From "Lindsay's Law" to "Lindsay's Book."

Cleveland-area heart health advocate and former Miss Ohio winner Lindsay Davis fought to pass legislation years back and succeeded in her efforts.

Lindsay's Law requires student-athletes, parents, and coaches to learn about the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and to get CPR certified.

Now, Davis has co-authored a children's book called

.

It focuses on heart health and overall awarenessspecifically when it comes to Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

The Lakewood native says it's never too early to learn about heart health.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy impacts one in every 200 people, and it runs in familiespassed down from generation to generation.

She says many may not even know they have HCM until they experience a medical episode or communicate with loved ones about their family health history.

Davis poured her heart into this project for the last four years with her co-author. She hopes this book inspires the next generation and helps them potentially save lives, page by page and colorful picture by picture.

Davis' lifelong mission is to raise awareness and reach new audiences.

"So I really have had this desire to be able to help children, to be able to help people that were in my shoes at that time and their family as well," Davis said.

The former Miss Ohio, heart-health advocate, Lindsay's Law namesake and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy patient has added author to her lengthy resume.

She co-wrote

with Dr. Srirhari S. Naidu.

Their goal is to bring ease to patients and families experiencing the stress of the heart condition.

HCM is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick. It is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest in athletes and an increasing cause of heart failure as patients get older.

"It doesn't even have to be a child that has HCM. Maybe it's a child who has a parent with HCM , and it helps them find comfort that not everything has to be so scary," Davis said.

"So the reason we did this for kids is because for one thing I'm a parent. And so, I read a lot of children's books to my son," Dr. Srihari Naidu, System Director and Professor of Medicine at New York Medical College, said.

Davis, a lifelong dancer and ballerina, was diagnosed with the condition at age 17.

"I had a collapse and I was taken to the Cleveland Clinic, and they found out that I have a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy," Davis said.

It would change her life forever but didn't keep her down or stop her from pursuing her dreams. She channeled her energy into pageantry and community advocacy at the state and federal levels.

The phrase art imitates life holds pretty true in her book. If you look closely, you'll understand why.

"The book loosely mimics my own story as a ballerina. The character is Lindsay, the ballerina, the student athlete. She meets Dr. Naidu who is also my co-author and she also meets his son, who's his real son in the hospital featured in the book," Davis said.

"He goes throughout the book and teaches her about all the tests she's gonna have and makes it very obvious that it's not scary. And then she goes through all those tests and I'm the doctor in the book," Dr. Naidu said.

Their collaboration was the perfect fit, as they developed a close friendship over the years.

It's something that transcends beyond the pages of the bookmaking way for a relatable and more understandable experience.

"There's a cute scene where she finds out that I'm Kiran's Dad, but also her doctor. And then I go through the rest of the book, teaching her about the heart and the system and how we're going to treat her and why she collapsed," Dr. Naidu said.

Davis worked with a child psychologist and illustrator to craft the imagery and story properly.

She says although the book is seemingly geared towards kidsits impact is far-reaching.

She's thrilled to play an instrumental part in education and awareness.

"I've found that the thing that has comforted me the most in those scary moments is just education and understanding what's going on inside my body. I'm really proud to be from Ohio and for everyone to see the need there," Davis said.

is on sale wherever you purchase booksincluding Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Davis says they plan to donate the books to every children's hospital in the United States as they continue to obtain grants.

In addition to the book, Davis just assisted in getting new heart legislation passed at the state level.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 47 into law this summer.

The new law will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in every public and chartered nonpublic school in Ohio and all municipally owned or operated sports and recreation locations.

It will also require schools to adopt emergency action plans for the use of AEDs and practice these plans quarterly, among other provisions, according to the Bill.

The Cleveland Clinic is working to keep community members motivated about their physical health and overall well-being, all while charting their progress in a fitness setting.

It's all part of their smart gym technology at the Cleveland Clinic Langston Hughes Community Health and Education Center's Fitness Center.

The center is free to those living in the neighborhood.

It comes at a critical time as the National Institute of Health reports people in marginalized communities have a higher risk of many diseases.

These include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Some of that risk is caused by reduced access to health care and workout space.

