Welcome to Feel Good Friday at Aortic Hope!
Today we are going to focus on how we can feel good mentally and physically by staying active, even if we have physical restrictions after surgery or after being diagnosed with an Aortic issue. Staying active after open heart surgery for me was so important to help with my healing, however it was slow going. Even now, 4 + years post Type A Aortic Dissection and open heart surgery, I have setbacks and limitations and remain active with walking and gentle, restorative yoga. I limit my walks to under 1 hour and practice yoga 3 - 5 times per week for about 20 - 45 minutes, depending on my stamina and energy levels. I especially love walking on local beaches any time of the year (I live near Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair in Southwestern Ontario). Currently I am nursing misplaced shoulders because of the trauma caused to my collarbone and sternum which affects my entire upper torso. Limited yoga stretching, physiotherapy and weekly chiropractic care is helpful for me to move past this stumbling block.

Often times we think we can push ourselves, but in the end it is much more wise to go slow, exercise in short intervals and listen to our bodies when they protest.
This article gives advice on how we can maintain physical activity after surgery.
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What type of exercise do you participate in daily or weekly to help you feel good?
- Jessica McCracken (Jess McBez on FB)
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