Heart To Heart With Anna

Send us a textBrandon Lane Phillips, M.D. and Chris Donald, RN are a unique doctor-nurse duo. Both of these professionals work with children born with heart defects -- just as both of them were born with heart defects themselves. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," this medical pair talks with Anna about how they met, why they work together, and why they choose to work with families like their own. Recorded during COVID-19, these medical professionals also talk about how viruses affect them and what they do to stay safe when faced with potential medical threats to the health of their patients and themselves.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter & Faye Mayberry, and Frank Jaworski. We appreciate you!Support the showAnna's Buzzsprout Affiliate LinkBaby Blue Sound CollectiveSocial Media Pages:Apple PodcastsFacebookInstagramMeWeTwitterYouTubeWe

Send us a textSilent Cries is an internationally acclaimed documentary created by the father of a son with hypoplastic left heart syndrome for the congenital heart defect community. David Franco was an instrumental part of the team that helped to create this documentary. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we meet three other members of the team responsible for the documentary. Phillip Wolf, Nicole Vickery, and Dr. Greg Johnson share with Anna about how they came to know David, how they became involved in the project, and what they feel people need to know about David.David Michael Franco passed away on March 12, 2020. He is remembered in this program but this episode is about even more than that! We also get a sneak peek behind the scenes and learn about how the documentary was made, where they went to shoot the film, and who was instrumental in creating a legacy for all involved.Other programs and information mentioned in the show:Silent Cries: Breaking Through CHD AwarenessPhillip Wolf

Send us a textNavin P. Kumar is an extraordinary person who has met medical challenges head-on with a positive attitude and a smile. As a child of the 1970s born with a rare, severe congenital heart defect, Navin has endured multiple open-heart surgeries. He was operated on by cardiac surgeon legend Denton Cooley and feels he owes a debt of gratitude to many for his survival.In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Navin shares with Anna what kind of surgeries he has undergone, what challenges he has faced, and how he believes that he has a purpose in life that has transcended any medical obstacles that he may have encountered -- including early-onset Parkinson's disease. He shares his philosophy of life, and in the final segment, he tells Anna about some new and upcoming projects he is excited to be working on.To read more about Navin P. Kumar here is his IMDB pageTable tennis articles: https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Table-Tennis/Features/2014/September/16/Navin-Kumar-Featurehttp://www.mhta

Send us a textAccording to the American Psychological Association, “Marriage and divorce are both common experiences. In Western cultures, more than 90% of people marry by age 50. Healthy marriages are good for couples’ mental and physical health. They are also good for children; growing up in a happy home protects children from mental, physical, educational, and social problems. However, about 40-50% of married couples in the United States divorce.” I scoured the Internet for statistics on families of children with congenital heart defects and was only able to find one small study. That study from 1979-1980 Pediatric Cardiology looked at 40 families of children with tetralogy of Fallot, and they concluded that “stress due to reparable tetralogy of Fallot appears to be well tolerated in the family and is associated with no more family instability or marriage dissolution than a childhood appendectomy.” Each of our Guests today is the parent of a child with a CHD. Our Guests today are Brenda Vignaroli, Leah Ann

Send us a textZach Frey and Eva Gambon are teenagers born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome living in the world during the coronavirus pandemic of 2020. Zach, a senior in high school, and Eva, a 7th grader, share their experiences with living during the coronavirus -- how it has affected them and what they believe their future looks like. Frank Jaworski is a CRNA (certified registered nurse anesthetist) who is also the father of a son with a critical congenital heart defect. Frank will debunk some myths surrounding the coronavirus and share some tips with us on how we can work to stay healthy both during the coronavirus and after we have healed from the pandemic.Frank Jaworski was also on "Heart to Heart with Anna" on the following episodes:How Parents’ Relationships are Affected by Having a Child with a CHDThe Miracle of a CCHD Baby's SurvivalCongenital Heart Defect Awareness at Podcast Movement 2019Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:Apple Podcasts Fa