The Cleveland Clinic is addressing these issues head-on in the Fairfax neighborhood.

Officials say access is the answer.

The updated gym has been made possible thanks to a generous donation and serious community motivation.

Michelle Dawson, 63, really does get by with a little help from her friends and some technology.

"I had my friend, she used to always take me, my best friend always takes me to my doctors' appointments to Dr. Kampert," Dawson said.

Dawson and her best friend of 20 years, Deirdre Tugard, are now workout buddies multiple days a week.

They support and encourage one another to push it, whether it's on a weight machine or elliptical.

"If you see your best buddy doing well, then it makes you feel good," Tugard said.

As part of their wellness journey, they now come to the Cleveland Clinic Langston Hughes Community Health and Education Center's Fitness Center.

It's a newly opened high-tech, smart gym that offers Olympic-quality exercise equipment in the heart of the Fairfax community.

The workout machines are user-friendly and literally guide you step-by-step with directions and visuals.

You can think of it almost like a hyper-interactive video game of sorts.

User wristbands play an instrumental part in the process.

"You press it up (the wristband) against the screen, press start, and start your workout and you don't have to do anything. It tracks it all," Tugard said.

Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine and Endocrinology specialist Dr. Matthew Kampert spearheaded the project.

"When they go to that machine, it will set the appropriate seat, height, arm settings and load the weight on the machines and track each of their reps," Kampert said.

Tugard witnessed Dawson reclaim her happiness, sense of purpose, and overall health in just four months after working out here.

Her COPD and asthma improved as a direct result.

"Since I've been coming to this program, they have taken me off some of my medications. I've been taken off some of my inhalers, and I don't have breathing issues now," Dawson said.

Dawson also credits Kampert as they worked hand in hand to develop goals over time.

Over time, folks workout independently, but exercise physiologists are available to guide and answer questionseliminating any anxiety or intimidation.

"You really see them transform from patients to athletes of their own level. This has been so important for improving overall wellness," Kampert said.

A large part of the smart gym is holding participants accountable.

The machines track their progress over time so that they can review their results and see how far they've come in real-time.

"Tells you how many miles you've done. How many steps. How much weight you've pressed," Tugard said.

Dawson says the experience has been life-altering and is now a regular part of her routine.

"I wouldn't know what I would do without getting into this program 'cause it starts off my day," Dawson said.

In the meantime, Kampert is hopeful more people will take advantage of it in the near future.

"What we're able to do in this setting is we eliminate those barriers. We provide them a safe and free environment to exercise. We are here to be a support system and guide," Kampert said.

A smartphone app allows providers to review the results of the data and make changes over time as well.

If you want to check out the program or enroll yourself, click here.

The gym is free and open to folks in the community.

The Cleveland Clinic staff can help enroll and do any sort of medical evaluation ahead of time.

For more information, call here: 216.361.1773

A retired Independence Police officer was in the best shape of his life, cycling up to one hundred miles a week when doctors suddenly discovered a potentially deadly heart condition. A physical exam saved his life.

Hes sharing his story during February's American Heart Month to encourage others to get to the doctor for routine checkups.

Splashed across the wall of his Independence home 62-year-old Daniel Lucianos children are the centerpiece of his life.

There's my oldest son Dan, and Bob and Mariethese two are Irish twins!" Luciano said.

As a widowed father of eight, he admittedly thinks about his children, ranging in age from 33-17, every waking moment.

"I'm a caregiver. I wanna be around for my kids for as long as I can," Luciano said.

But his perspective on life and love changed drastically.

Following his retirement from the Independence Police force, where he spent 30 years serving and protecting the community, he went for a physical to maintain his license as a recreational pilot.

During the course of the physical, the doctor told me that I had a heart murmur.

His flying plans were unfortunately grounded.

Luciano was puzzled by the doctor's discovery.

He ate well, worked out at home regularly, and cycled four to five times a week.

He even had a big cycling trip booked in the near future.

Further testing at the Cleveland Clinic would determine what he thought was a small heart murmur became a much larger issue.

My cardiologist told me that yours is bad, and you do have a risk of damaging your heart permanently, a heart attack. We need to fix it," Luciano said.

