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Do you need a social media break?

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Social media has inherently and significantly changed the way we communicate with one another. For good or bad, our social media feeds can affect our mental health.

According to Dr. Urmi Jani, PSY-D, there are positive and negative aspects to social media. On the positive side, it can allow us to feel connected to each other and the world around us — proven true when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

“Families and friends used social media to connect with each other when it was otherwise impossible to do so,” Jani said. “It allowed some individuals to feel less lonely and isolated from each other. Many feel that social media has helped to create and maintain relationships.”

Conversely, social media can cause some to feel disconnected. One survey “found that people who spend more time in front of their phones or on screens tend to have greater rates of depression and anxiousness, which ironically can increase feelings of disconnection,” Jani said.

If you are one of those people drowning in a sea of social media toxicity and FOMO, or fear of missing out, it’s time for a break.

The following questions can help you determine if you need a social media break.

Do you check it first thing in the morning?
One study found that 80 percent of smartphone users check their mobile devices within 15 minutes of waking up. If you find yourself checking social media as soon as your alarm goes off, it’s time to set some limits.

Do you compare yourself?
“Sometimes, individuals start to show symptoms of depression and anxiety because they feel as though their lives do not appear to be as robust as those of others they are seeing online,” Jani said. “This notion of viewing others ‘highlight reel’ can lead some to feel that by comparison their life is somehow inadequate.”

If you feel like a failure or dissatisfied with your life after scrolling through your feeds of seemingly perfect lives, you may need a social media hiatus.

Are your loved ones concerned?
“If your loved one is increasingly withdrawn and seems to express or exhibit disconnection from real life relationships while having an increasing attachment to online ones, it may be time for some intervention, especially if this withdrawal is beginning to negatively impact their day-to-day functioning,” Jani said. If friends and family have commented on you spending excessive amount of time on your phone, it could be a red flag.

Are you missing special moments?
Some believe if they don’t capture every holiday, wedding, birthday party or concert on social media for friends to see, they’ll lose the memory.

“Some research has shown that the more involved we are on social media, there is a notion that it can take away from meaningful time spent face-to-face,” Jani said. “That even during real live interactions, there is a proclivity to be scrolling away on our phones instead of being in the present moment and engaging fully.”

You may need a social media cleanse if you’re watching life through your phone.

Are you a victim of cyberbullying?
If you are being threatened or intimidated by someone on social media, you may be a victim of cyberbullying, and it should be taken seriously.

“While helping to foster certain relationships, social media can also serve to increase toxic relationships via cyberbullying and trolling,” Jani said. “Cyberbullying has been linked to a greater incidence of suicide amongst teenagers.”

Are you losing sleep?
Looking at social media before bed stimulates your brain, making it difficult to fall asleep. If you’re waking up exhausted, log out of your apps several hours before bedtime.

What should you do if you need help setting limits with social media? Jani encourages you to find support.

“If social media is making you feel down and unworthy, it is important to reach out to your support system or even a therapist to help you learn some coping skills,” she said. “Awareness and being cognizant of the pros/cons of a life lived online can also help mitigate symptoms.”

Mental health can directly impact your heart health. Make an appointment with one of our cardiologists today to ensure your heart is healthy.

“Love/Agapao” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

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How do you define Love? A feeling? An emotion? Some say love is a feeling you feel when you feel something you never felt before.

Many people have written about love. They say love is blind, love is a many splendored thing, love is war, love is the answer, love is all you need.

I found a few interesting quotes on love. One of them said, “to love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.” Another wrote, “love is friendship that caught fire.” And the great theologian Dolly Parton wrote, “love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you!”

So many different viewpoints on love. So, what is love?

The Love we’re talking about is best described by the Greek word Agapao, meaning unconditional, preferential love chosen and acted out by the will. It is not love based on the goodness of the beloved, or upon natural affinity or emotion. Rather this is benevolent love that always seeks the good of the beloved. Agape is founded upon deep appreciation and high regard. It is perhaps for this reason, that agape is the love that God commands.
I read a story about a soldier who was captured in WWII and held prisoner. One day there was a shovel missing from the inventory. The enemy officer in charge of the prisoners became enraged. He demanded that the missing shovel be produced. When nobody in the squadron budged, the officer got his gun and threatened to kill them all on the spot. It was obvious the officer meant what he said.

