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The Juniper & Oak Wellness Weekly

Updated: Feb 13

Issue No. 19, February 13, 2026


New to the blog...



Following your Holy Spirit "gut"


This beauty turns 20 over this upcoming weekend. She is a force to be reckoned with in all the right ways. She is fiercely determined, loyal, kind, funny, smart, disciplined, and hardworking. She is a gift to all who know her.

 

I was in labor with Cate all throughout Valentine’s Day. She entered this world in the early, early morning hours of February 15th. I learned a pivotal lesson through her delivery which I still lean heavily on today and even share with all my patients.



Let's talk about your heart (what your medical provider wants you to know)...


As you know, February is American Heart Month to raise cardiovascular disease awareness. Let's talk more about your heart!


Your heart is a muscle working as a pump. Your heart has four chambers, the atria which fill and the ventricles which squeeze.


The top number (systolic) on your blood pressure reading is the measurement of the artery pressure when pumping. The bottom number (diastolic) on your blood pressure reading is the measurement of the artery pressure when resting.


Your heart has an electrical system which regulates the rhythm of how often your heart beats. Your heart should contract and relax in a predictable sequence.


Your heart needs potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium to maintain a steady heart rhythm and muscle contraction.


Your heart is the centerpiece to your circulatory system. Your heart delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body so all the necessary functions can take place. It also removes waste.


Your heart works through a feedback loop. For example, if your blood volume is low your heart will pump faster.


The efficiency of your heart is affected by the condition of the blood vessels to which it is pumping out.


There are several common types of Heart Disease:

  • Cardiomyopathies - damage to the heart muscle

  • Coronary Artery Disease - cholesterol deposits of the inner wall of your arteries over time

  • Arrhythmias - abnormal heart rhythms

  • Congenital Heart Defects - heart structure abnormalities, present at birth

  • Valve Disorders - compromise the circulation of blood flow

  • Heart Failure - the heart can no longer pump effectively


Protecting your heart:

  • Avoid toxins such as smoking and secondhand smoke

  • Get regular, daily exercise - Remember, your heart is a muscle!

  • Eat a heart healthy diet - Grassfed lean meats, beans, veggies, fruit, seeds/nuts, dairy with healthy fats (never low-fat dairy)

  • Keep a healthy weight - lowers the risk of other diseases which contribute to your heart health

  • Get quality sleep - at least 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night

  • Manage your stress

  • Avoid dehydration

  • Complete recommended screenings


Concerning heart symptoms include (contact your health care professional):

  • Chest pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Back pain

  • Numbness

  • Weakness

  • Changes in vision

  • Difficulty speaking

  • Nausea

  • Lower extremity swelling

  • Consistently elevated blood pressure readings above 180/120 mm Hg

(***Call 911 is your blood pressure is above 180/120 and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.)


Juniper & Oak Wellness Co. exists to help women stop striving and rest in our Savior. Click the booking links below to schedule a Discovery Call, Wellness Coaching Session, or NP Well Care appointment.


What I am loving...


Sunshine!!


This song. And this one.


Excited to listen to this podcast episode. And the 2nd part.


Winter Sunshine
Winter Sunshine

But GOD!

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26


May he give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Psalm 20:4


With love,

Dana


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WELL Care

Nurse Practitioner


Christ-centered Wellness Coaching

*The information contained on this Website and in the Resources is not intended to take the place of medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a health care professional. Nothing on this website shall be considered, construed as, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any action taken based on the contents of this Website or the Resources is solely at your own discretion, risk and liability. https://www.juniperoakwellness.co/disclaimer

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