Cleveland Clinic Cardiologist Dr. David Rubin says Luciano's valve was not closing properly, and he had something called "Mitral Valve Regurgitation".

"He is constantly re-pumping the same blood over and over again to get it ejected out of the heart into his body," Rubin said.

What followed was a blur.

Luciano underwent valve repair surgery in an effort to prevent heart failure and death.

The entire time he thought of his children and his beloved late wife, who lost her battle with a debilitating form of cancer 10 years ago.

He said open heart surgery would seem like a walk in the park next to what he witnessed with her.

I thought of her during the course of mine. I was like, if Lisa can do this for the kids, try as hard as she did then I'm going to do it too," Luciano said.

The procedure was ultimately a success.

"We went in there, we cut off some of the extra tissue that was flopping back and forth. We created artificial new support cords like the cords on a parachute to support the mitral valve, and we placed a ring to keep the leaflets properly aligned and close to one another," Rubin said.

Luciano's kids and girlfriend Karyn who he coincidentally was introduced to through his daughter stood by his side, caring for him through and through.

Hes now back on the bike, riding each day, even completing a 100-mile VeloSano ride to raise funds for cancer awareness.

He hopes people will prioritize their health and cherish what matters most family.

Dont do it for you, do it for those that you love," Luciano said.

Luciano says he just cycled almost 30 miles last Monday.

He likely will not need any sort of surgery for another 20-plus years, according to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic.

Both he and Rubin stress everyone needs to prioritize their health, especially once we hit 40.

A Cleveland family is celebrating their baby boy's life and praising God after he was saved thanks to a rare heart procedure.

The timing holds an even stronger sense of purpose and meaning to them, as February marks American Heart Month.

His family says he wouldnt be here today without the power of prayer and the health systems available in Northeast Ohio.

Looking back at various photos of her sweet baby boy DJ and holding him today, draws a whirlwind of emotions out of Danielle Edmonds.

They always say you are looking for the light at the end of the tunnel and in the beginning, I didnt see a light," Edmonds said.

The Cleveland mom of two, pride and joy little DJ, spent 484 days in the hospital and in rehab.

He was born in January of 2021, three months premature. His twin sibling passed away in utero.

By every definition of the word, DJ is a gift. He's Danielle's true blessing and miracle baby.

Its been a roller coaster from the beginning. From the beginning, I knew he was my miracle cause he survived," Edmonds said.

DJ was born with an extremely rare and life-threatening congenital heart defect.

It prevented blood from the hearts two lower chambers to flow to the lungs and other parts of the body.

I didnt know if I would ever bring my baby home. From one hospital to the next," Edmonds said.

After getting a second opinion, she came to Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital where doctors determined exactly what was wrong and worked to save him.

"The two arteries instead of arising, each one of them from a different ventricle, they both arose from the same ventricle. So, the right ventricle has two outlets and left ventricle has no outlet," Dr. Hani Najm, Chair of Pediatric and Adult Heart Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic said.

Edmonds says at that moment she let go and let God. She prayed with her sons physician Dr. Hani Najm.

I asked him to pray on his hands before he took my son. I said can I pray on your hands? And he didnt think about it or not even knowing his religious beliefs He just gave me his hands," Edmonds said.

Those hands and a coveted healing stone protected and helped DJ overcome, Edmonds said.

DJ became the youngest patient ever to receive the ventricular switch. The rare procedure switches the right ventricle and left ventricle. The left now pumps to the lungs and the right to the body.

"This has never been done in that age group, which was three months for DJ, at that time when he was in failure. But we felt that would be the best thing to do this procedure for him," Dr. Najm said.

The procedure was a life-altering success. DJ looked healthier and happier almost instantly.

His color was blue around his eyes, around his lips. But when he came back from getting open heart surgery he was pink.

A miraculous recovery.

Today, he is full of life.

He giggles, plays and loves technology, and somehow he has even learned to snap selfies on her iPhone.

DJ can we get a smile! Say cheese! CHEESE!

Dr. Najm says DJ is thriving, growing, and getting better each day.

