Heart-Healthy Inspiration from Olympic Athletes

With 20 Team USA medals and counting, we can't help but to be inspired by the Olympic athletes! We're shamelessly keeping ourselves updated hourly- we tried avoiding any internet spoilers at first, but we can't fight it any longer. With all the coverage we're learning more and more about our favorite athletes that we didn't know before.

Dana Vollmer

Take Dana Vollmer, a star swimmer for Team USA, for instance. At 15 Dana was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome, a cardiac electrical disorder. At any point Dana's heart could sporadically speed up causing a vast array of scary heart issues. In 2003 Dana competed in the USA National Championships in Indianapolis. Her mother was anxiously sitting in the stands with a defibrillator between in her legs in case anything went wrong while Dana swam.

In 2000, during Dana's first U.S. Olympic trials (she was the youngest to compete!) she began experiencing dizziness. Like most, she attributed this to dehydration or low-blood sugar. Dana's parents took her to see a cardiologist just to make sure. Finding out that Dana had Long QT Syndrome was worrisome; she suddenly had to think about her life without swimming. The Vollmer family was shocked to hear this diagnosis.

"Swimming at an elite level, you'd think she would have the healthiest heart in the world," Cathy (Dana's mom) said.  We tend to think the same thing. Luckily, Dana was diagnosed early- many people don't know they have Long QT Syndrome until they go into cardiac arrest.
As is true with many heart-related illnesses, symptoms can be easily discounted. It's crucial to pay attention to what your body tells you.

Now, nine years later, Dana is 24 and swimming as strong as ever! London 2012 is Dana's second Olympics and she's been cleared of any heart condition that might have gotten in the way of her dream. Her dedication to swimming is absolutely inspiring!

For the full article from Jaimie Dalessio, visit everyday health. 

P.S. Have you seen our London 2012 colorway? Jimmy Beans Wool partnered with Lorna's Laces for a special Limited Edition color to celebrate the 2012 Olympics and the efforts of Team USA! We will be dropping the price of Shepherd Sock, Shepherd Worsted and Honor for the next two weeks as Team USA brings home Olympic medals! Here are the details:

- For every gold medal the U.S. wins, we'll drop the price per hank by $.05
- For every silver medal, we'll drop the price $.03
- For every bronze medal, we'll drop the price a penny

"London 2012" will ship as soon as the Olympics come to a close, so we can keep track of price drops. So far the price has dropped $.69!

Artyarns Founder and Head Designer, Iris Schreier, Talks Stitch Red

Why did you choose to get involved with the Stitch Red campaign and what does Stitch Red mean to you?

I am a firm believer in preventative care, and exercise and good nutrition are part of my lifestyle.  There are several members of my family and my husband's family who have had close calls with heart attacks, and I want to ensure that we take all the steps we can to avoid this deadly killer.

What product have you created for the Stitch Red campaign and what was your inspiration behind it?  

I created the heart-shaped cape with the diamond clasp (that uses Artyans Rhapsody Glitter Light yarn), to identify with the heart-healthy focus of the book.

What is your heart healthy tip? 

Eat plenty of lean protein throughout the day (I try to eat 4-5 portions), and that will prevent cravings for unhealthy processed foods and snacks that are harmful to your health.

What gets your heart racing?  

I love coming up with new creations, and combining unlikely designs, yarns, colors, etc. to startle and amaze others.  It is my passion in life, and I think I always love to challenge myself to take it to the next level.  I am a social media junkie, and I post photos on Pinterest of projects on my needles, some of which are just swatches that I'm playing with to get a reaction.  My favorite thing of all is to inspiring others to knit along with me, and it is such a great feeling when some design I have created ends up being improved upon by one of my students.  I run knitalongs on Ravelry that have had many participants, and it is always a race to the finish to stay ahead of some and make sure that I complete the pattern before they are ready to move on. 

Examples of these are the Dangling Leaves Knitalong (current) and the Undulating Leaves knitalong, which is now a free pattern with yarn purchase.   

If you follow me on Facebook.com/Artyarns you'll see that I post things, mostly photos, nearly every single day.

I also have a new book out, One + One: Scarves, Shawls& Shrugs, which is a great way for people to discover Artyarns yarn, by combining 2 skeins of their choosing in any of these 29 projects.  I'm excited about my newest pattern in Vogue Knitting Spring 2012, which combines a cable with lace pattern, and is such a fun knit.

- Iris Schreier, Artyarns