Diabetes Awareness

Cynthia and I will be joining many others to bring an awareness to the community.   We continue to put emphasis on all health-related illnesses in hope that no one takes feeling good for granted.  In the morning, we will participate in the Juanita June Foundation 5K-1mile Walk (9/24/11).

I  had a couple conversations this week with men who are "cheating" on their insulin.  You know -- either eating something he shouldn't or waiting for a symptom before taking insulin.  Not good in either case.    They are under the impression that they have "it" under control.  I encouraged them to be diligent in maintaining healthy diets and most important is to take the medication!  It's as clear as that.   Keep up the good fight to feel better because we all deserve it.

Come out and join us.  We'd like to meet you.  REMEMBER:  If not you, it a be a friend or loved one battling this disease.  Show your support.

http://juanitajunefoundation.com/events/diabetes-awareness-5k-run1-mile-walk

Denial Changes Nothing . . .

. . . But you can :>)

a (1) : refusal to admit the truth or reality (as of a statement or charge) (2) : assertion that an allegation is false.


I remember being in denial.  At a doctor's visit, the diagnosis was given and I said, "well is there anything else doc?"  I looked him right in the eyes and felt he must be talkin' to someone else.

I had only been in the hospital once in my life because of a high school football injury.  What? Conjestive heart failure?  That's for older people isn't it?  Not me, because I don't miss work nor am I sick.  In fact, I had enough unused personal leave days to retire earlier if I wanted to.  Not me, I am a former athlete and I feel okay. Never had chest pains, but many other symptoms became evident after a while.  I am coaching/teaching students to graduate (first), to be successful, accountable and competitive athletes. 


I tried to make a positive impact even though it is hard to reach each one.  When I first started teaching, it took me four years to learn that I may not be able to reach them all.  Thought I would make a difference; change the world...you know, young man right out of college kind of thinker.


With that same passion I approached game time with strategies that parrelled life.  Be knowledgeable of the opponent, be prepared with a game plan and an alternate.  Rely on these with skills and stamina to get the job done.  Keeping in mind that the round ball bounces in every direction.  Most times we have the result we are looking for.


Giving back is the absolute motivating factor regarding heart and other health related issues.  If your church, club or organization is interested in supporting a cause an making a difference in the lives of others, please allow me to make a presentation to encourage involvement.  The ball is in your court and together we can support the significiant improvement in survival, and quality of life for advanced heart failure patients. 

You're Invited . . .

We are extending another invitation in hope your calendar will allow you to join us for the

 ANNIVERSARY ZUMBA FITNESS & HEALTH FAIR.    

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Also to help us bring awareness in the area is Fresenius Dialysis Center, the Macon Heart Institute, CVS Pharmacy, the St. Joseph's Transplant team from the St. Joseph’s Heart Failure Center, and the Regional Manager of the Northeast Georgia Heart Center expressing their support.

On Monday, 8-29, I met with approximately 20 doctors, nurses and administrators of the Macon Heart Institute who are working along with Dr. John O'Connell, Executive Director of the St. Joseph’s Heart Failure Center to start LVAD procedures by spring 2012.  So very happy to tell you about that because -- well you know this is my passion.

It is important that in Middle GA area we have the medical advances that afford individuals a better quality of life.  Right here in our own backyards.  Having the medical care provided locally adds another dimension to being able to feel better. 

I feel better knowing that there is a potential for saving lives through this technology and donor programs like LifeLink of Georgia.  https://www.donatelifegeorgia.org/  Something we can no longer take for granted.  Come see us and learn.

I Can Use Your Help

When I talk with friends, neighbors and family, they hear about my commitment to Chip’n Away at Heart Disease in my own words.  They are inspired to donate to the cause and join me in the fight against heart disease.

This morning, I spoke with someone on the phone wanting to know how he can help. He asked “what really happened to you?”  I recall saying “I don’t want anyone to have to go through what I went through.”  There.  Now I said it.  This is my goal when at speaking engagements, the grocery store or even at Lowe’s and somebody stops me.