He will continue to go to the doctor for regular checkups over the years.

February marks American Heart Health Month.

It's a time where health officials are encouraging everyone to prioritize their overall well-being and focus on heart health. Research shows heart disease is the number one killer for men and women.

The Cleveland Clinic just released its annual national heart survey to kick off Heart Month. The survey results show overall, food cost and access to healthy foods are some of the largest issues for participants.

Doctors also say there is still confusion amongst participants over what is considered healthy and how to eat right.

Getting exercise and eating better are always a top priority, but we all know it's not easy. The Cleveland Clinic survey results show many are still struggling to adapt.

The health system pulled 1,000 adults from across the country and picked their brains over heart health.

It showed nearly half of Americans surveyed are struggling with the surging grocery costs, and 46% believe healthy food being more expensive is the biggest barrier to eating healthy.

Not having enough time to prep meals or knowing how to cook were also contributing factors.

"We all see it really now with the prices being hiked at our grocery stores for things like apples and oranges, you know, foods that we really never thought to be so expensive," said Dr. Tamanna Singh, Co-Director of Sports Cardiology Center at the Cleveland Clinic.

Singh said to best stretch your dollar, shop around for discounts and think outside of the pricier produce aisle.

"Maybe utilize things like frozen foods or canned foods that are unsalted, things that perhaps are more shelf-friendly. I want to say we can still try to create healthy meals," Singh said.

The survey also revealed roughly 20% of Black Americans say it is hard for them to access stores that sell healthy food compared to 15% of white Americans.

Food deserts and a lack of grocery stores continue to be such a large issue in underserved communities that the Cleveland Clinic broke ground on a $52.8 million grocery market and apartment complex in the Fairfax neighborhood back in 2021.

The problem remains persistent nationwide.

"I think we actually have to be more intentional about putting those areas, providing access in those neighborhoods," Singh said.

Fast food and meals-on-the-go also were a huge talking point.

Ten percent of Americans chose a fast-food diet as the most heart-healthy diet, and 71% of Americans polled, believed that moderate exercise had a greater impact on losing weight than diet.

Singh says the key to overall wellness involves a variety of exercises and eating right.

She says it's important to not overcomplicate the process.

"Just be intentional and focus on quality of nutrition and quality of exercise. And if you start to be consistent about what you're putting into your body, really, again, you know, shopping the periphery of the grocery store, looking for those whole foods as unprocessed foods, that actually gives you a lot of energy to then put into exercise," Singh said.

For more information and guidance, click here.

Singh also says one of the best diets for your heart is the Mediterranean Diet. It's a mix of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and oils. It includes cutting out red meat and eating less chicken and sweets.

Entering the new year, we are all looking to feel and be a better version of ourselves. However, that can be extremely challenging and stressful.

One Northeast Ohio woman is sharing her story and proving you can make changes that last long term.

She credits the Cleveland Clinic in her weight loss journeydropping more than 100 pounds and keeping it off for more than five years.

The moment you step foot inside 41-year-old Lindsay Montagues second-grade classroom at Notre Dame Elementary School, you can feel her positive energy and zest for life.

She lights up the space with her smile and personality.

But when she looks back at old photos of herself, I feel like wow. Ive come so far Like, I remember feeling that way," Montague said.

She admits she sometimes doesnt recognize that person. She says it's truly a different version of herself.

I had come out of a kind of a rocky relationship, and I was weighing like 257 pounds," Montague said.

After cycling through a number of fad diets and trying everything imaginable, she says a change was necessary and clear.

I finally realized when I eat crumby, Im gonna feel crumby," Montague said.

She embarked on a weight loss journey six years ago, enrolling in the Cleveland Clinics Eating Well for Optimal Health program.

The program is a series of six weekly group visits that blend appointments, coaching and healthy eating. It helps shift your focus to body, mind and spirit betterment through yoga, mindful meditation and therapy.

Dr. Sandra Darling, a Preventative Medicine Physician and a Lifestyle Medicine Specialist at Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine, worked hand-in-hand with Montague.

"When you're applying medical management with learning coping techniques for stress, that's what allows this program to be so successful. It's like taking a deep dive into understanding our patterns and behaviors," Darling said.

