Q: My mom recently had a heart attack and needed bypass surgery. What can I do to help her recover and avoid another heart attack?
Heart attacks and coronary bypass surgery are often the first events that alert patients to the fact that they have heart disease. Once patients are home from the hospital, initiating major lifestyle changes can be enormously helpful in promoting recovery and a heart-healthy future. Changing one's diet, exercise habits, stopping smoking, and taking medications reliably can be very challenging for some, but can be a lot easier with strong support from family and friends. Exercise is more fun with company and a healthy diet is good for everyone!