‘Modern Family' star Julie Bowen thought she was ‘gonna die' after learning she needed a pacemaker at age 29
The "Modern Family" alum made the revelation to host Michael Rosenbaum during a recent appearance on his podcast, "Inside of You."
The 55-year-old shared that she struggles with sick sinus syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder that, according to Mayo Clinic, causes "slow heartbeats, pauses or irregular heartbeats."
"I have a low resting heart rate," the actress said on the podcast, noting her pacemaker is "set so that it can't go below 45." Bowen told Rosenbaum that, before receiving a pacemaker, her resting heart rate was in the 30s.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average heart rate for adult women is 78 to 82 beats per minute. The "normal" range is between 60 to 100 beats per minute, it noted. According to the outlet, multiple factors, such as hormones, exercise and other lifestyle choices can affect your heart rate.
"I was a runner all throughout high school," Bowen explained. "And then I was really a competitive runner. And I always had a really low heart rate. And my sister was in med school. So, I guess I had just gotten out of college maybe. … At that time in her life, I guess she always carried around a stethoscope.
"We were on vacation, and she was like, 'I want to listen to this,'" Bowen recalled. "And she listened to my heart, and she was like, 'That is not what they've been telling you. And it's not runner's heart or whatever. … You need to go to a cardiologist immediately.'"
Bowen's sister, Annie Luetkemeyer, had just graduated from medical school. She refused to give up on the issue. Still, Bowen would insist to her concerned sibling that "I'm fine."
A month later, Bowen shot the pilot episode of the TV series "Ed," which premiered in 2000.
"I shot the pilot of 'Ed' and immediately had to go get a pacemaker afterwards," said Bowen. "I was like, 'Oh my God. My life is over. This is so weird. I'm gonna die.' I don't know what I thought it was because I was 29."
"You're lucky you didn't die before that," said Rosenbaum.
"They said I wouldn't probably die of it, but I'd start passing out," she explained. "There was a vague feeling … whenever I was relaxed, really relaxed, I'd be, like, watching TV or [a] movie. It felt like I'd been holding my breath for a while, that feeling of, like, lightheadedness.
"And they said, 'You're gonna be driving a car, and you're gonna pass out, and you're gonna kill somebody.' And I was like, 'Oh, well, then give me the g-----n pacemaker.'"
According to Bowen, surgeons went in through her armpit. Over the years, she has had to replace the batteries about three times.
"I forget about it all the time," Bowen said of having a pacemaker.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
13 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is there such a thing as a healthy movie theater snack? 7 treats I reach for as a dietitian.
Picture this: You're handing over your movie ticket, feeling extra excited to watch the blockbuster summertime flick that everyone is talking about. You step inside the movie theater lobby, and BAM! You are hit by the buttery aroma of popcorn so strong it might as well be its own cologne (and how good is that smell?!). Then, there's the candy display, tempting you with its overpriced sugary treasures. Call it the magic of the movies or a cultural rite; something about that darkened room screams, 'Treat yourself!' But as a dietitian, I'm here to ask the question nobody really wants answered after their third handful of Reese's Pieces: Is there such a thing as a healthy movie theater snack? Before you hit me with the theatrical boos, hear me out! This isn't about shaming your Milk Duds or butter-soaked popcorn cravings. But the reality is, some movie theater snacks are better for you than others. So, if you're focused on making smarter choices without ruining the fun, there are options that strike a balance. One key factor I look for in a snack is whether it contains fiber, protein or healthy fats (bonus points if it has all three). Why? Because these nutrients help you feel fuller for longer, keep blood sugar levels stable and provide sustained energy, which is an essential combo, especially for a long movie. Bonus points if a snack is low in added sugar or salt and free of artificial colors or flavors, though admittedly, finding that unicorn at the theater can be a challenge! Among the sea of movie theater snacks out there, here are some of my dietitian-approved, top picks for movie theater noshing. Popcorn is a classic movie snack, and it's actually a whole grain! A small or kid-size portion (without drenching it in butter or overly salty toppings) can serve as a crunchy, satisfying option. Plain popcorn is rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion, and a small serving usually clocks in around 120-250 calories. Plus, it's light enough to snack on without feeling sluggish. Just skip the added butter or powdered cheese sprinkles. Yes, Raisinets can be a healthy snack! Beneath that chocolate coating are real raisins, which provide natural sugars for energy along with small amounts of fiber and potassium. A serving of Raisinets isn't exactly a health food, but it's a sweet treat that's better balanced thanks to the raisins' nutrient content. At around 190 calories for a small box, this snack is perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth while still providing a bit of fruit. And the chocolate provides some antioxidants, which is good for you too. Soft pretzel bites can be a fun snack to share, and pairing them with mustard instead of cheese sauce is a simple way to reduce excess saturated fat and calories. Mustard is naturally low in calories and adds a tangy twist to your snack. Pretzels are a good source of carbohydrates, making