With her husband by her side, Montague transformed every facet of her life.

Over the course of one year, she dropped 68 pounds by moving away from processed foods and toward healthier and heartier options like fruits, veggies and proteins.

I was looking to make more of like a lifestyle change. Something that was sustainable," Montague said.

She credits her success to Darling and the team who helped redefine her life.

"The reason why this program is so helpful for patients is because we focus on progress, not perfection," Darling said.

Montague admits a little cardio, even if it's dancing with her students, never hurts.

To put in the work is definitely worth it. I know its hard in the beginning but definitely theres hope, Montague said.

Darling stresses it's not just about counting calories, but rather the overall quality of your diet.

Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals and drink water. Sleep and exercise are critical too.

To sign up for the Cleveland Clinics Eating Well for Optimal Health program and learn more about how it works, click here.

How do you get a New Year's resolution to actually stick long term? Is it even worth making one? These are the questions we seemingly ask ourselves every time this year.

With New Year's Eve right around the corner, so many of us are looking to start off 2023 on the right foot.

However, researchers say we actually unknowingly make the same resolution year after year.

Experts say the key to success is setting a realistic intention and realizing you don't have to wait until the new year to make it happen.

The ball dropping in Times Square and champagne toasting to a new year with friends and family often signifies the end of one chapter and the start of something new.

Each year, millions of us create a New Year's resolution, hoping to make a positive, lasting change.

I like it. Its something to look forward to. But whoever really keeps one? asked Tiara Harris, of Cleveland.

According to Cleveland Clinic Clinical Psychologist Dr. Susan Albers, the success rate is not so great.

"Research indicates that people tend to give up, abandon their resolutions by January 19," Albers said.

In the days aheadprepare for gyms and workout facilities to be jam-packed with newly-enrolled members looking to make lifestyle changes and get fit.

Brendan Hogan admits that's his resolution.

"I'm just gonna start small and try and grow throughout the year. So small steps with big leaps later on," Hogan said.

Albers says change is a process, so be realistic with your intentions and don't always focus on a number.

We have to give ourselves time to undo and reset old habits.

"Instead of saying, 'I want to lose "X" amount of weight,' focus on the behaviors, the process that you could do every day instead of focusing on weight loss that is sometimes out of our control," Albers said.

Like so many of us, Harris's intention is one involving finances.

"What goal are you setting?" we asked.

"To buy a house!" Harris said.

Albers says when it comes to saving money for a vacation, a home or a car, take notes daily.

Frequent reminders create habits.

"Keep[ing] data using your phone or a journal can be very helpful in tracking your progress. Looking back to see your success is naturally reinforcing," Albers said.

Albers says resolutions often fail because:

She says if you feel burnt out over the whole New Year's resolution processfocus on the bigger picture to a better you from all aspects of life.

"This year, many people are prioritizing their mental health instead of making goals around weight loss. They are making goals such as: get off of their social media, or to meditate on more things that are going to help with their self-care and taking care of their mental health," Albers said.

"Some people like to pick up new hobbies. Be more sociable. Sometimes that plays into wellness, but mostly just be healthy. Everybody wants to feel better," Hogan said.

Dr. Albers says instead of focusing on a specific weight loss totalfocus on overall behavior changes.

Research shows your success rate will skyrocket if you have someone to support you and challenge your needs.

Consider getting more steps each day or incorporating additional fruits and vegetables into your diet.

In addition, get a buddy. Grab a friend or partner as a support system and someone to hold you accountable.

November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Greater Cleveland is actively working to help you and your loved ones live your best, healthiest life.

Data shows more than 37 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes each day.

Roughly one in five people have diabetes and dont even know it.

The Y has taken notice and is helping folks across Northeast Ohio prevent diabetes through an interactive year-long program.

Participants say it's been an educational and transformative experience.

I thought, Ill give it a try. I can always walk away from it," said Donald Cowling, YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Participant.

Step by step on the treadmill and at times baby steps through the program, 66-year-old Maple Heights grandfather of four Cowling has successfully changed his life.

Its a lot easier to work out when theres other people around," said Cowling.

