Category Archives: Contests & Giveaways

I convinced my fiance to go to the doctor. This was the first time he had been to the doctor in 15 years. Like me, he was a smoker, overweight and had never eaten a veggie in his life. He was 54. The doctor found his heart arteries were 90% clogged, his cholesterol and blood pressure were off the charts and he was turning diabetic. After having several stents put in his heart arteries, a multitude of daily and nightly … continued…

Around 1980, I had my first angioplasty (balloon) procedure to clear my blocked heart arteries.  I was back to work in a few days … feeling better than I had felt in a long time.  For over 25 years, I continued to smoke  and eat whatever I felt like eating.  Of course, I continued to have more angioplasty procedures performed and even had stents installed to try to keep my arteries open.  I was taking cholesterol drugs along with Plavix … continued…

It all started back in October 2001, when I found out I had a pituitary tumor, also known as Acromegaly which is a rare disease. This disease causes a lot of health problems internally as well as externally. It also causes all of your internal organs in your body to enlarge … which after surgery I learned some body parts may shrink but not internally. I also had Gamma Knife Radiation Therapy to shrink any residual cells that may have … continued…

Jan. 29th, 1995 was when I knew something was not right. I had just moved to Atlanta with my family and when settling in for the night I found I couldn’t “clear my chest” of a congested feeling. Four days later my aortic valve was replaced. I now approach the 17th birthday of my new valve, and I remain constantly thankful for the new lease on my life that I was given. I exercise regularly and try to maintain moderation … continued…

I was diagnosed with high blood pressure in April 2009. I have been heavy most of my life. My parents have both been heavy too, and they were on medications for blood pressure. The doctors changed up something with my Dad’s prescription, and it threw him out of whack. He can no longer handle the slightest heat or humidity, and he was out of work and on anti-depression medication for about 6 months. I knew I did not want that … continued…

It’s American Heart Month! And, we’ve got a lot of exciting things happening in February to celebrate those who have fought the battle against heart disease as well as help educate us too. So, we’re kicking off the month with a Valentine’s Day recipe contest. Do you have a heart healthy recipe you’ve created that’s perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner? All you have to do is email your *recipe*to blog@laurasleanbeef.com no later than Wednesday, February 8 at Noon … continued…