A Letter from Your Heart

Written by Leslie Pepper
Illustrated by Nate Padavick

Just because your heart can't speak doesn't mean it's not trying to tell you something. Here we imagine what your heart would say after a heart attack.

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Dear Jane,

Hey! It’s me! Yeah, that reddish-bluish pumping thing between your lungs and your sternum. I know, I know. You had no clue I could talk. But I’ll bet I can do a lot of things you don’t know about. You’re mad at me? I hear ya. I gave you a little scare. But let’s face it. How else was I going to get your attention? I tried warning you. Didn’t you notice my big red flags?
           
That time when you were too pooped to go to that family party—remember that? I know, you blamed it on the fact that you didn’t want to hear yet another story about how well Aunt Ida’s daughter is doing in Des Moines. Then there was that shortness of breath you felt after walking Fido for only a few blocks. You thought it was just because you hadn’t slept much the night before. But come on, you couldn’t sleep for weeks and weeks. Hello! That was me! I even threw heartburnlike pain at you. What, you thought it was just the seven-layer burrito you ate for lunch? 

How about when you felt lightheaded after walking up your front steps? The cold sweats you were constantly feeling? Those didn’t tip you off that something was amiss? Hmm, too subtle? What did you want me to do, write it on a sandwich board and parade through Times Square? I had to do something to get you to start taking better care of me!
           
Speaking of burritos and sandwich boards, you have got to start eating better. No more drive-through Taco Bell. It’s lots of fish, especially fatty fish, for you. Try salmon, anchovies, bluefish, sardines, and tuna. And I want you eating plenty of fortified eggs, walnuts, and flaxseed too. Lean meats, low-fat dairy—and don’t shortchange yourself on fruits and vegetables. Get your seven servings a day. Also, no more empty carbs. It’s lots of whole grains for you, missy.
           
And throw away that remote control! You’re going to get at least a half-hour of exercise almost every day. Learn to say no, start yoga or meditation, or do something that will lower your stress level. I know it may not sound easy, but once you get on the road to heart health, you’ll see it’s easier than you think. And it’s going to save your life. Literally.

Love,
Your Heart