Last year, he got a call from the Cleveland Clinic asking if he wanted to take part in the YMCA of Greater Cleveland's Diabetes Prevention Program.

It's offered in Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Geauga counties.

Cowling admits he was hesitant, but he enrolled and ended up working side-by-side with Diabetes Prevention Program Regional Coach Elicia Polacek.

She helped him and nearly two dozen others get on the path toward a wellness journey.

The program is not a diet program, and its not an exercise program," said Polacek.

No restrictive diets.

No mandatory exercise plans.

The program consists of classroom-setting discussions that help you think differently about the foods you consume and what you do in your free time.

It also aims to reduce stress and solve problems. Polacek says there is no pressure, and it's done entirely at your own pace.

It's a variety of things, but it's about healthy eating. How to be of course physically active. Ways to change your lifestyle. So, they become habits long term," said Polacek.

Cowling's lifestyle change was personal, as his late wife recently passed away from cancer.

He wanted to be there for his four adult-aged children and grandchildren and prioritize himself at the moment, so he could be there for others long term.

My wife was a diabetic and she had to prick her fingers, and everything else like that and I would cringe," said Cowling.

By walking each day on the treadmill and in his neighborhood and altering the foods he ate, Cowling lost 45 pounds, 7% of his body weight, and lowered his A1C.

Once I got into it, it came so easy," said Cowling.

Polacek helped formulate a wellness plan and reviewed the best foods to consume to avoid becoming diabetic.

She says its vital as Prediabetes affects 86 million Americans.

Thats one out of three adults and one out of two people over age 60.

Cowling says he feels better physically, mentally, and emotionally.

He has this message for anyone considering a lifestyle change:

Give it a chance, you never know!"

You do not have to be a member of the YMCA to participate in this program.

They do offer scholarships and some insurance companies cover costs.

To qualify for the program, you must be a bit overweight and at risk for developing diabetes.

If your physician has already diagnosed you as diabetic, you are NOT eligible for this program.

For the full list of requirements and ways to apply for the programclick the link below:

Diabetes Prevention Programs | YMCA of Greater Cleveland (clevelandymca.org)

Research shows these preventative programs reduce diabetes in adults by 58%.

Experts say the hardest part is often telling yourself you want to make the lifestyle change and committing to it for the long term.

Tammie Purcell's heart health journey started a decade ago after one incident changed her entire life. And now she's encouraging others to take care of their heart as part of American Heart Health Month.

It was 2011 when Purcell was pregnant for the first time. The Mogadore resident said she chose to marry late and start a family later in life. She expected to have issues at 40 years old, but to her surprise, there were very few.

"I thought it was going to have issues getting pregnant and I did not have any issues at all," she said. "In fact, I had a very smooth pregnancy. It was, it was a nice pregnancy."

It was smooth right up to the weekend before school started back up. Purcell is a high school social studies teacher at Firestone High School in Akron. That was the weekend everything changed.

"I was walking down the hallway from the back door and it just out of nowhere it just felt like, gosh it's hard to even describe it. Really the pain was so massive that I immediately dropped to my knees. And I remember in all the pain thinking, 'the baby's fine.'" I knew the baby was fine, I knew it was all," Purcell recalled.

Purcell said her husband called 911 and within minutes an ambulance arrived at their home.

The 40-year-old woman was transported to Akron City Hospital. Purcell said when she arrived at the hospital she began describing her pain to the doctor on call inside the emergency room.

Almost immediately, she said, he described the pain as an aortic dissection. That's when the inner layer of the aorta tears and it compromises blood flow to the rest of the body. Purcell said the doctor's coworkers began doubting the diagnosis.

However, he was correct. Purcell called it a sign from God.

"He had read an article that aortic dissections can happen rarely, but they can in pregnant women because of the increased blood flow when you're pregnant."

After running a quick scan, his thought was proven. The machine showed a tear in Purcell's chest, just above her heart. There was no time to waste.

First doctors delivered her baby, William Joseph, who she would nickname Liam, by an emergency c-section. He was a healthy 6 lb. baby born four weeks early. But Purcell didn't get to share a moment with her newborn. It was time to take care of her emergency.

