I want to thank you all for the cards, letters, and emails offering your condolences and support at this really difficult time for me, and for all of us. It’s wonderful to be part of the romance community, the writing community, and the Whine network. Your friendship means so much to us, and you’ve all been so amazing and thoughtful. Much appreciated.
Also appreciated, such an outpouring of support for Kathleen’s cause, the Ronald McDonald House of Orange County. If you’ve donated, or are considering making a donation in Kathleen’s honor, thank you! We also have a new favorite cause around here, The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign.
On January 1, while relaxing at home, Kathleen’s heart stopped suddenly and unexpectedly, a shock to us all. I miss her every day. Check out the Go Red for Women site and see what you can do to safeguard your own health. I’m wearing red today in support for Go Red for Women. Join me! You know you have some red in that closet somewhere.
Now on to our Classic Kathleen Post:
Another health tip? (as published on February 3 2009):
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks leslie. I am not very good about talking about it really but yeah it was eerie that she and kath died so close together in the same way of the same thing. Big wake up call for me. I had a stress test a couple if years ago and everything was fine but I am super vigilant now. Glad you are too!
Wearing red, Sherri! Thank you so much for this reminder. Did anyone see Project Runway last night? The challenge was to design a red dress to be worn to the Campbell’s Heart Ball during Fashion Week. It was a great episode, and the dress that won was gorgeous.
Didn’t see that! Haven’t been watching the Project Runway. But I’m looking for a red dress for the RITAs. One of you have to be nominated. I’m counting on it.
Very important topic, Sherri, and a good day for it. I’m wearing my red, too.
I have on RED today. The Go Red campaign is a big thing around my office. I’m dieting again and trying to get myself moving too.
My dad had heart disease later in life, had a quad bypass lived for another 7 years and died in his sleep at age 82. My brother had a heart attack this past summer and didn’t even realize it. He was on a roof in 98 degree heat working on shingles when he became very weak and dizzy. Never occured to him that it was a heart attack. It took a month and half of his coughing, not sleeping well and being treated for sinus and allergy problems before the doctor finally took an xray of his chest and saw the fluid build up caused by the loss of heart muscle. My brother is 59.
His blockage is not operable. He has been placed on medication and has gone through intensive cardiac rehab that’s helped him regain some of the heart muscle, but his life has changed.
With Kathleen’s passing so suddenly and my brother’s situation, heart health is foremost in my mind.
Thanks for the chuckle with the repost of that picture, Sherri.
Wow, it’s scary how easy it is to discount serious health problems. Thanks for sharing your brother’s story, Leslie. I’m glad he went to the doctor and got a handle on it. Best wishes for his health.
And yes, Kathleen always found something to keep us smiling.
I’m watching The View- which I never watch. I rarely have the TV on at this time, but my daughter is home sick from school and clicking the remote. I’m absolutely shocked that of all The View ladies, only Barbara Walters is wearing red. What?! Yes. Shame on Whoopi, Elisabeth, Joy, and Sherri (Shepherd, not me, though I would love to be on The View).
MY dad had two heart bypass surgeries and heart disease. We always thought in the end it would be his heart. Was lymphoma. But heart health is still a cause dear to my…well heart.
My FIL had heart attacks and bypass surgeries at a young age, which is why I watch my husband so carefully. But women are more likely to ignore the warning signs and think it can’t possibly be their own heart.
Women are more likely to get regular medical care, but less likely to stop what they’re doing and treat a real emergency. We tend to think getting the kids to the next event or making the family meal is more important at the time and “I’ll make an appointment and get it checked later.” Later could be too late! We all need to learn the warning signs and commit to putting our own health first.
I am wearing red!
I ditto everything Sherri said. I have two reasons to wear red today: Kathleen, and my sister Karen, who died six months before Kath in the very same way, of the very same thing. Heart health is my new cause.
No surprise that we both ended up blogging on the same topic today, JFL. Me, taking up some of Kathleen’s day here at the WS. You, at the Goddess Blogs. Of course, you also tried to make me share what’s in my refrigerator. Um, no. Not going there.
Julia,
Somehow I missed the fact you lost your sister. I’m so sorry.
May 2010 be filled with lots of blessings for us all.