MARSHALL FOR YOUR HEALTH-DECEMBER 2025

meant slowing down to allow her heart and her chest
incision time to fully heal and recover. Marshall’s cardiac
rehabilitation tailors its program to fit the needs of each
patient, and Patty credits the team with teaching her to
pace herself during her recovery.
“Honestly, cardiac rehab saved me from myself mentally
as well as physically,” Patty said. “I was feeling pretty
down about staying home, hurting, not working, and
doing my regular routine. It was a very emotional time
for me. With the help of a heart monitor and nurses
and qualified medical staff watching me, I knew I was
in a safe place to push myself and see what I could do.
I am forever grateful for this team who lovingly cared
for each one of us in class … all of us on our own fitness
journeys. Through cardiac rehab, I am stronger mentally,
emotionally, and physically. I have an insatiable need to
be strong, and these classes, this amazing team, and the
new friends I have met through this process gave me an
excellent start to getting my strength back.”
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there may also be biological and hormonal reasons that
increase women’s risk compared with men.
6. Many people die with Alzheimer’s, but not
necessarily from Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is one of
the top causes of death among older adults, but it isn’t
always listed as the direct cause. That’s because people
with Alzheimer’s often develop other health problems
along the way. On average, someone may live four to
eight years after diagnosis, although some live much
longer.
Today, more than 7 million Americans over 65 live with
Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to nearly double
by 2060. As people live longer, this complex disease is
becoming more common, and the more we understand
about this condition, the better prepared we are to face it
and support those affected.
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things you can do for your heart and overall health.
• Manage stress. Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and
make healthy habits harder to follow. Find ways to relax,
such as deep breathing, meditation, or talking with friends.
Diabetes may increase your risk of heart problems, but by
understanding the connection and taking steps to manage
your health, you can help keep your heart stronger. Focus on
what you can control, such as blood sugar management, diet,
activity, and stress reduction, and partner with your doctor to
stay on track. Small choices add up, and each step you take is
a step toward a healthier heart now and in the future.
Healing
Garden
Dedication
Honors Legacy
of Janet
Nachtman
This fall, Marshall hosted a special celebration to honor the
completion of the Janet Nachtman Cancer Healing Garden
at the Marshall Cancer Center, a UC Davis Health affiliate.
What was once a bare dirt field has been transformed into a
serene and beautiful garden, the result of years of planning,
planting, and a true community effort.
Kat Olah, Marshall Infusion Center charge nurse, said, “This
garden brings peace and comfort to our patients and their
families. It symbolizes hope and healing, giving patients a
sense of calm during some of the most challenging times of
their lives.”
The Healing Garden, made possible through countless
volunteer hours and the generosity of donors through the
Marshall Foundation for Community Health, honors Janet
Nachtman, a longtime El Dorado County resident and wife
of former Marshall CEO Frank Nachtman. Janet passed
away from cancer in 2003. Her vision and passion to find
a better pathway for cancer patients laid the foundation
for the Cancer Center itself. The Healing Garden continues
her legacy by offering patients undergoing transfusion and
chemotherapy a therapeutic space to view and enjoy.
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