Then one man stepped forward. The officer put away his gun, picked up a shovel and brutally killed the man with it. When it was over, the survivors picked up the body of the man and carried it with them to the second tool check. This time, no shovel was missing. Indeed, there had been a miscount at the first checkpoint.

The word spread like wildfire through the whole camp. An innocent man had been willing to die to save the others! The incident had a profound effect. The men began to treat each other as brothers. When the victorious Allies swept in to rescue them, the survivors lined up in front of their captors and instead of attacking their captors, they protected them. They insisted, “No more hatred. No more killing. Now what we need is forgiveness.”

The sacrifice of one man changed the hearts of those around him. He innocently faced punishment to save others. God willing, we face a situation as grim as this one. But we can still impact those around us by our actions. There is a song that says as much, “they will know we are Christians by our Love.”

Another definition I like says Love is sacrifice and commitment expressed in action. Almost always, love is seen before it is felt. So, what does it look like? John 3:16 reads, “God so loved the world that he sent (God’s action) his only son so that whoever believes in Him (our action) will not die but have everlasting life.” Here we learn what love is. Christ laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. Verse 18 says, “let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

1 John 4:7 reads, “let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love.” Verse 20 is very telling and clear. It says, “whoever claims to love God yet hates his brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen, 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” It did not say love your brother or sister if they are good to you or do all the right things. Love is not rooted in yourself. Your ability to love your enemies does not originate within yourself but in your relationship with God. Love is a product of knowing God. Hating even your enemies says that you are not as close to God as you should be. Matt 5:44 reads “But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.”

I am so grateful I did not have to pass a goodness test for God to love me. His word says that while I was a sinner still sinning, Christ died for me. He didn’t wait for me to try and get it together. He knew it was impossible for me to do enough good and be good enough to ever stand before Him worthy of His love. My acceptance of His perfect Son who imputed his righteousness or goodness to me, redeemed me from an eternity without God, and made me a new creation and gave me new life. So, I can now love the unlovable, because I better understand how unlovable I am and yet the Father still loves me.

God so loved the world that He sent his only son to die for me! Amazing Grace! Amazing Love! So today, we celebrate Love. The love of the Father for his wayward, stubborn and self-willed creation.

Written by Chaplain Smith and Scott Jensen.
—————————————————————————–
Chaplain Shelby Smith served at a local church for 19 years before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital. Here, he has the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their families and our staff. In addition to offering prayer and encouragement, Chaplain Shelby Smith shares a weekly devotional.

Read more of Chaplain Smith’s devotionals.

“What’s in your Pocket?” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

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Chaplain Shelby Smith served at a local church for 19 years before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital. Here, he has the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their families and our staff. In addition to offering prayer and encouragement, Chaplain Shelby Smith shares a weekly devotional. 

—

Have you noticed people seem to be more easily offended these days? Such as restaurant customers offended for having to wait for service, or the worker who is offended because he was asked to work extra hours. What about the person who is angry at the police officer for pulling him over for speeding? Or anger toward politicians for supporting something others disagree with? 

People can be especially offended if you express a viewpoint different than theirs. It seems recently even during a short conversation with someone, you will hear about something that offends or makes them angry. 

I recently listened to a sermon by Craig Groeschel, the pastor of Life Church in Oklahoma, where he spoke on, “Being Offended and Anger.” Here is a portion of that sermon: 

“Is your anger making you more like Jesus? Is it making you more joyful? Is it pointing others to the intimacy and life and freedom and joy of Christ? Is it making you more loving? Is it drawing others into a more joyful life? 

We find written in James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” 

Whether our anger is at some small offense or at a major betrayal, an opposing political view or at someone who cut you off in traffic, human anger does not produce the righteousness that God wants.  

Now you might argue that your anger is righteous anger — anger over sin or anger at things that break God’s heart. You may have that kind of anger, but have you noticed most of the time when we have righteous anger it is about someone else’s sin? It may not be a righteous anger after all, but self-righteous anger.  

