HAVE YOU HEARD? We're Moving

***WE'RE MOVING *** 

Because Coach Malone cares about you, he has embarked on an ongoing relationship to share informative, funny, difficult and some heart-warming blogs with you.  In an effort to stay abreast of trends regarding cardiovascular disease and to keep the material impactful to you, we are moving to:

http://www.coachchipmalone.com/

 ***WE'RE MOVING *** 

Chip'n Away @ Heart Disease is becoming a non-profit organization (status pending).  It was developed following the heart transplant of Coach Narleski "Chip" Malone.  While recuperating from both of his heart surgeries only three weeks apart, he felt compelled to help people who are suffering from cardiovascular disease.  Thankful for "A Second Chance" the name of his book, Malone practices what he has always coached to the many students during his thirty two year tenure.  He is like many of us who has a cause in which we are passionate.  He prays that you will help him to get the word out.  See his story and follow Coach Chip on his new website. 

***WE'RE MOVING *** 

 See you there!

To Your Health,  Coach Chip

Houston County 8th Graders

 I Remember When

I had to change my exercise routine to make sure I am getting the rest I need.  Yes I push myself to work on projects and for the most part I feel alright.  Things are coming along well around the house with some inside tasks completed and constantly finding something to do outside.

Since my hospitalization late February, I had my medication adjusted and that has caused me to feel different physically.  I have some swelling that I  is part of a delicate balance of maintaining fluids in my body.  So not to dry my kidneys causing high creatine levels, I must stay hydrated.  Too much fluid intake causes swelling in the body.  Dr. Brenda Hott wants me to stay on some powerful medicine to prevent the threat of rejection again so that is what I will do. 

Now to the business at hand -- fighting heart disease.  I talked with eighth grade students of the Houston County school system on May 1 at the Perry Ag Center.  Hopefully lives can be changed by approaching them early with a no nonsense discussion on how to regard their health even at a young age.  I realize they don't connect with the benefits of staying away from cigarettes, alcohol and drugs that will damage their bodies the (heart) if they are not careful. 

Why wait until there has been wear on the body.  Make the changes now.  A perfect time to live and enjoy a healthy life.  One day, after being the "cool dude" wears away, and they have been in and out of a couple bad relationships, finishing college or with families of their own, maybe some student will remember when they were in 8th grade at the assembly with a heart transplant recipient telling them how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

No matter our age, it is imperative to find answers to medical questions.   When?  Now.

To Your Health,

~Coach Chip

COPING WITH DIABETES

Do the Right Thing

I hear it all the time, "Well when I know I will eat **something loaded with sugar** I will just give myself extra insulin."  Do you know anybody who says that?  Well, NOT ME.  I am asked if I am still diabetic after having the heart transplant.  Yes -  some of the immunosuppersant medications contribute to this condition requiring the use of insulin (type 2 diabetes).  While I was in the hospital, I wished I had a dollar for the number of times I was told "maintain control of your behavior if you want to minimize your health risks."  Okay!  I get it -- I will do the right thing.  Personally, I wouldn't do anything that would cause me to disregard a condition that can be difficult to stabilize such as this. 

Required first is a change in behavior or the way we conduct ourselves in relation to the risks.  The major [preventable] causes of cardiovascular disease are tobacco use, physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and harmful use of alcohol.  Remember cardiovascular disease is anything that affects the heart/blood vessels or veins;  high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, deep vein thrombosis, stroke.

Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas to help the cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream and convert it into energy to fuel the body.  When the glucose level goes haywire, it can cause a sinking feeling and uncontrollably shakes.  Not good.

With a visit to your doctor who can monitor our ideal health care needs and provide a better understanding of the recommended range(s), you and I can continue to feel a whole lot better. Let's do the right thing. 

To Your Health,

~Coach Chip

When We Meet

DEAR DONOR FAMILY:

How are you doing? In November, 2011, I forwarded a letter to you through LifeLink, It was to reach out and introduce myself to you. I hope you received the letter that was written to let you know I respectfully keep your loved one in my memory.  When we meet, I hope you will tell me about this special person.

