Connections matter

One reason my family and I love Lake County is because of its small-town charm coupled with the vitality and diversity of a larger city.

Here, we truly get the best of both worlds. We can enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities, professions, diverse cuisine, and our neighbors originate from different points across the nation and the globe. In fact, we all have a special story about how we came here or, as natives, why we have stayed. But what exactly has made our community thrive over the years?

I believe it has been about connections. What I discover when meeting new patients, friends, or colleagues is that if we listen closely enough, we all have something in common. We may know the same people or have shared similar experiences. But at the very least, we can find some way to empathize with each other. These connections are the foundation of our community and what has made us strong. Feeling connected has a huge impact on our mental and physical well-being, too.

If you think of the body as a community of organs and bones, it is easy to understand how connections matter. Take the superficial femoral and popliteal arteries, for example. These two arteries are in the pelvic area, which is constantly in motion. Our workouts and diet will affect our movement and the health of these arteries, demanding a delicate balance of nutrition, exercise, and attention when pain occurs.

What my “family” at ICE and I wish for you is connections that count. Let us take the time and interest in connecting with each other, our community and our health and, as a result, enjoy fulfilling lives.

Yours, Asad U. Qamar, MD

FACC, FCCP, FSGC, FACP, FSCAI Cardiologist