February is American Heart Month, and for many heart transplant recipients, it’s a time for gratitude and awareness.
Vera Milam Johnson had a heart transplant in 2011 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Since then, she has been spreading the message about the importance of heart health and being an organ donor.
ABC 24’s Elvis Hardwick spoke to Johnson about what she’s been through, what’s next, and why the message is so important.
According to Mid-South Transplant Foundation, 13,000 adults and children are awaiting organ transplants in the U.S. right now, and more than 4,000 of those are in the Mid-South.
Know the symptoms of a heart attack:
- Chest discomfort
- Discomfort in the upper body
- Shortness of breath
- Possible signs: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness
To keep your heart healthy, it’s best to learn to manage stress levels, get moving, and take up healthy eating habits.