"It was like all these doctors were making decisions, but while they were making decisions, I was constantly moving on to the next," she said.

Just minutes after the c-section doctors were loading her into a helicopter to transport her to the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors there were preparing for surgery on her type A aortic dissection. That's where she met the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery, Dr. Eric Roselli.

It was 10 years ago but I remember it really well," Roselli said.

Roselli said before Purcell even arrived on the Cleveland Clinic campus, he and a team of other medical professionals knew what was ahead of them.

"The general teaching in medical school is the risk of death is 1% or 2% per hour. So, most people are gone within a couple of days, if they don't get some emergency care right away," he said. "So we knew once we had the diagnosis that we had to get her treated immediately."

Once Purcell got into the operating room, doctors wasted no time getting to work.

"We reconstructed the aorta by building the arch and the part of the aorta where the blood vessels to the brain come off first. And then, after we get all that reconstructed, we can go back on the heart-lung machine and start to warm her up," Dr. Roselli recalled from the surgery. "While we have the heart stopped and we reconstruct the aorta down inside the heart, I was able to put her valve back together and save her valve."

Purcell was in surgery for a total of 10 hours. Roselli called it a success. The new mom remained in the hospital for a couple of weeks following the surgery. She met her son only once.

"I wanted out. The baby had been released from children's [hospital] and was staying at my parent's house and it was killing me," she recalled.

Following her traumatic day, Purcell has had a few smaller surgeries. But overall, her heart and aorta remain strong and healthy.

I believe that Im alive today because Georgio diagnosed me and that Im healthy because Roselli fixed it," she said. "Not only am I healthy but they are they're keeping up to date on my health because not a lot of people have gotten this far and survived this much."

She meets with Roselli every couple of years for a check-up.

Ill be keeping track of her her whole life," he said. "And if something changes that we need to tackle well be able to do it proactively, electively.

Purcell said this wasn't just a routine emergency for her. Roselli, and the others involved that day, hold a special place in her heart.

I told him theres no one else thats ever going to touch my heart," she said. "I've always called him a rock star because I just think his talent and his skill is astronomical. But beyond that, he's also incredibly hard working and his devotion to his craft is pretty, pretty phenomenal."

Roselli called their bond "inseparable."

But Purcell's journey with Roselli now involves her son, Liam.

When Liam was born on that frightful 2011 summer day, he was born with a small hole in his heart, called a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Purcell and doctors kept an eye on it as he grew. Around the time Liam turned five, doctors decided surgery was necessary to fix the growing hole.

Though Liam had his own doctors at the Cleveland Clinic Childrens, Purcell asked Roselli to be inside the operating room during the surgery. Without hesitation, Roselli said, "yes."

Purcell said looking back at her emergency nearly 10 years later, she's grateful. She encourages others to be an advocate for their own health.

"I think it that has made me, kind of, a better person, I guess. There's definitely a part of me that's like, you know what we only live once. And if I had to do it again what I have gone through this like I did yeah I probably would."

In addition to February being recognized as Heart Health Month, Feb. 13 is also now recognized in Ohio as Aortic Aneurysm Awareness Day in order to help public health throughout the state.

The results of a trial of 344 older adults receiving care at a fall prevention clinic reveal those people fell fewer times when doing exercise programs at home.

The new JAMA Network report states the older adults fell more when doing strength and balance retraining exercises at a clinic versus in their homes.

Participants in the study were at least 70 years or older and were monitored for 12 months. They self-reported the times they fell.

The study shows the participants fell an average of 1.4 times at home verses 2.1 times in a clinic.

Read the full report here.

Every breath reminds Susan DeLeo how grateful she is to be alive. She feels like she got a second chance at life.

In December 2017, Susan suffered an aortic dissection. Basically, she blew out the biggest blood vessel in the body.

She underwent emergency open heart surgery at The Cleveland Clinic.

"Twenty to 30 percent of the people who have an aortic dissection don't even make it to the hospital," said Doctor Stephanie Mick, Cleveland Clinic heart surgeon.

Doctor Mick is Susan's surgeon.