As a Christ follower, it may be easy for me to criticize someone else’s foul language and ignore my own spiritual pride and gossip; easy for me to judge someone else’s sexual sin and ignore my gluttony and selfishness. We all tend to think our anger is justified. 

Ask yourself these questions:  

  • Are people drawn to the grace and goodness of God because of my anger?  
  • Is my anger bringing me more joy?  
  • Is it blessing and enhancing my marriage?  
  • Is it giving my children a life they want to emulate?  
  • Is my anger a blessing to others or criticizing others? 
  • If we claim to be followers of Christ, we will eventually have to make a decision. We will need to decide when we get angry. 

Do we want to make a point, or do we want to make a difference? Too many people simply want to make a point; they want to win the argument.  

If we want to make a difference, then we will need a different attitude and a different philosophy in dealing with the wrongs of the world. Rather than letting our flesh, feelings and emotions direct our actions, we need to allow the spirit of God to direct our actions. That way we are not just making a point, not just trying to win an argument, but trying to win people to the grace and goodness of Jesus. There is a big difference. 

Matthew 22:35-39 tells the story of a smart guy, an expert in Jewish law, who was in a conversation with Jesus. He asked Jesus a question, “What is the most important thing?” Jesus replied, “Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is just as important, love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Jesus is telling us that we are to love God with everything in us. Every fiber of our being should worship and glorify Him in everything we do. And the way we love Him is by loving his people and showing them grace and having empathy and compassion for people. 

You might be asking, “Practically, how do I deal with being easily offended and my anger?” 

I believe there are a couple of practical things you can do. Lower expectations of others; people are not perfect, and neither are you. Raise your gratitude for God’s grace; He forgave us when we didn’t deserve forgiveness. 

In John chapter 8, there is a story of a woman caught in the act of adultery. The group of men who brought her before Jesus said the law commanded them to stone her to death. They all had their pockets filled with stones prepared to carry out her sentence.  

Then, they asked Jesus what he thought. It is written that Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. As they questioned him again, Jesus said, “Let anyone of you who has not sinned throw the first stone.”  

Slowly, they began to drop their stones and walk away one at a time until there were no accusers left. Apparently, they realized they also did not measure up and decided they too wanted grace. 

Let me ask you: What’s in your pocket? Is it filled with stones or is it filled with grace? 

Jesus commanded us to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. If we applied this verse to our daily lives, we might all be less offended and less angry. 

 

BMI-Friendly Sushi Bites

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Sushi doesn’t need to be off limits after bariatric surgery. Our Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI) dieticians share a low-carb sushi hack, so you can enjoy sushi after weight loss surgery.

Made with salmon, riced cauliflower, avocado and cucumber, these sushi bites pack a punch of protein and healthy fats minus the carbs. It’s a win-win.  

Grab your apron, roll up your sleeves and try making these BMI-friendly sushi bites.  

Ingredients:  

  • 1 fresh salmon filet (roughly 3 pounds)  
  • 3 tablespoons of softened salted butter 
  • ¾ cup tablespoons of Duke’s mayo, divided use  
  • ¼ cup minced garlic  
  • 1 16-oz package riced cauliflower  
  • ¼ cup rice wine vinegar  
  • Splenda 
  • Sriracha 
  • 2 packages of seaweed snacks (Simple Truth Wasabi Roasted seaweed snack from Kroger is preferred)  
  • 1 medium English cucumber sliced into strips  
  • 1 sliced avocado 
  • Reduced sodium soy sauce 
  • Everything but the Bagel seasoning to taste 

Directions:  

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  
  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon filet skin side down on the foil. 
  3. Combine softened butter and 6 tablespoons of mayo and garlic, then spread on top of the salmon filet.  
  4. Bake 40 minutes or until the thickest part of salmon registers 160 degrees on meat a thermometer. Allow it to cool.  
  5. Crumble half of the filet into a bowl and add 6 tablespoons of Duke’s mayo and sriracha to taste (the more sriracha, the spicier it is!) Stir to combine. Reserve the other half of salmon for another use such as salmon croquettes. 
  6. In the microwave, cook riced cauliflower in its package on high for 4 ½ minutes. Empty the bag into a bowl and sprinkle rice wine vinegar on top of rice. Add about ¼ cup Splenda and stir until combined.  

