Health and Fitness Expert Bob Harper Is Here to Create a Community For Heart Attack Survivors
When health and fitness expert Bob Harper had a heart attack in 2017, he was forced to look at his fitness in a whole new way. Prior to the heart attack, he could (and would) push himself as hard as possible at the gym. But after the attack, he realized he needed to be more mindful and find ways to actively listen to his body, during and outside of his recovery process.
"You're in uncharted territory after a heart attack," Harper tells Woman's Day. "You don't know the rules, and you need guidance." In the years since his heart attack, Harper has devoted his time to helping other heart attack survivors navigate the often confusing and daunting recovery process. While his team of doctors and his cardiac rehab group acted as his companions and champions throughout his recovery process, not everyone has access to those same resources. For many, recovering from a heart attack can be an isolating experience.
A post shared by Bob Harper (@bobharper) on May 12, 2020 at 8:01am PDT
Which is why Harper is dedicating his time to finding ways to expand access to supportive communities via his recent partnership with AstraZeneca and Survivors Have Heart, a support group and recovery resource for heart attack survivors. Though Harper had originally planned to tour around the country to speak to survivors in person, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic he has since transitioned to a virtual tour. But regardless of the medium, he is excited to focus on empowering heart attack survivors to share their stories and build on the already existing Survivors Have Heart community.
"It’s a really difficult transition, to go from before to after a heart attack because you have to learn to trust your body and trust your heart again," he says. "I think a support system is so crucial and now more than ever, when a lot of us feel more isolated and alone, [knowing] there are people out there that are there for you and can understand what you’re going through [is vital]."
A post shared by Bob Harper (@bobharper) on Jul 15, 2020 at 1:31pm PDT
A substantial part of Harper's mission is to assure heart attack survivors that they're not alone, especially during quarantine. He's also focused on reinforcing the importance of actively listening to your body and then responding to what your body is telling you.
"One thing I would really stress to everyone right now more than ever is if you’re feeling any symptoms of a heart attack call 911 immediately," he says. "A lot of people are afraid to go to hospitals and they’re afraid to call 911 right now. And I think they’re at risk of losing their lives for not doing that."
It's important to know the signs of a heart attack so you'll recognize one if you feel it and can get yourself help in time. And if you are a heart attack survivor who's in search of a community that can support you through your recovery and beyond, check out Survivors Have Heart.
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