On a recent episode of "The Wellness Conversation," hosts Marcus Thorpe and Lindsey Gordon discussed heart health and its impact on families. The conversation featured cardiologist Dr. John Hatanelas and NBC4 anchor Jerod Smalley, who shared insights into maintaining a healthy heart.
Dr. Hatanelas emphasized the importance of an active lifestyle, stating, “We have to be active. We're meant to be active.” He compared the cardiovascular system to a kitchen sink, explaining that unhealthy eating habits can lead to blockages: “Maybe we're not quite built for that, and we don't know quite how to process it … I think the biggest thing is what we put in our body and then how we treat our body through exercise and activity.”
Jerod Smalley recounted his personal experience with heart health, having suffered a stroke before turning 40 despite being in good physical condition. His fitness level was crucial in his recovery, highlighting the importance of proactive health measures. Dr. Hatanelas noted the need for a shift in medical focus from treatment to prevention: “We know that a lot of cardiovascular disease is preventable, but it's a bit of a paradigm shift that will have to happen within medicine.”
Smalley also shared advice from OhioHealth neurologists who attributed his positive recovery outcome to his overall health: “They were like, ‘if you hadn't been in good shape, you might have had a very different outcome.’ The best thing you can do is be proactive instead of reactive,” he said.
While some risk factors for heart disease are unavoidable, both experts stressed that leading a healthy lifestyle can significantly influence outcomes.