To Assemble:
Place seaweed snacks on a plate and top with a spoonful of cauliflower rice, 1-2 tablespoons of the salmon mixture, 1-2 slices of cucumber, 1 slice of avocado and Everything but the Bagel seasoning to taste. Drizzle it with low sodium soy sauce. 

The nutrition information will vary based on how much salmon mixture is placed on each sushi bite. 

Enjoy and don’t be afraid to branch out with different combinations like shrimp or crab! 

— 

Check more BMI-friendly recipes on our blog for more great foods after weight loss surgery. You can also see our weight loss surgery success stories!

Ready to start your weight loss journey? Learn more here. 

“Thankful” Devotional with Chaplain Shelby Smith

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Chaplain Smith / Debbie McDaniel

What does the Thanksgiving holiday reveal to you about yourself? Do you live a life of thankfulness? Or is it and emotion or mindset you dust off each year around this time?

Writer Debbie McDaniel said, “I believe that thankfulness is a barometer of our level of Faith. I believe that thanksgiving or the giving of thanks is the expression of Faith. In fact, it may be the highest expression of Faith.”

I tend to agree with her statement. During my years as a missionary, I visited countries where people were living on a tiny fraction of the income of the poorest family in this country. They were hard-working, hopeful and faithful. That faith manifested itself through thankfulness and joy, which was not rooted in their present circumstances but in their Faith in God and a knowledge that He recognized their plight. It was as if they trusted that even if God did not change their circumstances here, they were still better off believing. They believed His word in Psalm 68:19, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Another translation reads, “Praise be to the Lord who daily loads us with benefits.” They had an understanding that not all of God’s benefits were in the form of financial gain or relief.

Unfortunately, I don’t always notice that widespread thankfulness here in what I would term the “Land of Plenty.” Now I know there are people who are poor and struggling and are having a difficult time making ends meet here in our country. There are people that come to us daily that are facing life-changing decisions concerning their health. There are those on our staff that are struggling with marriage issues, loss of a spouse or a child, the repercussions of past or present mistakes and some even facing a financial meltdown. If one of these conditions describes your plight, how are you facing it? With Faith expressed in thankfulness or complaining, blaming and ungratefulness? Remember those in the third world countries are facing those same problems with far fewer resources to rectify those issues. But with an amazing display of Faith, they find ways to be thankful.

Psalm 107:1 reads, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and his love endures forever.” Sometimes it is really a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks. There are times when we may not feel like it. We’re struggling. We’re weary. Or maybe, we feel like God has let us down.

Let me ask you, do you measure God’s blessings by the barometer of health, wealth and happiness only? Do you measure God’s faithfulness to you by what someone else has? If so, be careful. In looking at life that way, you can always find someone who is doing better. If you are not careful, a spirit of ungratefulness can sneak in, and you become filled with bitterness, fear, negativity, selfishness and self-pity. These are some of the Devil’s favorite tools for taking you down.

This season is not always happy for everyone. For some this season serves only as a reminder of what they have lost, and it is difficult to get through the loneliness and pain. We must face those difficulties with the knowledge that God is still good even when he does not give us what we want. You might also get through this season by reaching out to someone who is really struggling and ask God to use you to encourage them.

I have found that, getting up each day and thanking God for the little things gets me off to a good start. I thank him for my wife, my children, my family, saneness(though some may question this), the sunny day or the rainy day. Simple things that for the most part are not owned or directed by me. I try to name at least five or six little things each morning that I am thankful for and throughout the day I try to add to the list. We have a choice, every day, to give Him thanks.

With a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He does more. He changes our hearts. His power, through hearts of gratitude and focused minds on Him, releases the grip our struggles have over us. This allows us to live thankfully. If nothing else, Thanksgiving reminds me to be thankful for the things that money cannot buy which keeps me from being controlled by the things that money can buy. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 instructs us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is Gods will for you in Christ.”

