Supportive relationships can actually improve your health. Help along the healing process with your next “hello.” Your work-site nurse or Primary Care Physician can help you find support groups and health-based social clubs in your area. To schedule an appointment, call 24/7 Nurse on Call today at 800.528.7883.

THE FIRST STEP IS SAYING

H E L L O.

CONNECT. BELONG.

HEAL.

FROM ONE HEARTTO ANOTHER

WomenHeart meets monthly to provide women living with heart disease

peer-to-peer support, information, and encouragement. JOIN a group near

you or START a group in your work place or community. Get connected by calling

(920) 433-7438.

FROM ONE HEARTTO ANOTHER

WomenHeart meets monthly to provide women living with heart disease

peer-to-peer support, information, and encouragement. JOIN a group near

you or START a group in your work place or community. Get connected by calling

(920) 433-7438.

Recent research points to the importance of developing a strong support network when trying to improve your health. In fact, isolation and/or loneliness can have health implications comparable to smoking, obesity, or lack of activity/exercise! Find strength in numbers by sharing your life or health experiences with others who have similar goals or journeys. CONNECT. BELONG. HEAL.

Lifesaver Goal: I am open to connecting with others by smiling and saying hello. Give support and get support by connecting with Nurse Jesse and the Bellin Lifesavers on Facebook at Bellin Lifesaver Wellbeing Series.

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

BE YOUMarcia Kritzler-Egeland, age 68• Retired teacher and

technology coordinator• Now leads a WomenHeart

peer support group after surviving two heart attacks

BELONG“My dad and his dad both died from cardiovascular issues. Yet, I never dreamed I would have a heart attack because I was eating a heart healthy diet and staying active. I worked out at the Y and even started teaching a class. Then one day I felt a pain in my arm during my workout. By chance, I already had a doctor appointment scheduled that day. All the basic tests came back normal, but something just didn’t feel right so I asked if they would check my cardiac enzymes. My wonderful doctor took both my hands in hers and explained I had just had a heart attack. At the ER, they found three blocked arteries, requiring four stents: one was 100% blocked, one 90%, and one 70%. I had another heart attack in the cath lab that required three additional stents to repair an artery that was shredding. Over the next few months, I received an eighth stent and then triple bypass surgery. I decided to become the best version of myself possible. I did cardiac rehab, started seeing a therapist, and participated in Hearty Conditioning where I met a walking/swimming partner. These days, I lead a local support group for WomenHeart. It has been really satisfying to help others find a safe place to share their fears, frustrations, and joy. I like teaching women to always advocate for themselves, even if their symptoms don’t seem severe.”

BE A LIFESAVER“I get a lot of support from my family and friends, but there’s something special about talking to others who are going through the same thing. They just get me…and I get them. It gives me a sense of not being alone on this journey. It helps me feel needed and useful. It makes me feel good to help other people, and they help me, too.”

1. Make a social connection. The first step is saying hello. Building your social network and nurturing real relationships can make a significant impact on your health. Read more at businessinsider.com/how-social-isolation-affects-your-health-2016-1.

2. Make a health connection. Finding a friend group or support group who shares your same journey or health goals can make choosing a healthy lifestyle easier and more fun. Consider groups like My Team Triumph or the Bellin Running Crew to make social strides in your health. Learn more at myteamtriumph-wi.org and facebook.com/groups/bellinrunningcrew.

3. Make a volunteer connection. Become a WomenHeart Champion by leading a local support group in your work place or community. To learn more, call (920) 433-7438 or visit WomenHeart.org and click on Find Support. WomenHeart provides training, materials, and ongoing guidance.

Name: ____________________________ I improved my social wellbeing by being open to connecting with others.

“I’m Marcia, and I’m a lifesaver.”