Blog
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What Are the 4 Stages of Congestive Heart Failure?
Congestive heart disease (CHD) is a condition that occurs when the heart cannot pump a sufficient amount of blood throughout the body. Knowing what can cause CHD or congestive heart failure is vital, as a proactive approach to CHD awareness can help prevent this condition. The four stages of congestive heart failure range from being…
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Five Tips For Coping With Holidays After the Loss of a Loved One
Here are some helpful tips for handling grief during the holiday season. Feel Your Emotions and Be Honest About How You Feel Everyone grieves differently and the holidays can be difficult for families after the loss of a loved one. Give yourself space to feel your emotions and be honest with yourself and others about…
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Five Ways to Support Bereaved Family or Friends This Season
Here are some helpful tips for how to support those who are grieving during the holidays. Support Their Choices Everyone grieves differently and the holidays can be difficult for families and friends after a loss. They may choose to skip holiday gatherings, change traditions, travel, etc. Support them in their choices surrounding the holidays. Extend…
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What Are the Chances of Having Another Child with Congenital Heart Disease?
Heart disease impacts children—but how common is it in families? Congenital heart disease and congenital heart defects can significantly alter a child’s life. Some people have minor cases, while others have severe ones. For parents, the diagnosis can come as quite a shock. As is the case with any medical condition, you might find yourself…
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Volunteer Spotlight: Casey Fletcher
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead Volunteers are the heart of our organization, bringing their passion, empathy, and personal experience to all they do. Despite wading through the darkness of CHD, our volunteers bring light to…
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Revisiting the Season of Gratitude
Even in times of darkness, gratitude can shine a light. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let’s remember, despite the losses and struggles, what we have to be thankful for in this world: the ones we hold dear, the miracles great and small, and the chance of each new day. This week, revisit our gratitude blog series,…
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50 Ways to Take a Break
Printable PDF of this resource available here
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Psychological Aspects of Living with Congenital Heart Disease
Prepared by: Adrienne H. Kovacs, Judith Brouillette, Patricia Ibeziako, Jamie L. Jackson, Nadine A. Kasparian, Yuli Y. Kim, Tracy Livecchi, Christina Sillman, and Lazaros K. Kochilas The authors of the following 2022 Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association have prepared this document. The authors, two of whom have congenital heart disease, represent psychology, psychiatry,…
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The Uncertainty of Living with CHD
CHD comes with many unknowns. As patients reach adulthood, things only get a little more gray. It can take a lot to balance between dealing with a chronic illness and living your life. In this week’s blog, one patient shares how the uncertainty of her condition impacts her outlook. By the time I was a…
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How is a Congenital Heart Defect Diagnosed?
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect amongst newborns. Sometimes it is found during pregnancy, but other times the diagnosis doesn’t come until after the child is born. There’s a lot of testing that can help diagnose this condition, as well, and there are some other factors that can help confirm the…
