected by excessive heat, such as heart disease, lung disease, and a prior history of heat stroke may want to avoid this form of yoga. Women who are pregnant may want to check with their health care providers before starting hot yoga.
  • Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

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