What to know about your heart and COVID

PLUS: Marathons aren't only for super athletes

View this email online March 6, 2022 by Suzette Lohmeyer Happy Sunday, Health fam! This week we start off with how COVID can affect your heart (sorry to kick off with a downer), but we end with an uplifting story on how Black doulas are helping babies have a great start to life (and there's an adorable baby photo, of course). Plus, marathons aren't only for super athletes.  How COVID can affect your heart  Peter Dazeley/Getty Images This week's eek health news: If you've had COVID, you're at a higher risk for serious cardiac and cardiovascular problems up to a year after the initial illness — even if you had a mild case. But before you freak out, there's good news too. Here's what you need to know.  Newsletter continues after sponsor message Mysterious chronic illnesses Fanatic Studio/Getty Images/Collection Mix: Sub Having a chronic illness can be incredibly frustrating and lonely — especially when it's one of the more mysterious ones that are hard to diagnose and treat, like long COVID. Here's how those who have been suffering with symptoms long after they got the coronavirus have shed light on other chronic illnesses. Yes, you can run a marathon! Photo Illustration by Becky Harlan/NPR Marathons are for only for athletic, skinny, muscular people, right? Wrong, says NPR's Emily Kwong. Not only can most people do it, she says, it can actually change your life. Together with her trainer, Kwong tells us about her first marathon experience and gives tips on how first-timers can build mileage and finish the race injury-free. This non-runner is definitely intrigued! Read her story or listen to it here.    Before you go  Michelle Jokisch Polo/NPR Black doulas help babies, mothers get a good start in life.  Ouch! Fitbit recalls 1.7 million smartwatches with a battery that can overheat and burn you.  Here's what Biden gets right in his new mental health plan, say experts.  Pakistan has a big idea: Send 13,000 teams led by women to vaccinate the hesitant.  We hope you enjoyed these stories. Find more of NPR's health journalism on Shots and follow us on Twitter at @NPRHealth. All best, Suzette Lohmeyer and your Shots editors Listen to your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to hear live radio from WBEZ (edit station). What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: shots@npr.org Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here. Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Goats & Soda, Daily News, Best of NPR and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Health emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy