Heartwise Webinar

 I was asked many months ago if I was interested in sharing my experience with Atrial Fibrillation. I was not sure what they wanted but if you know me I'm always happy to share my story via social media, podcast, interview. I'm all about awareness for all that is out there to help promote a healthy lifestyle. I'm not talking diet specifically but more the direction of doing physical activity because you can. It doesn't matter what activity you are committing to whether it be as simple as yoga or tai chi to endurance sports like ultra marathons or triathlons. If you have a goal to do any of these to help you get through your diagnosis or maybe to return to that activity then this was the focus of my webinar. I was paired with two doctors as part of the panel and was able to lead off the discussion basically talking about me. Now some of you who have come across my blog have seen me in some form of doing some form of talk or being interviewed but this was my first chance at actually in a panel. I did not expect questions as I am not a medical expert so I left that to my fellow panelists Dr. Mehrdad Golian (my electrophysiologist) and Dr. Jennifer Reed (Director of Exercise and Cardiovascular Health.

Overall I had a pleasant experience. I had prepared a bunch of speaking notes, but I totally went without them. I started looking at them but then basically just went with the flow. I had eight (8) minutes to do my part and hand it off to the rest of the panel. I was warned and somewhat relieved that I would not get any questions, but definitely I wasn't too worried if I didn't get any 😉

If you want to sign up for other Heartwise webinars then click here and register to be on the email list.

Direct link to my Zoom feature here

Motivate to Move - Podcast

I had the opportunity to be on a podcast with one of my marathon buddies who I met at the 2017 Ottawa Marathon.

We were both struggling and we both struck a conversation on that hot day and we commiserated about our experiences and both finished. Probably the worst marathon for us both, but needless to say we struck a friendship that took us to Twitter and Instagram.

Have a listen to see our conversations expand to running, training for my Ultra marathon, my AFib diagnosis, recovery, "Michelle", race weekend and supporting other runners. Oh and a new lease on life and getting back more time with my family and friends.

I'm sure either of the links work, but I gave a few options.

Spreaker

Listen Notes

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Episode 62 BEaTS Research Radio

 Patient Alumni

Since "graduating" from the Heart Institute this past July 2020 I have always ensured that I bring awareness about this world class facility.

I was contacted by Katya to see if I would be interested in doing this podcast to lead into the final week of Heart Month. I was more than happy to help bring a different perspective from research to a patient experience.

Here is that episode: Episode 62

Ottawa Citizen Sponsored Ad

 My Heart Story

Well I meant to post this last week when it was published and it hit online first.

Ottawa Citizen

Sponsored

Then I received a few posts from people that it was also in the print media of the Ottawa Citizen so I went out and got a couple of copies. 

Then the following day The Sunday Sun carried the same sponsored full page ad.

A Runner's Racing Heart: Danny Pak gives back to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute by taking part in vital research studies

A Runner's Racing Heart: Danny Pak gives back to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute by taking part in vital research studies: The quarter-century-IT-professional with the federal government remembers when his doctor told him his blood pressure was a little high.

Regional Contact

Revisit into the Afib Asian

I haven't used this spot in quite some time since 2020 was just a total write off. I had a lot of goals planned, but sadly 2020 was probably worse than 2019. So rather than dwell on the past it is time to move forward.

However I'm going to have to dwell a bit on the past since the name of this blog is the AfibAsian I have to retell my story, but this time I was asked to retell my story on camera with Joel Haslam of Regional Contact fame for CTV News Ottawa.  

I had heard that the University of Ottawa Hearth Institute was celebrating the 45th anniversary and they were looking for stories from Heart patients to celebrate February's Hearth Month. So of course I submitted my story. I heard back from Katya from the Heart Institute Foundation and she wanted me to be featured in a segment for the Hearth Institute. This was on the 15th of January so we setup a shooting date and that was today. 

We met at chez moi and Katya and I walked to the TCT trailhead and Joel went on ahead to get setup. Without giving too much away it was a lot of just questions on my journey and what I'm doing now to help support the Heart Institute. Joel did a lot of videos which hopefully there is some decent material that he has as if you've ever seen his stories the amount of content will be put into a segment that will air this weekend.

So for now you will just have to stay tuned and once I obtain the link I will share it. 

For now some behind the scenes photos.

Courtesy of the Heart Institute Foundation IG: @heartinstitutefoundation

Selfie not even running w/Joel and Katya for the next part of the shoot

Joel ready to "run" with his camera on the Gimbal

Joel wanted a potential shot of me walking Shade so she may make the cut.