Undergoing a major medical procedure such as coronary artery bypass surgery isn't easy for patients or their loved ones. That's why it helps to talk with caring people who have gone through the procedure and are willing to share their experiences.

     Heart support groups, made up of such people, are found across the nation. One such group, which is national in scope, is Mended Hearts Inc. The organization has been working with heart disease patients and their families since 1951. It is affiliated with the American Heart Association.

     About 25,000 Mended Hearts members participate in the activities of 250 chapters in the United States and Canada. Membership ranks are usually filled by heart disease patients and their family members, although any interested person can join.

     Members live up to their slogan, "It's great to be alive, and to help others," in several ways. They do this mainly in hospital and home visits where they share their experiences and knowledge of heart disease and its treatments.

     "Fortunately, we live in a time and place when so much can be done to help restore us to health," says Mended Hearts past-President Milan Underwood of Park Rapids, Minn.

"Physicians, nurses and others are not only highly trained and skilled, they are also aware of our emotional needs. In addition, help can be provided by volunteers participating in support groups such as Mended Hearts," says Milan.

     Members don't just decide to volunteer their services and then start visiting heart patients. They participate in Mended Hearts training programs to become accredited visitors.

     Mended Hearts members help reinforce what health-care providers prescribe. They also distribute heart-related educational information, conduct educational and social programs locally and provide help to physicians, nurses and other health-care professionals as needed. Members also are involved with heart disease rehabilitation programs and in volunteer activities of the American Heart Association, which has stepped up efforts to reach out to heart disease and stroke patients.

     Mended Hearts chapters give more than $75,000 annually for nursing scholarships and buy equipment for cardiovascular rehabilitation centers. They also provide support to camps for children with heart-related problems.

     For more information about Mended Hearts or recovery from heart disease and surgery, contact Chapter 297 in Mesa, Arizona at 480-948-9009 or CLICK HERE for Mended Hearts National.

     To contact your nearest American Heart Association:

CLICK HERE or call:   1-800-AHA-USA1  (1-800-242-8721)