So, my friends, BE THANKFUL! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! LET’S PRAY!

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BMI Thanksgiving Feast Recipes

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The Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric & Metabolic Institute (BMI) cooks up a delicious BMI-friendly Thanksgiving feast. Dishes include roasted cornish hens with herbed gravy, southern dressing, cheesy broccoli “rice” casserole, cranberry sauce, rolls and pumpkin spoonbread. Watch the BMI team cook live from the kitchen below, and find a shopping list, ingredients, instructions and nutrition information.

Menu: 

Roasted Cornish Hens with Herbed Gravy
Southern Dressing 
Cheesy Broccoli “Rice” Casserole
Cranberry Sauce 
Rolls 
Pumpkin Spoonbread 

Shopping List: 

Produce:  

  • Celery (1 bunch) 
  • White onions (1 bag) 
  • Cranberries (1 bag) 
  • Orange (1) 
  • Lemon (1) 
  • Riced cauliflower (1 16-oz bag; do not freeze) 
  • Broccoli florets (12-oz, frozen) 

Protein:  

  • Cornish hens (found in freezer section) 
  • Eggs 

Dairy:  

  • Butter (1 pound) 
  • Block cheese (32 oz) 
  • Light sour cream (24 oz) 

Misc. 

  • Kitchen string 
  • Keto Hawaiian rolls (Healthy Life brand) 
  • Zester 

Canned:  

  • Better than Bouillon roasted chicken 
  • Pumpkin (1 can; Libby’s brand) 
  • Low sodium chicken bone broth (1) 

Baking/Spices:  

  • Kosher salt 
  • Black pepper 
  • Ground sage 
  • Poultry seasoning 
  • Garlic powder 
  • Almond flour 
  • Coconut flour 
  • Splenda 
  • Nonstick cooking spray 
  • Zanthum gum 
  • Corn starch 
  • Baking powder 
  • Baking soda 
  • Cinnamon 
  • Pumpkin pie spice 
  • Canola oil 

Cornish Hens 

Ingredients:  

  • 2 Cornish hens (thawed) 
  • ¼ cup Basic Blend (equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder)  
  • Spice blend of preference (Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute used)  
  • Thinly sliced lemon 

Instructions:
Pull thawed hens out of refrigerator 30 minutes before roasting. Preheat oven to 400?F. Loosen skin, season top of skin and under skin with basic blend. Liberally season with spice blend of choice. Place a couple of thin lemon slices in cavity, tie legs with kitchen twine. Roast at 400?F for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350?F and cook another 40 minutes basting with pan juices every 10 minutes. Hens are done when they reach 180?F in thigh. Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before carving  

Make ahead tips: 
Line baking pan with aluminum foil. Pat thawed hens with paper towels until dry. Place on paper towel lined baking sheet which will absorb any extra liquid. Cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to use.  

Nutrition per 3-oz serving:
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 0g
Fat: 10.5g
Protein: 14.5g 

Herbed Gravy  

Ingredients: 

  • 5 Tablespoons butter  
  • Basic blend (equal parts kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder)  
  • 2 teaspoons xanthan gum  
  • 1 ½ cup reduced sodium chicken bone broth  

Instructions: 
Melt butter in medium saucepan. Allow to begin browning (about 4-5 minutes, this may take longer depending on thickness of saucepan). Lower the heat and gradually add in xanthan gum, whisking constantly to prevent clumping. Continue whisking 3-4 minutes or until the butter starts to thicken. While whisking, add remaining ingredients. Continue whisking at least 5 minutes or until gravy has reached your desired consistency.  