Send us a textTen years ago two strangers met at a camp for children born with heart defects and became fast friends. The seed of a project was also planted at that time. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," we'll meet Producer, Director, and Sound Technician James Eric and Heart Warrior Jeni Bust as they share with Anna what it was like to create a documentary about Jeni's life. James Eric is a heart patient, a director and the producer of Journey’s Beginning, a documentary about Jeni Busta and her life with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or HLHS.James was a sound technician, producer, writer and director in Hollywood, California until he had a heart attack in 2008. After recovering from quad bypass surgery, he met counselors and campers from Camp Del Corazon on the set of ER and volunteered at the camp the following year. That’s where he met Jeni Busta and learned that a person could actually live with half a heart. A year later, Mr. Eric’s cousin and his wife discovered they

Send us a textThe coronavirus pandemic has changed our world. We are experiencing social distancing, lockdowns, and fear such as we, in this generation, have never known before. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," two members of the congenital heart defect (CHD) community join Anna to discuss how the coronavirus has affected their lives.We'll hear from returning Guest, Ann Koplow, a therapist who has experience working with this virus on a number of levels. She will share her struggles and her advice as an at-risk individual on two fronts -- due to her age and her heart condition. We'll also hear from Valerie Guerin, who is the mother of a teen who was born with a congenital heart defect and three years ago received a heart transplant. As the mother of three children and the wife of a now stay-at-home worker, Valerie has her own unique battles and advice.If you enjoy hearing Ann Koplow's advice, you might also enjoy her blog, The Year(s) of Living Non-Judgmentally Ann'

Send us a textLorrie Hill is a 23-year-old Heart Warrior. Living with a single ventricle heart, she has learned a great deal about the heart, her heart's idiosyncracies, and the importance of exercise in staying healthy. In this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna," Lorrie talks to Anna about what it has been like for her to live with a heart riddled with complex defects, how her heart defect has influenced her career choices, and what the future holds for her... while waiting for a heart transplant.If you would like to connect with Lorrie Hill, here is her Instagram handle:  @theheartofthejourneyPlease take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media platforms:Apple PodcastsFacebook YouTube Instagram If you enjoy this program and would like to be a Patron, please check out our Patreon page Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/HearttoHeart)Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch,

Send us a textThis panel discussion includes four adults who were born with congenital heart defects and one parent of a twin daughter who was born with a heart defect. Host, Anna Jaworski, is the mother of an adult son who was born with a congenital heart defect. Together, these six women talk about some of the different terms and labels that are commonly used in the congenital heart defect community.How do terms and labels affect those born with congenital heart defects? Do terms define a person? Do labels hurt? Can labels cause bullying? What are the pros and cons of using abbreviations and labels when referring to people who were born with congenital heart defects?Panelists include return Guests Laura Ryan, Kathy Ware, Aubyn Baker-Riley and new "Heart to Heart with Anna" Guests Jen Hart Mulder and Felisha Jarschke. Tune in to hear how these panelists refer to themselves, refer to others in the heart community, and what terms are considered acceptable and which terms or labels are disliked by pan

Send us a textOwen Brenna Isaacson was born with a complex congenital heart defect who has had multiple open-heart surgeries, pacemakers implanted, cardioversions and ablations. Despite the medical challenges she has faced, she has been able to lead a fairly normal life. After marrying the love of her life, she and her husband George have decided to start preparing for the growth of their family.In this episode, Brenna shares with Anna how she and George came to decide on adoption as the method for them to grow their family. Brenna openly shares with Anna what it was like growing up with a heart defect and her conversations with her doctors and her loved ones regarding pregnancy, surrogacy, and adoption. Tune in to hear how Brenna feels about all of these options and what advice she has for others contemplating the same journey she and George are currently on.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episode you might enjoy:The Miracles of Adopting a Child with a Congenital Heart Defect:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/6276

