August 29, 2006 > Letter to the Editor - Mended Hearts

Dear Editor:

Former President Ford's recent heart surgery serves as a timely reminder that heart patients come from all walks of life - and that patients need not be alone in their recovery.

Mended Hearts, affiliated the American Heart Association is a national nonprofit organization offering the gift of hope to heart patients, their families and caregivers for more than 50 years.  Last year Mended Hearts accredited visitors made more than224, 000 visits to heart patients in person, online or by phone.

We want the patients and families in the Tri-City community to know that Mended Hearts chapter 110 (Southern Alameda County) has local volunteers who visit patients and offer this gift of hope in partnership with Washington Hospital HealthCare System (WHHS) and their outstanding Cardiac Rehab Center.

Some of the key issues for optimum recovery for heart patients that our volunteers emphasize, along with family and caregiver involvement healthy lifestyle choices, medication adherence, and managing possible depression.

Additionally, one of the most valuable we play as visitors is that of listener.  All of our visitors have had some type of heart event or procedure and patients relate to that.  We've "been "there" and that can make a big difference to the patients' receptivity of the message.  We can lend a hand very sympathetic ear at a critical time.

Mended Hearts may be reached at our local web site MendedHearts110.org, or
1-888-HEART99 (1-888-432- 7899)

Bob Creveling
President
Mended Hearts Chapter 110