·        To tell the story in a way that I honor the organ donor, motivate the listeners to maintain a healthy lifestyle and not be in denial regarding health issues and to bring awareness that there is help out there.

      Often I see people who don't quite know what to say about my struggle to survive.  Whether they think it is too personal or they didn't communicate with me or my family AT ALL during the ordeal and can't figure how they will be received now.  Let me tell you - there is a work that has been done on the inside.  Where you can't really see.  I am different mentally, physically, and spiritually.  You will be warmly received from the bottom of my new heart. 

Keep Those Registration Forms Coming!

Wow

Something fun and new happens each week in support of the ZUMBA Fitness and Health Fair!   Who is coming? Let's start with YOU!

  REGISTER TODAY!

For Information Call  478*396*8224

More Details:

Costs:  $25.00 INDIVIDUAL  $105.00 (group of 5)

Checks Payable To: WRHS-ZUMBA

Mail To: P.O. Box 9137 Warner Robins, GA  31095

Date:  Saturday, October 22, 2011  Time:  9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Health screenings and ZUMBA Party open to the public.  Kids session too!

ZUMBA for a worthy cause and receive a tote bag, tee shirt, wristband, & bottled water to remind you of the fun you had Chip'n Away at Heart Disease.

Small Things Do Matter

In the past, I used the calendar for football & basketball games.  Didn't want to miss one athletic event, however, I missed the entire season in 2010.  Now, I am carrying a calendar to keep up with much more--changes.  


CHIP'n AWAY at HEART DISEASE. . is not just a catchy phrase for the fight against heart disease.  Matter of fact, I'd like to thank Coach Cassandra Wilson, Varsity Girls Basketball at Northside High School for her input on the title.


I receive monthly biopsies that ensure there is no infection, no rejection of the transplanted heart.  I avidly keep up with this progress.  As a mentor for the GA Transplant Foundation, there are opportunities for speaking engagements at hospitals, health fairs in other communities, luncheons, and churches all in an effort to bring awareness about the fight against heart disease.  


Throughout my career, because of my competitive nature, I would spend endless hours developing plays or scenari.  Since retiring in 2009, I have drawn up two plays.  This for a coach calling at half time during an out of town championship game--changes.


Life is too precious to worry about the wrong things.  Small things do matter.  The human heart is a muscle that sits almost center of the chest and it is about the size of a fist. When the heart is not happy, obviously none of the other organs are not happy.  The heart will insist on a change of lifestyle through education, preventive care or other means in order to function properly.   Though my illness was related to heart disease, I encourage you not to ignore the small things.


Make the changes and take nothing for granted.  As for me, I'm ready for the new season!

Being Healthy

When talking to my cardiologist, Dr. Brenda Hott, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta on Thursday, she reminded me of a few things I wanted to tell you.

• Not every diagnosis leads to surgery.  This minimizes the fear of having regular check ups especially when having symptoms.
• The likelihood that medications can help improve the quality of life for patients with heart disease has increased.
• It is imperative to get this word out to the public about medical advances that can save lives.

Are there any issues causing you to change your lifestyle or any habits?

• Name two things that may seem minuscule to others, but you enjoy much more now that it has changed. (comment below) 

1. I am able to walk further than five feet without giving out of breath. 

2. I don't dread bedtime. I can lie flat when sleeping and not have the sensation of suffocating. When I had conjestive heart failure, I slept sitting upright for three months.

Of course, I can enjoy much more being healthy. I am not very computer literate and I enjoy not worrying about mastering that; I enjoy my relationship with God; I enjoy encouraging people not to give up; laughing with friends and hugging my girls (though they are young ladies) & my big girl who stayed in the hospital for 50 days without leaving too.

Yes, I understand I can't reach everybody regarding this fight against heart disease, but God let me reach the right ones.

Healthy Heart Stats
Being a coach, you know I had to give some statistics from the clipboard. Check this out:

Heart Statistics
Beats per minute	70-80
Beats per day	100,000
Blood pumped when at rest (1 beat)	70 milliliters
Blood pumped when at rest (1 minute)	5 liters
Time for blood from heart to reach big toe	60 seconds