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

We're on Common Ground

- Vice President Dick Cheney -

This past Saturday, vice president Dick Cheney received a donor heart transplant.  As of today, March 27, 2012 the report is that he is doing well.
http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120326/Dick-Cheneye28099s-heart-transplant-success-at-71.aspx
I am certain that neither Dick Cheney nor his family is concerned with  achievements, accolades, or his age.  All life is precious!

I raise my glass of chocolate Glucerna diabetic shake to you and say "Happy Birthday, Dick."

~Coach Chip
Heart Transplant Recipient (11/3/2010)

Recognizing the Warning Signals

Unplanned Hospital Visit


Tuesday, February 28 I came into the St. Joseps's Heart Failure Center for a routine check and to discuss the symptoms I was aware of.  I phoned Tracy, my transplant coordinator to let her know four days prior to my visit.  

Game plan:  have  the Allomap (a non-evasive blood test used to assure no rejection in a transplanted heart) then back home to conduct the two scheduled presentations on risk  factors and the fight against heart disease.  Or so I thought.  I was admitted immediately and was on my way to yet another procedure called a TEE.  This is an ultrasound echo "thing" that is swallowed for a closer look at the heart valves through the esophagaus.  Not as bad as it sounds.

The right heart catherization and simultaneous biospy shows rare but conflicting results which were sent to the Mayo Clinic for further review.  My doctors are careful to leave no stone unturned.  I can appreciate that.  This is to be a ten day wait.

Hopefully thru me sharing information -- you get it.  Not to use scare tactics to motivate anyone, but to educate those of you who want to prevent heart disease.  And to indicate to many that though February is Heart Awareness Month, heart health is an everday factor.  When the heart is happy ALL the organs are happy.

To your health, 

~Coach Chip

Keep On Ticking

Not Tired Yet 

Call to book me as a speaker for your business agenda, church, club or organization.  We are signing up for functions in March and April now.

You know that the schedule for "A Second Chance" has been pretty hectic.  We aren't finished yet.  "A Second Chance" has been Chip'n Away at Heart Disease  with good success and I have had to reorder.  Books and bracelets too are getting in the hands of those in need as well as those interested in having their personal copy.

Veterans High School and Houston County High School have placed a couple copies in the school libraries.  THANKS to both the principals for their support!

I have enjoyed the speaking engagements and meeting new people.  You know what helps...that we are not alone in experiences.  It doesn't bother me to talk about what happened.  It is sorta like loss of a loved one.  It is difficult to act as though they were never on the face of the earth.  There are constant reminders and the emotional affect of dealing with loss which can feel like it was yesterday, even if it was years ago.  A miracle happened to me.  Why shouldn't I share that?  It helps to talk so I am going to keep on ticking.

~Coach Chip

This One is for YOU !

DON'T GET TIRED OF HEARING IT . . . .

It's not about me, but the many who suffer with some form of cardiovascular disease.  I will fight for you.  Can I count on your help? 

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke.

Most of the time heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.  For example, treatments include some prescription medications as well as cardiovascular activity and a low carbohydrate, healthy foods diet.

No, it doesn't mean surgery. . . don't get that messed up in your head.  Please don't skip regular be aware of risk factors and get regular check-ups.   I didn't want to hear that I was sick.  My condition could only be treated with a new heart.  I wanted to live.  AND I WANT YOU TO LIVE TOO.

Check out my itinerary . . . come see me.   ~Coach Chip

A Hearty Hobby and (Chore)

I am a Bermuda grass man myself :)

I am asked many times if I have any more games left in me or if I would want to come back to maintain the playing fields I once kept for the school system.  I am comfortable to say "no" to both questions.  I am perfectly content watching from the stands.  Sometimes we have to know when to say when.  Keep in mind I was in good health during my tenure in the school system.  I retired because it was t i m e after 32 years of dedication.

When I did coach, a part-time task was to take care of four playing fields by myself.  That's right-I said it.  Full-time after retirement until late June, 2010.   I couldn't let home be deprived because of the amount of time at the other four locations that I maintained.  I was proud of the accomplishments and the community began to notice as well as understand what went into this major task.

What do you think?

Me too. 

I enjoyed talking about grass and lawn care.  I would attend turfgrass meetings to stay abreast of the trade.  Many times I would call Field Managers for large colleges or universities.  It was obvious when I had someone on the other end of the phone that love what they did to keep the fields looking good for televised games.

It is time for you to put out the pre-emergence on the lawn.  This is necessary to stop the weeds from overtaking your lawn in the spring. 

~Coach Chip

COACH Chip's Itinerary - Follow Us

Grow into a community of supporters. 

Tell your friends, neighbors and help fight cardiovascular disease.

Itinerary:   Feb. 3    National Wear Red - support women in the fight
                             against heart disease

Book Signing and Speakng Engagements

        Feb. 4    Mable White Baptist Church   *Book Signing
        Feb. 4    Celebrations Event Cntr.  *Book Signing Launch Party*
        Feb. 7    Warner Robins Rotary Club  *Speaking/Book Signing
        Feb. 25  The Galleria Mall - Centerville
        Feb 26   Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church *Speaking/Book Signing
           Feb. 27  The International Optimist Club *Speaking/Book Signing
        Mar.  1   Mayor & Minister's Meeting

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Call 478-396-8224

Thanks to all for helping to make a difference in the lives of the community, your congregation and your family.  I appreciate the oopportunity to join efforts to save lifes and share with anyone who understands the need to maintain a healthier lifestyle!   To contact me call 478*396*8224. 

