Well, I've just left the hospital where I began the UVRMC 100 day heart challenge. That means I weighed in and they measured my cholesterol/blood sugar levels and did a body fat test. I don't know all of the results but I do know that my blood pressure was high and my blood pressure has never, ever been high before!!! That gives me all the more reason to want to start this challenge.
I've done other challenges before but this time I am serious about making lifelong changes. Dr. Carter, a cardiologist, began the motivational part of the meeting by showing us a clip of the Apollo 11 rocket taking off in 1969. Then he showed us a replica model that he had created as a youth. He told us that these next 100 days would be like the bottom part of the rocket that never leaves the ground but serves as a booster to propel the rocket far into space. Boy, did that change my paradigm! In the past when I have done a challenge I have had the mindset that if I can only stay focused for however long, then I will be successful. But I loved the idea that this challenge period is just to get our habits set for the long haul!
Dr. Mitchell, one of the cardiac surgeons at UVRMC, gave a presentation that greatly increased my knowledge of the consequences of continuing with my current risk factors. Several facts really served to "wake me up". He showed that when a person has the risk factors of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity then the risk of heart disease goes up exponentially. Although I didn't get my test results back today, I fear that I have more than two of those. Another fact that hit me hard was that heart patients who have diabetes have reduced success with open heart surgery. A normal individual who has a heart bypass can expect the repaired heart to last for 10 years, but if you have diabetes the veins only last for 3-7 years. If my facts are not accurate, just ask Dr. Mitchell to clarify!
I enjoyed meeting all of the participants today. All of you seem like great people facing the same obstacles that I am facing. I think of you as my support team not my competition (Unless I am trying to put something in my mouth that I shouldn't!) I think we will all look back on this and think of all the successes that occurred! So... I'm off to practice my healthy lifestyle! Good luck everyone!
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