February 2026

Heart Month

Dear Friends,

February is American Heart Month to raise awareness for cardiovascular health, and February 6th is also National Wear Red Day.

When we talk about our hearts, we usually talk about whether our hearts are happy, whole, broken, healing, mended, or full. Our medical practitioners care about plaque build-up, cholesterol, palpitations, murmurs, a-fib, or the more practical machinations of this remarkable organ. We can certainly allow space for both aspects this month and find ways to honor our hearts by taking loving care, through healthful nutrition, staying warm, active, and coming together in community and fostering relationships.

After all,

A light heart lives long.

~ Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost

This is also a perfect time to announce an exciting new council of professionals here at The Community Well who care about your health and wellness! We are thrilled to announce that we have established our first Health Advisory Group, made up of experts in their fields.

Find out more below and check out or first "Health Corner" article.

Be well,

Rachel Brenna

Executive Director

Meet Our Health Advisory Group

We are excited to announce our new Health Advisory Group!

This group is dedicated to supporting the Community Well in an advisory capacity on our medical or clinical programming as well as providing talks or content within their respective field. Offering a wealth of experience and knowledge, we are fortunate to have them guide us in helping our community's collective wellness journey. We are excited for this new relationship to flourish.

J. Brandt McCabe

MD, MDiv, PCOL member/elder

Retired Cardiologist and Internist

10 years as Chair of Medical Ethics Committee at Princeton Health

Pam Ford

MSN, RN, APN, AGNP-C

Ashley Driscoll

RN, MSN, APN-BC

Family Nurse Practioner

Laurie Wilson

MSN CSN RN

Public Health Nurse for Princeton Health Department

Mark Madzy

Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine

Health Corner

How old is TOO old to be shoveling snow?

Dr. J. Brandt McCabe, MD, cardiologist

This timely article, linked to the right, offers some sound advice for snow shovelers with cardiac risk factors (age being prominent among them).

In addition to their sound advice: be aware of symptoms (chest pain, palpitations), layer up to stay warm, avoid strenuous exertion if one has or suspects coronary artery disease, push rather than lift snow as able, one can also pace oneself: go slow and take breaks. The combination of cold and wind plus heavy exertion creates a setting for risk to become an event.

While we think of heart disease first and foremost, other dangers to snow shoveling include: slip and fall with risks to hip or head; and back strain and pain. The first may involve proper footgear and or waiting a day or so, or hiring help; and the second involves lifting with the legs and NOT the back.

Good luck out there and stay wise and safe.

Brandt