get back to where I was. I’m ok and have made peace with that, but I at least want to get back to feeling whole.”
Even though she still has some work to do on her recovery journey, she remains grateful for the progress she has made, which has given her a new perspective on life. Her balance is getting better, her way of thinking is also improving, the seizures that followed her stroke are no longer violent, and she feels more comfortable being left at home alone.
“I’ve gotten a lot of beautiful blessings out of this. I’ve grown as a person. I have been able to realize what’s important in life and not spend so much time on things that I just thought were important,” she says.
How to take care of your heart
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic.
You may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease if you have risk factors such as:
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).
- Tobacco use (including vaping).
- Type 2 diabetes.
- Family history of heart disease.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Having excess weight or obesity.
- Diet high in sodium, sugar and fat.
- Overuse of alcohol.
- Misuse of prescription or recreational drugs.
- Preeclampsia or toxemia.
- Gestational diabetes.
- Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions.
- Chronic kidney disease.
Cardiovascular disease also puts you at a higher risk of experiencing a stroke and largely affects women.“Cardiovascular disease affects one in three women. I’m proud to support the American Heart Association for the Go Red Women movement. Their initiative is to end cardiovascular disease for all women. I want everyone to be proactive so they don’t end up a survivor like me,” says Jordan, who learned that she has cardiovascular disease after the stroke.
“I got a second chance. I didn’t have to live,” Jordan says. “I just encourage everyone to know that if you’ve been in a situation where you could no longer be here but you are here, focus on living. I have purpose. There’s a reason I’m still here, and I feel my testimony is part of my purpose.”
Her advice to others? Get your annual checkups and have your bloodwork done. She also advises getting your heart checked, knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, and sugar levels, and trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle.