Fetterman’s health problem contains lesson for all
Republicans dedicated to voting on the party line in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race in November may not be interested in a single word from Democratic candidate John Fetterman.
That would be a mistake.
Voters of all political leanings should seriously take to heart what Fetterman had to say recently.
He nearly died last month after suffering a stroke. He confessed last Friday that the stroke was preventable and occurred after he ignored a doctor’s advice.
That message should resonate with everyone.
“I want to encourage others to not make the same mistake,” Fetterman, who serves as lieutenant governor, said in a statement.
The statement provided an update on his condition and disclosed more about his health history.
Fetterman revealed he was diagnosed with a heart condition, atrial fibrillation, five years ago. His cardiologist prescribed medication. Fetterman did not stay on the meds and never returned for follow-up care.
He didn’t see any doctor for five years.
He thought exercising and improving his diet would be enough. His poor judgment nearly killed him, leading to his stroke.
“I want to emphasize that this was completely preventable,” Fetterman said. “My cardiologist said that if I had continued taking the blood thinners, I never would have had a stroke. I didn’t do what the doctor told me. But I won’t make that mistake again. Taking care of others is important but you must include yourself in there too.”
His statement included a letter from his cardiologist, Dr. Ramesh Chandra of Alliance Cardiology in Allegheny County, where Fetterman lives.
He said the pacemaker Fetterman received last month after the stroke to treat another heart condition, cardiomyopathy, is “working perfectly” and Fetterman “is doing well.”
If Fetterman takes his medications, eat healthy and exercises, he will be fine, Chandra said, and should be able to campaign and serve in the Senate without a problem.
It will be sad if Republicans attack Fetterman’s health as the campaign heats up this summer between him and GOP nominee Mehmet Oz. But don’t be surprised if it happens.
That’s why Fetterman had to release more information about his health and why he was susceptible to a stroke at age 52. He needs to assure voters he can serve.
But his message is bigger than politics. Give him credit for highlighting his experience as a way to teach others.
“It’s not something I’m proud of, but it is something I hope that others can learn from,” Fetterman said. “So please: listen to your body, and be aware of the signs. Because ignoring them — and avoiding the doctor because you might not like what they have to tell you — could cost you your life.”
The timing of Fetterman’s statement was disappointing, though. It was released last Friday afternoon, a time when big news tends to be overlooked because people are starting their weekends.
And last weekend was an especially busy time. There were a lot of high school graduations. And the glorious weather made it a superb opportunity to travel or spend time outdoors away from phones and televisions.
Friday afternoon news dumps often are reserved for information that politicians and public officials hope will go unseen. They still can tout how they were transparent in releasing it, knowing full well that the message will be muted.
Fetterman’s message could have been better-timed to get maximum exposure.
The Morning Call recently shared two good news stories that highlighted another way people can save lives — by learning CPR.
Rick Henrick is alive because head golf professional David Fields and other staff at
Brookside Country Club in Lower Macungie Township knew what to do when Henrick went into cardiac arrest after feeling ill while golfing last year.
They performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator before emergency crews arrived. Henrick was treated at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest and fully recovered. He and those who saved him were recognized last week at Brookside.
Also last week, Lower Macungie commissioners honored Macungie Ambulance Corps. and staff at The Devine School who saved the life of 2-year-old Andrew Hammerman.
He suffered cardiac arrest and the preschool’s teachers performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. Andrew was treated at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, which also were honored last week by the commissioners, along with 911 dispatchers and a CPR instructor.
Both recognition ceremonies occurred during National CPR and AED Awareness Week, which is marked annually during the first week of June.
I shared a similar story several years ago about a cyclist who was saved when bystanders performed CPR after he suffered a heart attack.
Everyone should know how to do CPR. It’s a simple way to make our communities safer.