Nutrition per 2 Tbsp (1oz) gravy: 
Calories: 45 
Carbohydrates: 0g net
Fat: 4.5g
Protein: 1g 

Southern Dressing 

Ingredients:  

  • 2 ½ cups almond flour  
  • 2 Tbsp ground sage 
  •  2 tsp poultry seasoning  
  • 2 tsp baking powder  
  • 1 tsp kosher salt  
  • 3 eggs  
  • 1 Tbsp butter  
  • 4 Tbsp melted butter  
  • ½ onion, finely chopped  
  • 2 stalks celery, finely chopped  
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups reduced sodium chicken bone broth  

Instructions: 
Preheat oven to 350?F. Spray 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in skillet over medium heat. Add onions and celery, sauté 5 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, sage, baking powder and salt. Whisk well to remove any lumps. Add the eggs and butter and whisk together until well combined. Fold in the onion and celery. Slowly add the broth and whisk until well combined. The mixture will be VERY thin and runny. Pour into prepared baking dish and place in oven. Bake for 35 minutes or until the top is browned and the center is not jiggly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.  

Nutrition per serving (roughly 12 servings per dish):
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 2g net
Fat: 16g 
Protein: 7 

Cheesy Broccoli “Rice” Casserole 

Ingredients: 

  • 1.5 cups light sour cream  
  • 1 Tbsp Chicken Better than Bouillon  
  • 24 oz cheese of choice shredded (do not use pre-shredded)  
  • 1 16-oz package riced cauliflower (cooked according to package directions; use fresh, available in the produce section)  
  • 1 12-oz package frozen chopped broccoli (cooked according to package directions) 

Instructions: 
Put sour cream in 6-quart pot. Turn heat to medium, whisking sour cream to prevent scorching. Add Better than Bouillon and whisk to combine. Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese, whisk constantly until cheese is completely melted. Follow cooking directions on riced cauliflower & broccoli. Add to cheese mixture. Add an additional cup of cheese to mixture to thicken. May be baked at 350 for 20 minutes if desired or served immediately.  

Nutrition per serving (roughly 18 servings per dish): 
Calories: 200
Carbohydrates: 4g net
Fat: 15 

Cranberry Sauce: 

Ingredients: 

  •  ½ cup water  
  • 1 cup Splenda or equivalent (for sweeter sauce increase to 1.5 cups)  
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch  
  • 3 cups fresh cranberries  
  • Pinch of salt  
  • Zest of one orange 

Instructions: 
In a medium saucepan, combine cornstarch, Splenda, and water over medium high heat, stirring until granules are dissolved. Add cranberries and orange zest and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop and mixture has thickened. Add a pinch of salt and stir until combined. Set aside to cool. Pour into bowl and refrigerate for 3 hours. If smooth cranberry sauce is desired, place it in blender or blend with immersion blender. Strain and refrigerate.  

Nutrition per 2 Tbsp (1oz) sauce: 
Calories: 20
Carbohydrates: 3g net
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g 

Pumpkin Smush Bread (Spoonbread)  

Ingredients:  

  • 1 cup canola oil  
  • 2 cups Splenda  
  • 3 large eggs  
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract  
  • 2 cups solid pumpkin  
  • ¾ cup coconut flour  
  • 1 tsp salt  
  • 1 tsp baking soda  
  • 2 tsp baking powder  
  • 2 tsp cinnamon  
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice  

Instructions: 
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oil, Splenda, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin and set aside. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined. Do not overmix. Grease and flour a 6×9 pan baking dish. Pour the batter into the dish. Bake at 325?F for 45-50 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and it comes out clean. Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to fully cool.  

Nutrition per serving (roughly 18 servings per dish): 
Calories: 150 
Carbohydrates: 2.2g net
Fat: 14g
Protein: 2g 

“Thanks What?” – Devotional with Chaplain Smith

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Chaplain Smith HeadshotChaplain Shelby Smith served at a local church for 19 years before joining Arkansas Heart Hospital. Here, he has the opportunity to meet the spiritual needs of patients, their families and our staff. In addition to offering prayer and encouragement, Chaplain Shelby Smith shares a weekly devotional. 

—

We’ve entered my favorite time of year – the festive holiday season. For the next two months, we will be in a frenzy of buying and eating, though not necessarily in that order.  

I was thinking about Thanksgiving and wondered how many of us ever really think about the word “Thanksgiving” and what it really means?  