I don't take anything lightly. Most times, I feel like a no nonsense beginner in a lot of things because I look at things so differently -- with a new appreciation.  I have stepped out of my comfort zone and don’t know how I really got here.  None of this could be possible without the love from the heart I now have.

Because of my immense gratitude and a promise to God to help educate people about heart disease, I have written a book that was published in January, 2012. So during February - Heart Awareness Month – I had 18 speaking engagements at schools, civic organizations and churches to try to give back to the community.  My wife joins me at all the functions and helps with printed materials.  If we meet, my wife will be with me and she can share how hard we work to make a difference.

At this point, the book which is dedicated to the memory of my donor and their family has reached approximately 500 people.  This opportunity to help others is coupled with my prayer that God strengthens our families to do His will. And that His spirit continues to give us inner peace.

Thank you for your time.  I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you.

Yours truly,   

~Coach Chip

  

"Giving a gift from the heart requires that you don't look for anything in return. "    

THE SECRET IS OUT . . . Here It Is!

RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU AGREE

You probably heard that March 4, 2012 was National Walk Day.  So in keeping with many New Year resolutions, I hope you got out with us.  Keep up the good work!  Get healthy, stay healthy - don't stop now. 

I reach out to effect change as part of my humanitarian journey  from personal experience.  I am not asking someone to do something I wouldn't.  The American Heart Association research supports walking for at least 30 minutes a day you can:

• Enhance mental well being
• Improve blood lipid profile
• Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

My hand is raised. . . it does work for me.

To your health,
~Coach Chip

ONE TOUCH

One Touch Can Make All the Difference

Our first child was premature.  When the nurses introduced me to her, I couldn't believe how tiny she was.  An overwhelming desire to protect this new, totally dependent person that had come into our lives consumed me.

The pediatrician explained that she was seriously ill and needed some tests to evaluate her condition.  There it was.  I am in a situation so new to me back-to-back issues gripped me that I had no control of.  A new born and the illness of someone I wanted to help.  She couldn't even tell daddy what was wrong.  So I would visit her continuously. Because of my work schedule full & part-time, the nurses would sneak me in after visiting hours into the nursery dunned in a funny yellow jacket & mask.  I would slide my hand (one hand practically covered her entire body) into the incubator to touch her.

With the watchful eyes of the nurses later told me that her recovery was expedited from the stimuli - the power of the scense of touch.   My little girl would squirm, flinch, or awaken in response to a gentle touch.  Sometimes, I would adjust the cap on her head or a sock just for the excuse to touch her; "everything is going to be alright."  "Daddy's here."

Chaplin Greg Popcock and I met for the first time since November 3, 2010 just before they wheel me off to surgery for the heart transplant.  He came into my room early that November morning and laid his hand on my forehead in prayer for me and with my wife who was by my side.  I squirmed in awareness of the presence of God and the change of atmosphere in the room; I awoke after surgery to my family who anticipated a response from me when hearing their voices; I continue to crave knowledge of Him and how I can impact the lives of others.  When Chaplin Popcock and I met the end of February, 2012, we realized that we are men with a testimony and one touch can make all the difference.

To your health,
~Coach Chip

February is Heart Awareness Month, but being heart healthy is important everyday.  

A Call to Action

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY

Will we travel to get the word out about heart disease, risk factors, healthy tips and the medical advances that can save lives?  You bet!  Remind your church or organization to give me a call or email me at newstart1@cox.net.


Last week I made a telephone call to a gentleman named Mr. Alex Habersham.  He extended an invitation to appear on his talk show after hearing my story.  On the very next day, Cynthia and I met he and his staff for the opportunity to talk live about our journey and the book "A Second Chance"  to give hope to others fighting this and other illnesses.

The show is named A Call to Action . . . . http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/21444435