Queen of Hearts Podcast

Heart health is just as important as Mental health, but how do they affect each other? Join Heather Klug, registered dietitian and Lisa Kropp, registered nurse as they discuss this topic with Behavioral Health Therapist at Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center, Dr. Lissandra Lopez-Valles, Psy.D. Keep up with your heart health and other heath topics in under 30 minutes with The Queen of Hearts Podcast.National Organizations for Mental Health Resources:National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - www.nami.orgPsychology Today - https://www.psychologytoday.com/usSuicide and Crisis Lifeline - Call 988 

Not sure which diet to follow to best protect your heart? In this episode, registered dietitian, Heather Klug, shares the results of a recent study that compares the keto diet and the Mediterranean diet and how they both affect your risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  You may be surprised by the findings! Heather also shares her input as a dietitian with over 25 years of experience in this field.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, give yourself some self-love and care.  Heather shares a simple & quick meditation practice called Loving-Kindness Meditation that you can do in a quiet space or while walking to help bring a sense of calm and peace.  Who couldn't use more of that right now! Not only does this meditation help you--it helps others too! Did we mention that it can be done in 5 minutes or less?

It's tea time everyone!  In celebration of International Tea Day on May 21st, the Queen of Hearts is 'spilling the tea' on tea and why it's so healthy for the heart.  Hang around towards the end as Heather shares important tips for including tea healthfully (One of them may surprise you.  Hint: It has to do with bottled teas.)   

One of the best ways to prevent heart attack, heart disease, and stroke is to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range.  Today, the Queen of Hearts is sharing a proven way to dash away high blood pressure through food and tips to put it into practice with an easy acronym to remember.  Kick high blood pressure to the curb to protect your heart and the hearts of those you love!  

Looking for a delicious way to improve your heart health? Heather, the Queen of Hearts, discussed the latest study on avocados and why explains why avocados are so good for the heart.  Heather also shares her favorite ways to include this heart-healthy fruit into your day-to-day life.

Are you a trend-setter?  Then you won't want to miss today's episode!  Heather and Bethany chat about what's new in food trends--all the fun, beautiful, and heart-healthy dishes that'll be on your table (and your Insta feed) in the new year.

Everyone is talking about vaccinations, but do you know why they are so important for your heart?  Today, Heather and Bethany break down why two of the most controversial vaccines--flu and Covid-19--are so crucial for protecting your heart, especially for those who have pre-existing heart disease.  If you are wondering if these vaccines are right for you, listen up and decide for yourself.To schedule a vaccine in the Milwaukee area visit:https://www.advocateaurorahealth.org/coronavirus-disease-2019/covid19-vaccine/

Not sure if you're ready to commit to Dry January? We've got a solution! On today's episode, Heather and Bethany kick off 2022 with a discussion about mindful drinking and how it's moderation philosophy can fit into your lifestyle. Plus, take Heather's Cocktail Quiz to see how well you know the impacts of alcohol on your health.  Stick around to hear Heather's tips on how to think more about your drink.

We made it to the end of 2021!  And there was a lot to talk about in the past year.  In this episode, Heather and Bethany hit the highlights of some of the most popular episodes of the year and get ready for 2022.  There's so much more for us to chat about!

The holiday season is officially here and with it all the stress, food and craziness you can handle.  If it's all too much for you this year, you're in luck because in today's episode, Heather and Bethany give you some simple, straightforward hacks to get you through the season of joy.  Whether you need to eat healthier, calm down, exercise or simply breathe, we've got you and your heart covered!

Gingerbread, eggnog, sugar cookies; the holiday season brings its share of nostalgic sweet treats.  Who are we to deny our cravings?  On today's episode, Heather teaches Bethany that we don't have to go without during the season of sugar--we just have to follow three simple tips.  Plus, Heather gives listeners 2 BONUS tips that will make your taste buds (and tummy) VERY happy this December!

Have you heard that adults don't need more than 5 hours of sleep?  Or that blue light is keeping you awake at night?  These are just a couple of the 10 most pervasive myths about sleep.  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany bust these and 8 more of the biggest sleep myths that continue to circulate.  Be sure to stick around to the end because this discussion is sure to surprise you!

