Rebecca Hendrixson
A person near and dear to the Bridge Street Health family, Rebecca Hendrixson, experienced lifesaving care at Bridge Street Health, and today is wearing red to help remind women about cardiovascular disease.
EVERY HEART TELLS A STORY
In a situation that could have had a different outcome, Rebecca’s husband, Bridge Street Health’s primary care physician Dr. Michael Hendrixson, drew upon his medical experience, insight and God-given gifts to provide care in a way that likely saved Rebecca’s life.
On a Monday morning a few weeks ago, Dr. Hendrixson had a nagging concern about some symptoms his wife had experienced over the weekend when she felt pressure in her chest and painful upper back spasms that awakened her at night. Dr. Hendrixson says; “Rebecca is like a lot of people; she didn’t want to bother anyone and didn’t think much about these symptoms being related to heart health. But, as a doctor, I know these symptoms communicate important information, so I didn’t want to ignore them. It’s how I approach all patients at Bridge Street Health.”
Rebecca was feeling fine and carried dumbbells upstairs at Bridge Street’s office for a weight-training session she was planning with a patient later that morning, but Dr. Hendrixson convinced Rebecca to have an EKG in the office before any patients arrived. The results were very concerning; with EKG in hand, the Hendrixsons headed to the emergency room at The Christ Hospital. Within hours Rebecca was rolled into the operating room for lifesaving coronary artery bypass surgery. Thanks to God, the excellent care she received at The Christ Hospital and those life-saving insights Dr. Hendrixson had earlier in the day, Rebecca is doing well today.
We are so grateful for Dr. Hendrixson’s relentless pursuit of finding the root cause of symptoms and listening to his patients. It’s something he practices every day at Bridge Street Health.
National Wear Red Day and Rebecca’s miracle reminds all of us to pay attention to those symptoms, large or small, that we may tend to ignore. We encourage everyone to have a discussion with your doctor about heart health and what you can to keep your heart healthy for yourself and for those who love you. Heart health is something we will be paying even closer attention to at Bridge Street Health.
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If you are looking for a primary care practice, call Bridge Street Health at 513.790.2923. We offer a free 15-minute 'meet & greet' with Dr. Hendrixson so you can find out if Bridge Street Health can help you.​​
NOURISH TO FLOURISH
Food plays a major role in heart health, influencing cholesterol, blood pressure and inflammation, all of which are important to long-term cardiovascular risk. Diets rich in vegetables, whole to minimally processed foods and lean proteins are associated with lower risk of heart disease. Diets high in sugar, ultra-processed foods and salt are linked to increased risk. If you would like to learn more ways to change your diet optimize your health, consider being a part of Bridge Street Health’s Nourish to Flourish program. It guides you through, with professional coaching and online resources, how to make simple changes that can have a profound impact on your health.