It’s a compound word of “thanks” and “giving.” “Thanks” is an expression of kind or grateful thoughts, gratitude or appreciation. “Giving” is defined as freely transferring the possession of something to someone, or to hand over. It goes on to be defined as to freely devote, set aside or sacrifice for a purpose.  

Given the definitions of the individual words, examine for a moment your rituals, activities and thoughts of the past related to this holiday. During the Thanksgiving season, what is your focus? Is it on your desire to have a grand feast? What happens if one of your favorite dishes is not presented? How do you respond when the turkey is burned or undercooked? What is your reaction to the aunt or uncle or cousin who comes to the gathering uninvited, or the relative that wants to talk too much during the game? 

In all the preparations, gatherings and disappointments, we can sometimes lose sight of what this holiday can really become. Oh, I know the stories surrounding how Thanksgiving came about and the stories about the pilgrims, Indians and turkey. But, when you step back, what does Thanksgiving really mean to you? 

For the past couple of years, Thanksgiving has looked quite different for many of us. The pandemic has changed how we gather and what we do when we get together. Some have experienced loss of loved ones. Others have experienced gain as they look back and assess what is really important. Now for the introverts, it has been heaven, but for the extraverts and huggers, well, it has been…the other place.  

We read God’s word in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

To look at that again, it said to give thanks in all circumstances. You may ask: “you mean be thankful for the burned turkey? No, be thankful you had a turkey to burn. “You mean be thankful even though I lost a loved one to COVID this year?” Yes, be thankful for the time you had with them and memories of them that you still have. You may have a child, mother or spouse that is suffering from cancer and not expected to live much longer. Are you to be thankful even in this? While you are not thankful they are ill, you can be thankful for the time you have with them; for how God will use you to provide comfort and care for them; and how He will reveal himself through your “thanks-giving.” 

Hard things in life happen to us all. During this season of Thanksgiving, I challenge you to think about what would be most important to you if this were your last Thanksgiving, or the last for someone you love. What would you do differently this season? You see, we never really know just how much time we have left. 

This season, will you be the expression of kind and grateful thoughts? Will people around you feel your gratitude and appreciation? Will you freely devote yourself to sacrificially giving while investing yourself in others? Or is your Thanksgiving more about getting everything just right… just about you and your wants? That’s not really thanksgiving. That sounds like “thanks-getting.” Hmmm…something to think about.  

May God be glorified through you this Thanksgiving season.   

BMI Surgery Saves Patient’s Vocal Cords: Kelly’s Story

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Meet Kelly, a patient at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI), who under went gastric bypass surgery with Dr. Fuller. 

“In my early 20s, I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism after a 30-pound weight gain. From that moment on, my weight has been a struggle.  

After having two children, it became even harder to try to lose weight. I tried Atkins. I tried the HCG diet where I would give myself shots in my stomach every day and live on lettuce basically. You name it, I have tried it.  

With years of my weight yoyo-ing out of control, I just gave up. I didn’t deny my cravings. If I wanted it, I ate it. I didn’t worry about the consequences.  

By age 44, I was 266 pounds, living with high blood pressure, sleep apnea and severe gastric reflux.  

After having a scope seven times in a year, I was told that my reflux had done extensive damage to my esophagus. The acid from my reflux had also caused ulcers on my vocal cords which contributed to a sore throat 24/7 for months on end. And I could completely lose my voice forever. 

Making a Change

After my diagnosis, I decided I had to make a change. I met with Dr. J.D. Fuller, bariatric surgeon at the Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric and Metabolic Institute (BMI), to discuss having the gastric sleeve done.  

During my initial appointment, we discussed my reflux. It was at this moment I learned that gastric bypass can, in many cases, cure reflux 100 percent. Guess what — it did! My reflux was completely gone as soon as I woke up in recovery from my gastric bypass.  

Victories Beyond the Scale

Ten months post-op gastric bypass, my health and my life have completely changed. My blood pressure is better than it has been in over ten years, I no longer snore like a truck driver, and my reflux has been eliminated. I have gone from size 18-20 to size 4. My current weight is 131 pounds.  

My husband Timothy and I work out almost daily, and we participated in a 15-mile bike race. Tons of energy would be an understatement. I feel better than I did in my 20s.  

