http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/feeds/heart-to-heart?key=heart-to-heart Healthline Health Blogger Nefertari Nelson-Williams - Heart to Heart en-us Copyright (c) 2013 Healthline, All rights reserved. en-us Copyright (c) 2013 Healthline, All rights reserved. http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/puff-puff-ill-pass-marijuana-and-heart-disease Although I have never indulged in the ever-so-popular pastime, recreational marijuana has been quite a hot topic in the media lately.For the first time in our nation's history, two states in our great country -- Colorado and Washington -- have v... Thu, 15 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/puff-puff-ill-pass-marijuana-and-heart-disease Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-11-15T08:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/the-aftermath-of-sandy As a New Jersey resident I was directly affected by the super storm hurricane Sandy that hit our shores October 26, 2012. Although I do not live near the beaches, my heart is still broken due to the horrible damage caused by the storm. These... Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/the-aftermath-of-sandy Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-11-14T08:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/trunk-or-treat Halloween -- specifically the trick-or-treating part -- is one of the most exciting times of year to some children.I enjoy it also. It involves two of my favorite things: crisp fall air and candy. For a mother of five with heart disease, thoug... Wed, 31 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/trunk-or-treat Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-31T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/hurricane-sandy Hurricane Sandy was considered a super storm over a week before she hit my New Jersey town.Our Governor, Chris Christie, sent out warnings and instructions as to how to behave and prepare during a hurricane. As a heart patient I took heed. I ... Mon, 29 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/hurricane-sandy Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-29T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/vacationing-with-heart-disease My desire to meet Mickey Mouse earned a spot in my top three "must do/see" list after I had my heart attack. The idea of visiting Disney World in Orlando, Florida was well-received in my home, especially since my dear friend Ericka offered my ... Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/vacationing-with-heart-disease Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-26T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/on-being-a-social-butterfly-with-heart-disease It took about two years after my heart attack to realize that I could and would actually enjoy a social life.My girlfriends tried several times to get me to leave the house for something more then scheduled appointments or life needs. I didn't ... Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/on-being-a-social-butterfly-with-heart-disease Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-24T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heart-disease-can-change-your-life Suffering a life-threatening health scare can lead to many life-changing decisions. It can also change a family forever. When I worked for the Board of Education I was a healthy young mother, full of life. I made jewelry on the weekends and ... Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heart-disease-can-change-your-life Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-16T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/keeping-the-blood-flowing Dealing with a chronic disease is difficult enough. It's even harder when you have to purchase and then take multiple medications.When I was first diagnosed with heart disease, it was gently explained to me that I would have to be on certain medic... Fri, 12 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/keeping-the-blood-flowing Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-12T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/kind-words-warmed-my-wounded-heart Before my heart attack (and before the five babies) I was a model in the Philadephia area fashion scene.I worked many fashion shows and I loved every second of it. My big break came when I was chosen to shoot with a world-renowned photographer nam... Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/kind-words-warmed-my-wounded-heart Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-10T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/stress-and-congestive-heart-failire As a heart patient my doctor often reminds me to avoid stress. He also has me on medications that keep my blood pressure and heart rate nice and low. I usually tease him by saying "Dracula could jump out of the closet and I probably wouldn't flinc... Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/stress-and-congestive-heart-failire Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-10-04T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/ailing-hearts-connected-by-clasp Even before my heart attack I loved to make jewelry. I frequented a quaint wholesale jewelry making shop called Hagztogs on Samson Street in Philadelphia, PA.Whenever I would go in I would laugh and joke with the family that owns the business, as ... Fri, 28 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/ailing-hearts-connected-by-clasp Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-28T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/congestive-heart-failure-and-the-common-cold As a heart patient I am very aware of my surroundings, especially during cold and flu season.To the average healthy person the common cold is a seasonal annoyance, and sometimes even troublesome enough to cause people to miss days from work or sch... Wed, 26 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/congestive-heart-failure-and-the-common-cold Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-26T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/little-jakes-heart-of-gold I had take my daughter to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia every six months to monitor her juvenile arthritis. Occasionally after a visit, my daughter would feel a little down, but would perk up after sometime and a little pep talk. Ho... Thu, 20 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/little-jakes-heart-of-gold Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-20T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/a-daily-checklist We all have our daily routines, and over time, these tasks become like a second nature. However, I have to admit that even after four years, taking my daily heart medication alludes me at times. I do well most of the month. Every Sunday, I sit ... Mon, 17 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/a-daily-checklist Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-17T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/migraines-and-heart-disease Along with a serious heart condition, I also suffer from regular migraines.It started when I was ten years old -- back then they called them "sinus headaches." My head would hurt badly I couldn't move...I couldn't even cry. I couldn't tolerate ... Thu, 13 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/migraines-and-heart-disease Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-13T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/2012-presidential-election-and-my-health The upcoming presidential election is a big one for me, not because there is a candidate with a certain skin color or one of a particular religion, butbecause now I have to look at this election through the eyes (and with the heart) of a disable... Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/2012-presidential-election-and-my-health Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-10T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/one-day-up-two-days-rest Four years ago, I experienced a SCAD (spontaneous coronary artery dissection), which lead to my development of heart disease. Because everything happened so quickly, it has taken me a while to accept how much this event has changed my life.Be... Thu, 06 Sep 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/one-day-up-two-days-rest Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-09-06T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/coping-with-depression-after-heart-attack After a heart attack, some people -- though not all -- are left disabled. Perhaps it's due to the emotional effects of the pain and suffering from such a traumatic experience, or the actual physical damage done to the heart muscle itself. As ... Fri, 31 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/coping-with-depression-after-heart-attack Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-31T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heart-disease-and-people-pleasers Most people wouldn't think that a thin, athletic, energetic 34-year-old mother of five would have any risk factors for heart disease. And I didn't. At least, not the usual ones, but looking back, I believe that certain behaviors may have put me ... Fri, 24 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heart-disease-and-people-pleasers Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-24T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/trusting-your-heart-and-your-gut It's a sad reality that heart disease is the number one killer of women in this country, but the fact that women experiencing symptoms of heart disease are more likely to be diagnosed with gas is even scarier. As a heart patient,I know the differ... Thu, 23 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/trusting-your-heart-and-your-gut Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-23T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heat-fluids-congestive-heart-failure I've a been heart attack survivor for about 4 years now. When I was battling for my life in the critical care unit of the hospital at The University of Pennsylvania, I went into a condition called flash pulmonary edema. This happens when the hear... Fri, 17 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/heat-fluids-congestive-heart-failure Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-17T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/an-ounce-of-prevention One of the things I have learned since my heart attack is that avoiding (or at least learning how to manage) stress is one of the best things we can do for our overall health, and especially for heart health. But how? From work to raising a family... Fri, 10 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/an-ounce-of-prevention Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-10T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-heart/going-red-raise-awareness-heart-disease There was a casting call held at a nearby Mall here in New Jersey. The American Heart Association was looking for women living with heart disease to tell their stories as part of their"Go Red for Women" campaign.I was nervous, but I attended. As I... Wed, 08 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-heart/going-red-raise-awareness-heart-disease Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-08T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/imitation-of-health One day, while eating a blueberry "flavored" muffin, I had a slight revelation: just because a food tastes or smells like the real thing, that's not necessarily the case. And more often than not, foods that imitate the flavors and look of the real... Fri, 03 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/imitation-of-health Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-03T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/lessons-from-aurora "Every hug from a family member, every laugh we share with friends" ...that's the beginning of a quote by Jessica Ghawi, a vibrant young lady who was killed during a mass shooting that took place in a Colorado movie theater last month.Life is so v... Thu, 02 Aug 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/lessons-from-aurora Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-08-02T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/the-whole-story It was Sunday, June 8th, 2008, and I wasnine months into my fifth pregnancy. I was relaxing at home, watching some television, when it happened.As I rolled over to get up, I felt a pain stronger than I had ever felt before. This was my fifth pregn... Tue, 24 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/the-whole-story Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-07-24T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/doesnt-kill-makes-stronger The phrase "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" took a whole new meaning when I actually had a heart attack and survived. Although it took time, I can see a difference in my attitude towards life. I felt as though I was always a posit... Wed, 11 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/doesnt-kill-makes-stronger Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-07-11T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/mother-semi-broken-heart On a normal day I would need the energy of six college athletes just to keep up with all of the activities and chores needed to maintain my lifestyle as a mother of five children. However, I don't have that energy--it's just little old me and m... Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/mother-semi-broken-heart Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-07-09T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/hard-pill-swallow Dealing with a chronic disease is difficult enough. It's even harder when you have to take multiple medications. When I was first released from the hospital with a diagnosis of heart disease I was told to come back within two days to have my ... Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/hard-pill-swallow Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-06-26T07:00:00Z http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/scad I normally write about the disabling effects of my heart attack. However, the event that caused my heart attack was sudden coronary artery dissection (SCAD). SCAD is a rare event that happens to women. Most of us that are afflicted by SCAD are g... Mon, 25 Jun 2012 07:00:00 GMT http://www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-to-heart/scad Nefertari Nelson-Williams 2012-06-25T07:00:00Z