Gratitude isn't only for Thanksgiving!  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany discuss how expressing and experiencing gratitude has a lot to do with your culture and even your gender.  Stick around to learn how you can develop your own gratitude practice using one (or many) of our simple 7 techniques.

Vaping started out as a way to help smokers kick the cigarette habit, but it hasn't stayed that way. In today's episode, Heather and Bethany discuss the tricky topic of vaping and whether it's benefits outweigh its risks for your heart health.  They also discuss who now makes up the largest group of vapers and why that's a problem.  Stick around for valuable resources if you, your teen, or another loved one is wanting to kick the nicotine habit for good.

You probably know that you don't want to get diabetes, but do you know what it can do to your body? In today's episode, Heather and Bethany dig into the scary things that go on inside you when diabetes takes hold. #5 might surprise you!

If you are worried about gaining the dreaded meno-pooch, you're not alone! But weight gain doesn't have to be your menopausal endgame. In the final episode of our perimenopause series, Heather and Bethany get real about what causes our bodies to pack on pounds as our hormones shift and what we CAN control so things don't get out of hand.

Facts are facts, ladies--perimenopause can affect all aspects of your life, including sex.  In part 3 of our perimenopause series, Heather and Bethany get to the nitty gritty of the unpleasant changes your body can go through that might wreak havoc in the bedroom.  Fortunately, though, there are solutions to all of these issues and we cover them so that you can stay happy and satisfied (and keep your heart healthy)!

There are at least 34 perimenopause symptoms and none of them are fun.  And it turns out, there's more to them than just discomfort and inconvenience.  Join Heather and Bethany for the second episode in their perimenopause series as they do a deep dive into some of the more unpleasant perimenopause symptoms and how they are impacting your heart health.  If hot flashes and night sweats are your biggest concern, you'll definitely want to listen!

October is menopause awareness month and the Queen of Hearts Podcast has got you covered! In this first episode of our month-long series, Heather and Bethany chat about some of the crazy ideas people had about perimenopause and menopause in previous centuries.  They also get real about the myths they believed for years and debunk some of the most popular myths that still remain.  Tune in for this fun discussion and stick around for the preview of next week's episode.

World Heart Day was celebrated on September 29 and this year's theme is 'Use Heart to Connect'.  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany chat about how each of us can connect ourselves and others with good heart health using digital means.  They also discuss how while that can seem like a simple request, there are still logistical issues that may make it more difficult and how we can combat those as well.  Be sure to listen til the end, when the ladies preview their October perimenopause series!

You may already know the benefits yoga has on your stress levels and mental health, but did you know all the good it can do for your heart?  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany will get you ready to hit the mat whether you're already a yoga guru or you're a total beginner.  Stick around for tips on the basic poses and other secrets for learning how to stretch your way to a healthier heart.

It's fall, y'all!  Whether you have kids going back to school, you're headed back to the office, or you just feel change in the air, fall is a great time for a health reboot.  Join Heather and Bethany as they chat about small switches in 5 simple areas that can give you the refresh that you need.  Plus, Heather tells you how to keep your kids (and yourself) happy with some easy and delicious snack and lunch ideas.

Calling all dog lovers! August 26th is National Dog Day and we're celebrating our pooches & other pets! In this episode, Heather & Bethany are sharing the reasons why owning a dog or other pets is pawsitively good for our heart.  If you have animals at home, you're gonna want to listen to this episode & reward them with extra hugs & kisses tonight! Toward the end, Bethany also shares a funny mishap with her dog that is sure to make you laugh!

We're deep into August and that means we're knee-deep in stones fruits and tomatoes.  So what do we do with them all?  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany give you all sorts of ideas for how to enjoy these in-season fruits.  And stick around to find out the tricks for keeping your produce fresh and how to store it when you can't eat it all at once.

Are you ready for tart berries & crunchy veggies?  In this week's episode, Heather and Bethany chat about the many ways you can enjoy the bounty of raspberries, broccoli, kale and more that are available right now. Be sure to stick around to find out how these foods make not only your stomach, but your heart smile! Then head to the Karen Yontz Center YouTube channel for some tasty recipes that use these foods.