If I could do it over, I would have gastric bypass again. I just would have done it 15 years ago.” 

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Kelly shares her story on THV11 The Vine.

Read Timothy’s story who was inspired to start his own journey with BMI after his wife’s success.  

If you’re interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, visit bmi.arheart.com and schedule an appointment to discover your options. 

BMI Patient Inspired by Wife’s Weight Loss Success: Timothy’s Story

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Timothy shares his journey with the Bariatric & Metabolic Institute after being inspired by his wife’s own gastric bypass surgery at Arkansas Heart Hospital. 

“On and off through the years, I battled depression. And eating was always my go-to comfort. 

I had always been big but tried not to let it bother me that I was big. People commented on my size through the years, and it added up over time. Even while in the service, I was still considered overweight. 

Previously, I tried to get approved for surgery and it stalled out with insurance. The doctor was at a standstill.  

Inspired for change

I am newly remarried, and my amazing wife encouraged me indirectly by looking into and getting herself approved for gastric bypass surgery. I witnessed her success, and with her encouragement I attempted the approval process again.  

At that time, as an insulin-dependent type 2 diabetic with high blood pressure, sleep apnea and being overly obese, I met the requirements. One of my biggest drivers toward getting a sleeve gastrectomy has been that it can cure diabetes.  

Succeeding beyond the scale

Working with the team at Arkansas Heart Hospital Bariatric Metabolic Institute, we were able to get my approval and in March 2021, my procedure was done. I’m proud to announce I am completely off all diabetic medication, and all but one low dose blood pressure medication.  

I am using all the tools Dr. J.D. Fuller and his staff have given me, and I am succeeding. If at all, you think you could benefit from a similar procedure or are thinking of having it done, but are on the fence about it, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the BMI. The staff is awesome, and the doctors are phenomenal.” 

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Read Kelly’s story, who inspired Timothy to start his own journey with BMI.  

If you’re interested in learning more about bariatric surgery, visit bmi.arheart.com and schedule an appointment to discover your options.

Aspirin for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention with Dr. Michael Huber

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Medical experts have encouraged older adults and people with a risk of having a heart attack and/or stroke to take a low dose of aspirin daily. However, this guidance is being revised. 

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which has encouraged some people to take a low dose of aspirin daily to prevent cardiovascular disease, now recommends that adults ages 40-59, who are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease but do not have a history of the disease, decide with their doctor whether to start taking aspirin based on their individual circumstances.  

Dr. Michael Huber, Arkansas Heart Hospital cardiologist, explains who should and should not take aspirin as well as common cardiovascular disease risk factors and how to assess risk. 

“When you look at aspirin use for prevention of cardiovascular disease there are two main categories: primary prevention and secondary prevention,” Dr. Huber said. 

The primary prevention is to stop a cardiovascular disease in someone who has never had it or a cardiovascular event — the most common are heart attacks and strokes. 

“Some patients in the primary prevention group have a very low risk for a cardiovascular event,” he said. “These patients do not need aspirin because the risk of bleeding outweighs the benefits.”  

The secondary prevention is necessary if the patient has already had a cardiovascular event. In this case, it is aspirin is generally recommended to prevent another event. 

To prevent a cardiovascular event in the primary prevention group, Dr. Huber says the most important thing to do is assess risk. 

“The traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease are hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, family history of cardiovascular disease, and smoking,” he said. “The more risk factors you have, the higher your risk. Also, if you are not controlling these risk factors then your risk is even higher.” 

Learn your cardiovascular risk with the HeartSaver CT scan, which detects heart disease in its earliest stages. The scan is included in the Keep the Beat comprehensive heart screening – exclusively at Arkansas Heart Hospital. 

“The heart saver CT measures the amount of calcium detected in the coronary arteries,” Dr. Huber said. “Calcium is a component of the cholesterol plaque in the arteries and the burden of plaque correlates with the risk of a future heart attack. So, the higher the result of the coronary calcium score, the higher the risk for a future heart attack.”  

Schedule your Keep the Beat screening online today. For only $99, it provides priceless insight for your heart’s health.