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player ready...Although the winter holidays are long gone, there’s one remaining festive tree in the lobby of St. Mary Medical Center.
The annual illumination of the 10-foot-tall white tree with red lights and large red hearts — called the Hearts of Hope Program — recently was enjoyed by dozens of visitors in honor of heart patients. This is the fifth year the event, which raised funds for the hospital’s cardiovascular research.
Before this year’s guest of honor, heart patient Lachunda Young flipped the switch, she shared her medical experience with the crowd of more than 50 visitors.
“My issues with heart disease began in 2011,” Young told the crowd. “I was experiencing shortness of breath and had to go to the emergency room. Tests showed I had some blockage, but it wasn’t serious enough for surgery.”
Nevertheless, medications and monitoring became part of the Merrillville hairdresser’s life.
Her physician, Dr. Kais Yehyawi, gave a short lecture on up-to-date cardiovascular research, techniques, procedures and tools — one of which has enabled Young to live a quality life.
A device, called The CardioMems HF System, features a small pressure-sensing device that is implanted directly into the pulmonary artery. It sends information wirelessly to the doctor on a daily basis, this information can be used to adjust medications and the treatment plan. If you have heart failure, changes in the pressure of blood through your pulmonary artery (PA) can indicate worsening heart failure — even before you notice symptoms such as shortness of breath or weight gain.
The FDA-approved heart failure (HF) monitoring system has proven to significantly reduce HF hospital admissions and improve quality of life, the doctor added. Young can attest to that statement.
“I feel great. I’m back at work and very happy with my treatment,” she said. “I’m monitored (with the doctor’s office) every day.”
Nurses Cheryl Smith and Barbara Trochler of the hospital’s cardiovascular department helped to coordinate this year’s Hearts of Hope program.
“We need to get the word out about cardiovascular disease — awareness is so important,” Smith said, as she listened to the doctor’s lecture. “People don’t need to be cardio-cripples — help is there.”
Jim and Helen Nawrocki of Crown Point attended last year’s Hearts of Hope Program, but didn’t stay for the entire event. And with very good reason.
“They had a health fair and booths set up before the tree lighting, and Jim had his blood pressure taken,” Helen Nawrocki said. “It was so dangerously high that we left and went straight to his doctor.” She praised the hospital personnel for stressing the importance to monitor blood pressure, which helped to identify her husband’s blockage.
After the lecture and tree lighting, the Wolfgang Choir of Hobart High School set an upbeat mood, and visitors mingled, sharing stories and memories of loved ones that have been affected by heart issues.
“I’m so glad more people are listening to the advice about heart attack warning signs,” said Carolee Wells of Highland. “We’ve lost many people in our family because they didn’t know their hearts were in bad condition until it was too late. The age-old advice of listening to your doctor — and your own body — can’t be stressed enough. If you don’t feel right, get help — pronto.”
James Kilmore of Merrillville is a repeat visitor to the event.
“My wife was in the hospital a few years ago when I saw this program set up near the waterfall cafe,” he said. “Both my parents passed away from heart disease, so this issue is close to my heart. I choose to honor both of them by being here.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.