Send us a textThis episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna" is a continuation of the episode on nurse burnout. Part 1 of this two-part series dealt with identifying what kind of people tend to be attracted to working in the field of congenital heart defects, what qualities tend to be at-risk for burnout, and what keeps people in the field despite the difficulties. In Part 2 we'll look at what nurses can do to help themselves if they start to feel stressed, depressed or burned out. We'll learn what hospitals can do to help nurses and what members of the congenital heart defect community can do to reduce the stress their healthcare providers might feel in working with them. We'll also come to a better understanding of the role advocacy can play in nurse and patient wellness.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episodes you might enjoy:Nurse Burnout in the Congenital Heart Defect Community Part 1:  https://tinyurl.com/rwtuazsDoctor Burnout in the Congenital Heart Defect Community:  https://tinyur

Send us a textAnna Jaworski is joined by a panel of nurses to discuss a very important topic in this episode of "Heart to Heart with Anna." Deena Barber, Christy Sillman and, Roslyn Rivera share their experiences with Anna about nurse burnout, why nurses who serve the congenital heart defect (CHD) community are at risk, why people might be attracted to become a nurse in the CHD community, and exactly what nurse burnout looks like.This program is the first of a two-part series investigating this important topic. Next week's program specifically deals with solutions to nurse burnout -- solutions that the CHD community can quickly and easily implement, as well as suggestions for hospitals, clinics, and organizations that employ nurses serving this special population.Other Heart to Heart with Anna episodes mentioned in this episode include:Deena Barber's programs -- The Natural Course of Congenital Heart Defects https://tinyurl.com/w36ywtfA Nurse’s Perspective: Changes in Care over the last 30

Send us a textNauman Shahid is currently a 33-year-old male who knows that the right things came together for his survival. Nauman’s parents were told that tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) had no cure in Pakistan in 1987 and that any chance of survival would be in either the USA, India or Australia. He came to the USA for treatment and repair of his TOF. Growing up he has had to face his share of challenges, multiple surgeries. But all this created a burning desire for him to pursue a degree in medicine. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a Masters in Public Health (Health Policy) and is currently a first-year medical student. In 2017 he had his second open-heart surgery to replace his pulmonary valve which was followed by multiple complications while in medical school. He uses his story as a means to uplift others and give hope as he feels it is his duty to inspire and lead by example. He believes he has found a new home in the congenital heart defect community thanks to his experience.In this e

Send us a textDr. Fred Wu returns to "Heart to Heart with Anna" for an update on the Fontan-Liver connection that we have come to understand in the last ten years. What are the factors that contribute to Fontan-Associated-Liver Disease? Who is at risk? What symptoms are present in patients who might have liver disease? What can we do to prevent Fontan-Associated-Liver Disease?Tune in to discover answers to these questions and much, much more!Articles that Dr. Wu mentioned in our episode:Diagnosis and Management of Noncardiac Complications in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease: A Scientific Statement from the AHA Fontan-Associated Liver Disease: Proceedings from the ACC Stakeholders MeetingEvaluation and Management of the Child and Adult with Fontan Circulation: A Scientific Statement from the AHAYou can listen to Dr. Wu's earlier podcasts here:Advancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients: Part 1 Advancements in Understanding the Liver in Fontan Patients Part 2  This episode is n

Send us a textLaura Redfern, CFP® earned her Certified Financial Planner™ designation in 2011, after working for over 10 years in the financial services industry.  Having a background in investment management and retirement planning, Laura was attracted to comprehensive financial planning and the opportunity to serve clients in a more significant way.  Laura has a passion for educating individuals on financial topics and speaking in “real world” terms to inspire individuals to become confident in making financial decisions.  An experienced speaker and trainer, Laura has presented financial seminars at the American Business Women’s Association, Temple College and McLennan Community College.    Laura has almost 2 decades of experience working with teachers, baby boomers and women to align financial goals with life values.  Laura’s mission is to reduce clients’ stress, make money meaningful, and take the fear out of finance. In today's episode, Laura and Anna talk about end-of-life financial planning. Laura