~Coach Chip

Itinerary of Events

MORE TO COME . . .


I am looking forward to seeing you!  We will be Chip'n Away at Heart Disease somewhere near you.  February is Heart Awareness Month and I will be out (as usual) telling my story, stating the facts.  Your involvement can help to change somebody's life if not your own.  Take a chance on feeling better!  

We are on this planet together.  We might as well live together, laugh,watch some sports and enjoy good health . . ~Coach Chip

I T I N E R A R Y

Museum of Aviation, W. Robins                     Feb. 1  11:30 a.m.       

Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta       Feb,  2    7:30 a.m. to  9:30 p.m.        

Mable White Baptist Church, Macon            Feb.  4   7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.        

Celebrations Event Center, W. Robins       Feb.  4   4:00 p.m. to  8:00 p.m.  LAUNCH PARTY!!

Warner Robins Rotary Club, W. Robins        Feb.  7  12:00 p.m.                              

Union Grove Baptist Church                          Feb.  19 10:30a.m.                              

Business Conf. & Techno Expo, Macon        Feb.  23 & 24    All day                      

Galleria Mall, Centerville                               Feb.  5 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.       

Int’l City Optimist Club, W. Robins                Feb.  27   12:00                                

Mayor & Minister’s Meeting, W. Robins      March 1  11:45a.m.                       

February - Heart Awareness Month

FEBRUARY ACTIVITIES DEAR TO MY HEART

You can't put a monetary value on feeling well.  Anyone who has been ill even with a common cold can agree.  Because I felt the way that I did, I considered it was normal until the struggle to breathe worsened.


What would you do with a God-given second chance?  My "calling" in life is to share my story and remind the ill that anything is possible.  The thing I find most often with people is they don't have time to hear the impact this has on the body and on a family.  I wrote on my facebook page that when someone sees me shopping for groceries, or at a basketball game they have no idea of the extreme care I still must take with my health.  It is an assumption that well "he don't need nothin'!"

A new game plan has been developed.  Chapter by chapter I am taking the strategy of X's and O's to explain risk factors associated with heart disease wherever I can.  Not just in February or at special events.  You should see me at Kroger!  Though I am not a doctor, many doctors haven't been where I have.  Certainly I  direct anyone to find a healthcare professional to improve their condition.
Itinerary: Feb. 1    Museum of Aviation
                 Feb. 2    Morehouse School of Medicine
                 Feb. 2    Mayor & Ministers Mtg.
                 Feb. 3    National Wear Red - support women in the fight
                             against heart disease
                 Feb. 4    Mable White Baptist Church
                 Feb. 4    *Book Signing Launch Party*
                 Feb. 7    Warner Robins Rotary Club
                 Feb. 25   The Galleria Mall - Centerville
                       Feb. 27  The International Optimist Club

Hopefully I will hear from the colleges and universities in response to my request to give back to the medical community by sharing my personal experience.  They can hear the story, ask me any questions oh yeah,  buy my book "A Second Chance" arriving January 31. 

~Coach Chip

I'm Rolling Right Along

Most people thought I cared mostly about the win/loss column in the record books.  Like me or not, it is my fair and by-the-book work ethics that gave many something to talk about.  "Relax.  Not everybody has the same work ethic or think like you do," my wife would warn.  

With the blessing of another chance in life, I have learned that I have the same passion when it comes to being able to help people.  Whether they are struggling with heart disease or  interested in learning first hand about heart disease and transplantation as it pertained.  
 

I keep rolling right along researching various topics and reading medical advances since my episode that can help to save lives.  Also I am calling on churches, college nursing/medical programs and organizations that may give me an opportunity to share my story.   


A wealth of knowledge & assistance                                               St. Joseph's nurses provide ultimate ;  
from the transplant coordinators.                                                  care to patients.  Thanks Brooke!
Thanks Tracy and Denise.                   

Even though I "talk heart" and heart-related topics it doesn't mean I can't identify with anyone facing or who have faced a major illness.  I am extremely happy to look into the eyes of an overcomer and listen to the story of another survivor. 

   

Drs. Miller and Jensen take a photo with other

heart transplant and LVAD survivors.  9/11

A CHANGE OF H E A R T

Fourteen months since "the call."

At the time this picture was taken I was five months old  from the transplanted heart.  The baby in the group as we had dinner at Mary Macs in Atlanta. 


We (Cynthia & I) were flanked by some wonderful survivors-- other heart recipients that had some similar symptoms and vastly different experiences.  It was a good time.



A change of heart does happen.  Now I wear a red bracelet with the words "A Second Chance."  Not only is that the name of my upcoming publication, but I present a bracelet to any individual that I hear has been given a second chance in life.  They may have survived cancer, a heart attack, or a car accident.  This is exclusive to the folks that can say they are  able to look into the faces of loved ones after a battle to live and know how priceless that blessing really is. 

But let's remember this touches the lives of the donor family as well.   A common denominator is found love/over/ love.  God loves us immensely and I can't begin to tell you how or why he makes His divine decisions.  I can only remember my wife saying. . . God is faithful."  "It is not as it appears and we will know this when He is ready to let us know."  

I have in me a good heart-- a gift.  The name still unknown; along with hobbies, likes and dislikes.  What I do know is that this hero or "shero" is God's child and He will never fail them.  Wherever their mansion is, He has sent angels to bless us both.  

~  Coach Chip 

P.S. Ever write something and hope it is conveying what you feel?