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