You may have noticed these past couple of years all of the household or store windows decorated with hearts of all shapes and sizes. Even upon arriving to JMHS in the fall of 2021 there were hearts located on the office windows. These hearts had messages on them “Let’s do this” and Just Breathe.” The symbol of a heart is a significant reminder of the value of having a heart in the moments of uncertainty. We rely on our heart to provide us the endurance to go the distance and to help us emotionally connect with the people around us. The heart is also one of the most important organs in the human body, continuously pumping blood around our body through blood vessels. Unfortunately, a startling fact from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that a person has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. Prolonged stress may also lead to high blood pressure, artery damage, irregular heart rhythms and a weakened immune system. Since February is heart health month, we continue to focus on all things that keep our hearts healthy. Sharing love, kindness, patience, and empathy are all gifts from the heart. Exercise and healthy eating habits also help us strengthen our hearts. Let’s all remain heart healthy and celebrate heart health month by joining JMHS and wearing RED on Friday. It doesn’t matter if you wear your heart on your sleeve or simply love to live healthily; just protect your heart. Let’s Do This!
Kris Jacobson, LNHA, LALD, MBA
Interim CEO
