(included in this email are a list of many great resources at the bottom to go with this week's episode)

Hello Heart Friends.

I have returned from a week in North Carolina where I attended the funeral of one of my dearest childhood friends, Bess Harrell Little. I gave myself the entire week off so I could focus on Bess, her family, seeing my dad and stepmom, and just honoring my deep sadness. It's been such a disturbing couple of weeks since Bess died unexpectedly in her sleep the day before Thanksgiving. Her family is still waiting on the autopsy, leaving all of our minds to speculate. As a heart patient, I immediately wonder about Bess's beautiful heart. I will know soon enough, but the days drag on in the liminal space of wondering what took my dear friend at age 48.

This week I hit the one-year mark of breaking my tibia and fibula in the backcountry of the Tetons and subsequent surgery and complications that led to 2 helicopter rides and 2 hospital stays. In that span of five days, I suffered a small yet consequential heart attack due to fluid overload around my heart. It was some of the hardest days of my life so far. I've spent the last couple of days in very deep grief and reflection and am grateful that I am doing as well as I am.

All of this to say, things are just plain hard right now. Add this to the fact that it's December which is my least favorite month of the year, and we are in the midst of a remodel that has gone on a bit too long. Perhaps, I'll throw a temper tantrum. Or I'll leave town. Or both.

What I do know is I'll be ok. It will all be ok. All of this is temporary. Life is incredibly precious and short and not to be taken for granted. Thanks to my heart surgery, I grew and now embody a survivor's mindset which is the focus of this week's episode. My goodness, this week's episode... It's so good. It's the most important episode of the year. I'm not kidding. It came right in time for me. I know it will for you, too.

Please share this episode with folks you know. Tell them about this podcast. And then, give them a hug.

So, drop what you are doing, turn off the holiday music and true crime podcasts and listen to this episode. And definitely turn off the news. Yuck.

Episode overview:

I welcome Dr. Laura Suarez Pardo, a distinguished consultation liaison psychiatrist from the Mayo Clinic, who specializes in the psychiatric impact on patients with chronic medical conditions, primarily in psychocardiology. It was a meaningful conversation that highlights the intricate dance between our cardiological and psychological health.

Key Highlights:

1. Holistic Human View: Dr. Suarez emphasizes viewing heart patients beyond their physical symptoms, considering the psychological and environmental influences on their cardiovascular health.
2. Intersection of Psychiatry and Cardiology: Delve into the world of psychocardiology, where mental health directly impacts heart health. Learn why addressing psychiatric conditions like depression and anxiety is crucial for cardiac patients.
3. Personal Journey of Boots Knighton: Boots shares candid reflections on her personal experience with congenital heart disease and the significant role of proper nutritional guidance and mental health support in her recovery journey.
4. Support Programs for Cardiac Patients: Explore the parallels in care strategies between chronic cardiac patients and those undergoing cancer treatment, emphasizing the role of support systems.
5. Survivorship and Self-Compassion: Dr. Suarez highlights the essential journey from feeling like a victim to adopting a survivor mindset—acknowledging the importance of self-compassion and the continuous quest for joy and quality of life.

Inspirational Takeaways:

• Dr. Suarez's insights on integrating mental health care within cardiology, drawing attention to the strides made in Europe and Australia with psychocardiology.
• The necessity of holistic support for heart patients, founded on the healthy interplay between mental and physical well-being.
• The affirmation that with the right mindset and support, cardiac patients can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Resources and Community:

• Join our Patreon for exclusive community meetings, where you can connect with fellow heart warriors.
• Follow our social media channels for daily inspiration, updates, and support.

Final Thought: As we approach the holiday season, the "Hope for the Holidays" series aired in November was to provide you with the inspiration and support you need during this time. Remember, acknowledging your emotional responses and seeking support can make all the difference in your recovery and overall well-being.

An ask for the Holiday season... please leave a review, if you haven't already. It truly makes a difference in the podcast is found. Share this episode with friends and family to spread the message of hope and resilience.

In case no one has told you today, I love you, you matter, and your heart wants to go skiing.

xo Boots

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Patient Support Networks

♥ AHA: https://supportnetwork.heart.org/s/

♥ AHA Caregiver support: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/caregiver-support

♥ Mended Hearts: https://mendedhearts.org/connect/chapters_groups/

♥ Women Heart: https://www.womenheart.org/find-support/

♥ Congenital Heart Disease MN: https://www.conqueringchd.org/minnesota/

♥ Adult Congenital Heart Association – Heart to Heart Peer Mentors: https://www.achaheart.org/your-heart/programs/heart-to-heart/

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Books

♥ Facing Heart Disease: A Guide for Patients and Their Families by Theodore A Stern MD, Scott R Beach MD, James L Januzzi MD

♥ Anger Kills: Seventeen Strategies for Controlling the Hostility That Can Harm Your Health by Redford Williams

♥ ICD connection: Living with an implantable cardioverter by H. McFarland.

♥ One beat at a time – Living with sudden cardiac death by M.D. Noble, M. D.

♥ Russell Douglas Publishing.

♥ defibrillator. A collection of patient & family stories. Ann Arbor: MPublishing.

♥ Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn.

♥ Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn

♥ A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook by Bob Stahl PhD, Elisha Goldstein PhD, Saki Santorelli EdD MA

♥ Mindfulness Meditation for Pain Relief by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD

♥ The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living Paperback by Russ Harris

♥ Overcoming Depression: A Cognitive Therapy Approach by Mark Gilson and Arthur Freeman

♥ Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer

♥ Mastery your Anxiety and Worry by David H. Barlow and Michelle G. Craske

♥ The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O'Rourke

♥ How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and Their Caregivers by Toni Bernhard

♥ Minding the Body Workbook by Jason M. Satterfield

♥ Coping with Chronic Illness: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach for Adherence and Depression by Steven Safren, Jeffrey Gonzalez,, Nafisseh Soroudi

♥ Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Dr. Kristin Neff (Author)