Depending on your view, it may sometimes seem that Presidents are superhuman or that they have no heart at all. And it may seem like the two parties have nothing in common at times, but there’s at least one thing – they’re all human, and they all DO have hearts.
Every president works endless hours, making hundreds of life or death decisions that will affect the entire nation. Stress is synonymous with the job , as any president’s before (campaign) and after (leaving the office) pictures show.
In honor of Presidents Day and Heart Health Month, a reminder that half of our former living presidents (two of four) have had heart surgery since leaving office. In 2004, Bill Clinton (1993-2001) underwent a quadruple bypass, followed by two additional surgeries since. George W. Bush (2001-2009) had a heart stent put in in 2013. Both presidents remain active, and Clinton has famously lost a significant amount of weight.
While your job might not be as stressful as that of Commander in Chief, take some time this Presidents Day to thank our leaders by learning the warning signs of a heart attack and brushing up on heart healthy foods. Talk to your friends and family, get active, and don’t forget to tend your emotional stress too!