Send us a textHeart Mom veterans and dear friends, Helen Simpson and Anna Jaworski discuss a concern they have regarding the mental health needs of women whose babies have been identified with congenital heart defects and need surgery. As mothers of young adults with congenital heart defects, they talk about their own stories of diagnosis and treatment of their children's conditions and how it made them feel, how they dealt with their children's hospital stays and what they believe could help both mothers and children alike when they are in the hospital together. They also explore the kind of support that was available to them over twenty years ago versus the support that is available to heart families today and share their hard-earned advice with newly identified heart families.Links mentioned on this episode:Baby Hearts Press:  https://www.hug-podcastnetwork.com/shop-baby-hearts-press.html/Little Hearts Matter: https://www.lhm.org.uk/Please take a moment to follow us on your preferred social media

Send us a textDoctor Burnout is not a new phenomenon but this episode of Heart to Heart with Anna tackles the topic from a unique perspective. How can members of the congenital heart defect (CHD) community come together to acknowledge that doctor burnout does exist and work together to offer some solutions to reduce some of the stress?  Dr. Ami Bhatt and Dr. William Novick join Anna to discuss this important topic. What shift in framework is being taught to residents and fellows in some parts of the United States? What changes in the field of medicine in the last 20 years have contributed to doctor burnout? Are certain types of doctors more at risk than others?  Tune in to hear the answers to these questions and much, much more! Articles mentioned in this broadcast:Many US Cardiologists ‘On the Brink of Burnout’Burnout – preventing, recognising and treatingBeyond the Economics of BurnoutAnnals of Internal Medicine. 2019; 170(11): 807-808. Additional links for Dr. Ami Bhatt:Ami Bhatt: Closer at a Distance (Bus

Send us a textAfter 250 episodes and 6 years of broadcasting, Guest Host David Simpson turns the tables on Host Anna Jaworski and becomes the interviewer. David Simpson is a former Guest on "Heart to Heart with Anna" and he and his wife Helen had a chance to meet up with Anna in person when Frank and Anna were visiting Scotland and England. Tune in to hear these old friends reminisce about the early days of being heart parents, going through open-heart surgeries with their children, and then becoming advocates in the congenital heart defect community.In this episode, you'll discover why Anna does what she does and what she has planned for the future. You'll also hear from her husband Frank as he shares with David what it's like to be a medical professional with a son with a complex congenital heart defect.Thanks to our newest HUG Patron, Ayrton Beatty and long-standing Patrons: Laura Redfern, Pam Davis, Michael Liben, Nancy Jensen, Alicia Lynch, Deena Barber, Carlee McGuire, Carter &a

Send us a textAccording to Corience: An Independent European Platform on Congenital Heart Defects, "As many as 40–60% of children with congenital heart defects are undernourished." https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartwithAnna/Healthy babies double their weight in 6 months; however, children with congenital heart defects put on weight more slowly. Their growth is also affected by the heart defect.Why do children with congenital heart disease not grow as other children do? The answer is because the heart defect makes them need more energy. Their diagnosis might also complicate feeding for several different reasons. Heart failure makes them too tired to feed. Some of them might have trouble keeping down their feeds. Others seem to have difficulty in coordinating breathing and nursing.This episode will investigate what kinds of equipment might be needed to help a babe with a congenital heart defect if that baby cannot nurse or feed normally. Listen as one mother shares her experience with her baby -- w

Send us a textKeith Flynn was born in 1975 and shortly after birth, he was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect, Double Inlet Left Ventricle, Pulmonary Atresia, and Hypoplastic Right Ventricle. He had two Blalock-Taussig shunts at age 6 months and 5 years, and a modified Fontan procedure when he was 15. Despite experiencing atrial arrhythmias in early adulthood, Keith received limited cardiac care in his 20s and early 30s. In his 30s, Keith started experiencing syncopal (or fainting) episodes, and on one occasion was rescued by his wife after fainting while swimming. As a result of these episodes, Keith received a pacemaker and recording device and was treated with Sotalol, a beta-blocker. However, Keith had also begun to experience fluid retention related to heart failure, and doctors told him that he would need a heart and liver transplant. He is currently undergoing the required testing to be listed for both organs. Over the years, Keith worked for a variety of retail and restaurant businesses, before