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2 0 2 5 G O O D H E A L T H
Playing music is a large part of Kip Jervis’ identity.
PHOTO BY MADISON NANTZ spinal fusion, which he shared“ prepared him for anything.” Nonetheless, the heart attack impacted him greatly.
“ Emotionally, I was so thankful to be alive,” said Jervis.“ It’ s gripping when you look at a vehicle, or the bed you sleep in, or the drums you play, and think,‘ Wow, I almost checked out.’ Then, through no fault of your own, as a dad, you realize what it puts your family and friends through.”
Jervis’ family has helped him significantly through his recovery by ensuring that he is taking his medication as instructed and eating healthily. He now has to keep up with taking several medications, having little to no major physical symptoms, noting that he sleeps more often and is more easily fatigued.
“ There’ s a mental health aspect that goes along with a heart attack, and it’ s something you can’ t prepare for. Questions like,‘ Why did this happen to me? Why am I still here?’” Jervis said.“ Even though you’ re extremely thankful to still be alive, when you look at how small you are in a vast universe God has made for us, one’ s own insignificance becomes gripping. That makes me very, very, thankful to be alive here on earth with my family and future grandbabies.”
Jervis encourages others to know the signs of a heart attack— such as chest discomfort, which may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain; discomfort in other areas of the upper body such as one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach; nausea; lightheadedness;