Keep Moving as It Gets Colder Good morning, Aortic Hope community! This month we're focusing on cold and flu season, and we're starting with something that matters all year: staying active. Regular movement helps control blood pressure, keeps your muscles strong, and lifts your mood. Here's how to keep moving safely as the temperature drops. Source:https://bearfoottheory.com/cold-weather-hiking-clothes-winter-layering-basics/ Why Cold Weather Matters When you step into the c

❤️ DON’T LET FEAR STOP YOUR RECOVERY After heart or aortic surgery, it’s easy to develop what we sometimes call “cardiac paralysis” — being so afraid of hurting yourself that you become afraid to move. But once your medical team gives you the green light… MOVE! 🚶‍♀️💪 Start small. Walk the hallway. Get out of the chair. Take another lap tomorrow. Consider cardiac rehab. Gradually rebuild confidence in your body. You don’t have to run a marathon. Heck, some days making it to

💙 Support, Delivered Right to Your Phone At Aortic Hope, our mission is to Spread Hope. Create Awareness. Provide Support. And we know that support for aortic disease goes far beyond physical health. That’s why we’ve partnered with 𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁𝘀 to provide one 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 month of private, personalized mental health and grief support delivered directly through text messages. This support may be helpful if you’re navigating the emotional impact of a health journey, caregiv

We're honored to introduce the newest story in our Saturday Survivor Series featuring Kristina Schrameyer. Thank you so much for sharing your story to the Aortic Hope community. *Ready to Share Your Story?* - Submit your story: Click HERE - Past storytellers, share your update. Click HERE *Let's Connect Heart-One Beat At A Time Together!* 🌈 Share your story, inspire others, and be the shining star in someone's life! 🌟 The Aortic Hope Survivor Video and Blog Series form allo

The Perfusionist's Perspective ARTICLE 1 "I Woke Up With All These Tubes and Lines - What Are They For?" ~ Emmanuel Mbaka You open your eyes. The operation is over. You may still feel sleepy and confused, and before you fully understand where you are, you notice something else: There seem to be tubes, wires and monitors everywhere. For many patients waking up after open-heart or aortic surgery, this can be frightening. You may wonder, "Is something wrong with me?" In most cas