Archives for 2012

I love end-of-the-year “top” lists. About anything, really. It is so interesting to look back on a year and remember what was important in January, what we thought would happen in June, and by December, taking stock of a whole year and looking forward to the next. 2012 was a tough year, personally, nationally, globally. […]

I hope you have a blessed holiday with the ones you love most. Thank you for being part of my life this year. Jen

This post has been a long time coming. Various titles have floated through my head, my favorite alternate being “B is for Bat-Shit Crazy.” I can’t talk enough about depression and heart disease because it is definitely not talked about enough. It is a big deal. A huge deal. A BFD as Joe Biden might […]

“One out of two of you women will be impacted by cardiovascular disease in your lifetime. It is the leading killer of women and closely held secret, for reasons I don’t know.” This is a great TedTalk at TedX Women by Dr. C. Noel Bairey Merz, titled “The single biggest health threat women face.” What […]

Tonight was my first official appearance as the Go Red for Women spokeswoman for 2013 — a kickoff event for Minnesota’s 10th year of Go Red. The event was fun, and my remarks went well, but I was surprised at how nervous I was. I should not have been — every face I could see […]

I don’t think it is possible for me to love this more. The cast of the West Wing puts its considerable appeal behind the best thing you can do for your health: walk. Watch, laugh, reminisce about the West Wing, learn more at Every Body Walk, and then take the pledge to walk! Walk & […]

Last year after I finished cardiac rehab, I joined the hospital-affiliated gym and signed myself up for personal training. I knew from rehab that the accountability that having a training appointment scheduled would provide was crucial. I worked with Stephanie and Laurie for six months, then just Stephanie over the summer. I loved going to […]

I don’t really get the zombie thing. Why is it so popular? Someone tell me sometime. But kudos to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada for using what will likely get a lot of attention to teach people how to do hands-only CPR. And on Halloween no less. Whatever works, right? Watch if you […]

Today was a pretty big day around here. The long-scheduled day when the American Heart Association communications team would interview me (and my husband) for a Go Red for Women video in our own living room. Our boys were filmed with us, doing regular family things like playing outside, eating a snack, and playing a game. […]

I bought a big, beautiful cauliflower at the farmer’s market on Saturday. I love roasted cauliflower so much that when I saw this recipe on Closet Cooking, I wanted to try making it heart healthy right away. I made this for lunch today – for just me. Easy and delicious! Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Soup […]