Welcome to a special BONUS episode of the PLANTSTRONG Podcast. A few weeks ago, we hosted our first of many Live “Rip’s Rescue'' events. The theme of this first presentation? “Make Yourself Heart-Attack Proof” with Dr. Brian Asbill, my parents- Ann and Essy, and special guest Jim McNamara - one of my father’s patients. The response to that event has been so overwhelming and positive that we wanted to share this audio version with all of our podcast listeners. If you or a loved one has had a cardiac event, or if you’ve been told that you’re at high risk, think of this episode as your own two-hour appointment with some of the best medical providers on the planet. Cardiologist Dr. Brian Asbill was on the podcast for a solo interview just a few episodes ago and my parents, Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn and Ann Crile Esselstyn, really need no introduction! This special episode is a crash course on how adopting a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle can help you avoid a heart attack, stent, or even bypass surgery. Some of the topics we cover?  Dr. Asbill talks about cholesterol and helps unpack your lipid panel numbers He also gives his take on lifestyle intervention vs. surgery My Dad talks about Nitric Oxide - what is it and how can we all get more of it And, in only the way she can, my Mother digs into the foods you need to fight back against heart disease Plus, you’ll definitely want to hear an inspiring plantstrong success story from Jim Episode and PLANTSTRONG Resources: Video Version of this Episode Dr. Brian Asbill Podcast Episode PLANTSTRONG Website with all of our Resources PLANTSTRONG Meal Planner - use code: STARTFRESH for a 14-Day Free Trial. Yes, you have to enter a credit card - but you won’t be charged if you cancel before the trial ends and that’s a click of a button. Enjoy the test drive and get cooking! Join the free PLANTSTRONG Community Theme Music for Episode