When was the last time you played?  Whether or not you have kids, play should be a necessary and important part of your day (and, of course, FUN!).  In this episode, Heather and Bethany chat about how play factors into heart health and why knowing your play type can help you make more space for it in your life.  They also share ideas for playtime that are fun, new, and don't necessarily need an extra person for you to enjoy.

Have you noticed a rise in alcohol marketing toward women?  You're not imagining things.  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany discuss the rise of the "mommy juice" culture and how social and traditional media are encouraging women to drink more and more often.  They also dive into the ways Covid lockdown impacted this trend and how the increase in women binge drinking is leading to a rise in health problems caused by alcohol.

You may never have considered that time spent getting your hands dirty in the garden could be good for your heart, but it's true!  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany dig into how growing vegetables, flowers, and other plants can improve your heart health.  They also chat about the healthiest things you can grow to eat right in your own backyard (or on your patio). Plus, learn a fun fact about the original color of carrots and also why you have to be careful with rhubarb leaves.

With more people vaccinated and Covid restrictions lifting, the urge to go out to eat has never been stronger--even for the Queen of Hearts herself!  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany dish out the best tips for setting yourself up for a heart-healthy meal even when you aren't eating at home.  And they cover what to do when your dining out plans have you eating at the ballpark, the picnic area, or your neighbor's backyard BBQ.

In this episode, the Queen of Hearts shares her knowledge on strawberries & cherries--from what to consider when buying these fruits as well as storage tips to keep them fresher longer.  Heather also gives you the lowdown on the worms you see in videos of strawberries.  Heather & Bethany also discuss their favorite ways to eat these heart-healthy fruits. For more delicious ideas, check out the Queen of Hearts Summer Produce Series cooking videos on the Karen Yontz Center YouTube channel.https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq11ftsIiba-Zta8j_1ErA

We often hear about the 'plumbing' problems of our heart, but what about its 'electrical system'?  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany look into some unsettling new news about how smartphones can interfere with pacemakers & ICDs.  They also discuss the new data on how alcohol can impact those with AFib.  And they chat about one simple tweak to your daily routine that can improve your heart health all around. 

7-8% of people will develop PTSD after experiencing a trauma.  In this episode, we dive into what PTSD is, the impacts it may have on heart health, and why the Covid-19 pandemic has increased the urgency of the PTSD conversation.  We also discuss that when it comes to a PTSD diagnosis, the news is not all bad.

It's Memorial Day Weekend and that means summer is here!  Why not spend this summer on an exercise escapade?  In this episode, Heather and Bethany chat about how exercise can improve everything from  mental health to your blood pressure and all things in-between.  They also are excited to announce the KYC Summer Escapade Challenge--a fun exercise challenge that anyone anywhere can join!

Women ages 20-39 are twice as likely to have a stroke as their male counterparts--why is this and what can they do about it?  In this episode, Heather and Bethany talk to Suzy Lesser, Manager of the Aurora St.Luke's Stroke Program about the unique risk factors young women have and the ways they can protect themselves from having a stroke.  They also chat about some of the symptoms women experience that may prevent doctors from accurately diagnosing a stroke and how to recognize if you or someone you know is having one.

You probably know that to manage your blood pressure, you need to cut back on salt, but did you know there are minerals you can ADD to your diet to help too?  In today's episode Heather and Bethany discuss the delicious options you have to keep that BP in check.  Stick around for Heather's top 10 list because some of her recommendations are going to surprise you--in a good way!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and you might be surprised to know that mental health has a strong impact on your heart health too.  In this episode, Heather and Bethany talk about the tools everyone needs in their mental health toolbox so that when things aren't going so well, we know how to fix the problem.  They also share the fun events at the Karen Yontz Center this month that bring awareness to this important topic.

The Mediterranean Diet consistently tops the charts as the best diet around, but do you know why?  And do you even know what following this diet means you'll be eating?  Today, Heather talks to Bethany about the foods included in this popular diet as well as the TOP 5 ways the Mediterranean Diet is good for your heart.  You might be surprised by Number 4!

Need another reason to eat a heart-healthy diet? How about that it can help the planet almost as much as it helps your heart? In today's episode, Heather and Bethany dig into how your food and drink decisions can end up making both your heart and Mother Earth smile.  Then, Heather shares some easy swaps you can make that can keep our planet healthy for generations to come.  She also drops an environmental truth bomb about one of your favorite drinks and what you can do to impact change.