them a great energy booster to keep you focused on the action onscreen. A serving of pretzel bites typically contains 200-400 calories, so sharing them with a friend can also be a great option. Peanut M&M's might seem like an indulgent choice, and they are. But they come with a surprising perk: plant-based protein. Thanks to the peanuts inside, this snack offers a small dose of protein (about 5 grams per serving) to help promote satiety and balance out the sweetness. Additionally, the nuts provide healthy fats that help prevent a sugar spike and crash. A standard serving of Peanut M&M's is about 240 calories, making it a better pick than snacks that are pure sugar. Just be mindful of the serving size. Skip the oversize soda and opt for a cup of coffee instead. It is naturally calorie-free (unless you add cream and sugar), and it can help keep you alert during a late-night screening. Coffee contains antioxidants and provides a natural source of caffeine for a quick energy boost without the sugar overload that comes with sodas or energy drinks. Pro tip: Many theaters offer unsweetened iced tea during the summer months, so look out for this refreshing and low-calorie option if you need something cool. Tea has antioxidants too! Some theaters, like AMC, are stepping up their snack game by offering high-protein options like Country Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky. A serving of this jerky is typically around 70–100 calories and provides about 9 grams of protein per ounce. High in protein and low in sugar, this treat is a satiating choice for long movies and adds a savory, chewy texture to your snack lineup. Many theaters offer a kids combo, which might secretly be the perfect option for the 'kids at heart' too. Most theaters are happy to sell it to adults, so don't hesitate to ask. The combo usually includes a small popcorn, a mini drink and a treat like a fruit snack or candy. For those who can't imagine a theater visit without an Icee, the kids combo is a great way to indulge without going overboard. A smaller portion means you can still get that nostalgic taste without committing to a supersize sugar rush. It's a manageable, fun-size option that keeps your snack cravings in balance while adding a bit of whimsy to your movie experience. It's important to remember that enjoying snacks at the theater doesn't have to feel like a guilty pleasure. This list isn't about strict rules — it's about finding options that satisfy your cravings while also helping you feel good. Choosing smaller portions, sharing snacks or pairing something indulgent (like chocolate) with something a bit more nutritious (like jerky) can help you strike a satisfying balance. Ultimately, a trip to the movies is about fun and entertainment, so don't overthink your snack choices. A little mindfulness goes a long way, and armed with these options, you can enjoy snacking without hesitation. After all, good food and great movies go hand in hand!
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
FDA Grants Priority Review for Merck & Co's (MRK) WINREVAIR
Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is one of the . On July 2, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) announced that the FDA has accepted and granted priority review to its supplemental Biologics License Application for WINREVAIR. Merck & Co., Inc.'s (NYSE:MRK) WINREVAIR was previously approved in 2024 for treating adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The treatment aims to increase exercise capacity, improve WHO functional class, and reduce the risk of clinical worsening events. The current application seeks to update the US product label based on the results of the Phase 3 ZENITH trial. A close-up of a person's hand holding a bottle of pharmaceuticals. The ZENITH trial is notable for being the first Phase 3 PAH study to use a primary endpoint focused solely on major morbidity and mortality events. The results demonstrated a 76% reduction in the risk of a composite outcome of all-cause death, lung transplantation, and hospitalization for PAH lasting 24 hours or more, compared to placebo. The FDA has set a target action date of October 25, 2025, under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is a leading healthcare company that operates through two main segments including the Pharmaceutical and Animal Health Segments. While we acknowledge the potential of MRK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hamas government office rejects US accusation of involvement in Gaza aid site attack
CAIRO/ TEL AVIV (Reuters) -A Hamas government media office rejected accusations by the U.S. State Department that the group was involved in a Saturday attack that injured two Americans at an aid distribution site in Gaza, it said on Sunday. The U.S. and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said on Saturday the injured American aid workers were receiving medical treatment after a grenade attack caused non-life-threatening injuries. A representative for UG Solutions, a North Carolina-based company providing security at GHF's aid distribution sites in Gaza, told Reuters on Sunday that the injured Americans were employed as private security contractors. The contractors were former U.S. special forces and did not open fire after they were injured in order to avoid risking harm to nearby civilians, the person said. The Hamas-run media office described the U.S. accusation as misleading, saying it was aimed at justifying "the continued killing and starvation of Palestinian civilians". "We categorically and unequivocally reject the claims issued by the U.S. State Department alleging that the Palestinian resistance threw explosives at American personnel operating at sites run by the so-called "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – GHF," it said in a statement.