"Typically, the most common thing people would feel would be a severe chest pain," she said. "It'll definitely get your attention."

According to the CDC's most recent numbers, aortic dissections kill nearly 10,000 Americans a year.

It is more common in men. But, Susan was a 58-year-old woman who was the picture of health -- or so she thought.

"We as women always want to take care of everyone else," she said.

Hindsight is 20/20 and Susan said all the signs were there. She had erratic blood pressure. She was caring for her ailing husband and working nonstop.

She also only later learned of another big red flag: family history.

"The problem with high blood pressure is it doesn't feel like anything and you feel fine," said Dr. Mick. "That's why they call it the silent killer. You don't feel anything bad with hypertension, but what you end up feeling are the effects downstream."

Doctor Mick said to know your numbers and get regular checkups.

Susan now takes blood pressure medication and is working to lower the stress in her life as well.

"I'm here today, alive, to tell you and your viewers, you got to listen," she said. "Listen to that little voice in the back of your head that says something's not right."

The Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania have long been a destination for vacationers seeking to relax. The earliest resorts opened in the early 1900s.

Known for theater, skiing, and resorts ranging from affordable to exclusive, it grew in popularity through the 1920s and 30s. Starting in the 40s, the region began attracting honeymooners.

This story first appeared on Roadtrippers.com

The idea of romantic honeymoon resorts took off as soldiers coming back from WWII, and later, Vietnam, began seeking out the perfect post-wedding retreat. As people became cooler with the idea of sex, resorts dedicated to all aspects honeymoon romance boomed.

Think, heart-shaped beds, red vinyl, lots of mirrors, and very few windows. But, unfortunately, the love affair with honeymoon resorts wasnt meant to be.

Today, the area is dotted with abandoned Poconos resorts.

A post shared by Hiomy (@puertoricanprincess6669) on Feb 9, 2018 at 10:25am PST

If I had to choose a defining moment in Poconos history, it would be 1963. Thats when Morris Wilkins, owner of Cove Haven Resort invented the heart-shaped hot tub. A kitschy feature on heart-shaped Jacuzzis from a 1971 issue of LIFE magazine cemented the resorts romantic reputation. Heart-shaped hot tubs would become a Poconos staple.

Wilkins would go on to also invented the champagne-glass-shaped whirlpool that you can still experience today. Its one of the few resorts that miraculously hasnt yet closed.

Penn Hills Resort, which operated from 1944 until 2009, is in fairly decent condition. In its heyday, it billed itself as aParadise of Pocono Pleasure. It closed after the owner died at the ripe old age of 102. Even though graffiti covers the walls, you can still see the red walls, shag carpeting, and mirrors. There are plans to redevelop the property.

A post shared by Hiomy (@puertoricanprincess6669) on Feb 9, 2018 at 10:25am PST

A post shared by Sarah C. (@the.ess.ess.see) on Jan 1, 2018 at 1:18pm PST

The Buck Hill Inn closed in 1991, and is currently being demolished.

A post shared by MW MEDIA (@mw_media_production) on Dec 29, 2016 at 3:09pm PST

A post shared by Markus Mignat (@markmignat) on Mar 3, 2017 at 10:04am PST

The Summit Resort is another abandoned Poconos gem. It closed in 2002, but the heart-shaped hot tubs and red leather bar are still intact. Despite plans to turn it into a water park and shopping center, it remains standing.

A post shared by Ace's Adventures (@acesadventures1) on May 29, 2017 at 7:21pm PDT

A post shared by Sarah C. (@the.ess.ess.see) on May 28, 2017 at 2:02pm PDT

The mountains arent exclusively abandoned Poconos resorts. Cove Haven Resort, home of the whirlpool hot tub, is still going strong.

When it first opened, it exclusively catered to honeymooners. That meant a marriage certificate was required to reserve a room.

Its loosened up a lot since then. The gift shop reportedly sells a wide variety of sex toys now. But its still got all of the old-school kitsch you expect.

Whether youre staying in the Garden of Eden Apple Suite or the pillar-adorned Juliette Suite, youre bound to feel that magical spark. Or maybe its just the champagne, who knows!

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