It's National Donate Life Month! Are you a registered organ donor?  How much do you really know about organ donation?  In this episode, Heather and Bethany chat about what organ donation, specifically heart donation, entails both for the donor and the recipient.  They also bust some common myths about organ donation and clear up what you have to do in order to become one. (Spoiler alert: It's more than just checking a box on your driver's license application!)To register as an organ, eye & tissue donor go to: https://www.donatelife.net/register/  ORhttps://registerme.org/

*Trigger Warning​​  April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and while most of us are aware of the immediate effects of sexual violence, many don't know the lasting effects--both mental and physical.  Today, Heather and Bethany have a frank discussion about how all forms of sexual assault can have real impacts on heart health, even long after the assault takes place.  They also discuss their personal experiences with sexual assault as well as a variety of resources where all survivors can turn to get help.

Did you know that one of the best (and easiest) ways to get moving in your life is by simply going for a walk?  In today's episode, Heather and Bethany discuss all of the benefits taking a walk can have for your heart and every other aspect of your health.  They also chat about some apps and videos that can help get you moving along with how to keep to your walking routine when circumstances won't cooperate.  Let's get walking!

Diabetes is on the rise in the U.S., but would you know if you have it?  In this week's episode, Heather and Bethany discuss the risks for and symptoms of diabetes and why women are (once again) more at risk for this disease than men.  But if you think all is negative, never fear: they not only chat about things you can do to not only prevent diabetes, but how to reverse it if you've already been diagnosed.

How've you been sleeping lately?  If the answer is "not great", you're going to want to change that!  In this episode, Heather and Bethany get real about how your sleep habits and issues can wreak havoc on your heart health.  They also give tips about what you can do to improve your sleep health and how small tweaks can make you happier, healthier, and more rested.

If you've never paid attention to the USDA Dietary Guidelines, now is the time to start!  Just about everyone, regardless of their health status, can benefit from making healthy choices and changes when it comes to the foods they eat (and drink!).  In this episode, Heather and Bethany break down what's new in the guidelines, what hasn't changed, and how your diet should change based on the stage of life you're in.

It's National Nutrition Month and we're dishing about all things tasty and good for your heart. In this episode, we discuss the origins of National Nutrition Month, what this year's theme can teach us all about eating healthy for the long haul and what foods are best for revving up our diets. We also go behind-the-scenes to find out not only how Heather personalizes her plate at mealtime, but her secrets for getting her teenage daughters to eat healthy as well.

Heart disease risk increases in your 50s and continues as you age, but that doesn't mean you should throw in the towel! In part 2 of our Heart Health at Any Age discussion, Heather and Bethany ask cardiologist Dr. Patrycja Galazka why women see their heart disease risk go up in their 50s, what unique heart risks older women face, and advice for how to live a heart-healthy life well into our golden years.

Did you know that up to 80% of heart disease is preventable? But prevention needs to start earlier than you probably thought. In the first part of a two-part podcast, Heather and Bethany sit down with cardiologist Dr. Patricja Galazka to discuss the heart risks women face in their 20's, 30's, and 40's and what we can do to start ourselves on a path to heart health early in life.

If your idea of a heart attack is someone clutching their chest in excruciating pain and collapsing in agony, you'll want to listen to this episode! In it, Heather & Bethany discuss the inaccurate portrayals of heart attacks in the media and why they are problematic for women. They also go over what women's heart attack symptoms most often look like, why the warning signs are different for women, and why even the vaguest symptoms should NOT be ignored.

It's American Heart Month and even though the Karen Yontz Center can't have our annual Go Red Open House, we are still celebrating! In this episode, Heather and Bethany chat about the importance of the Go Red for Women awareness movement, and why we still have work to do. They also give the low-down on the activities the KYC is offering to help people understand their risk factors and how they can make changes to prevent heart disease. The good news is you can play from home AND win some fun prizes!

Welcome to our first reviews of 2021! In this episode, Heather and Bethany share their experiences using Beachbody On Demand and Obe Fitness in their quests to be more physically active. Hear what they have to say before you shell out your own money.