tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67891549924395781462024-03-06T11:59:42.282+07:00Welcome to the Zipper Club“Welcome to the Zipper Club” Those are the words, uttered by a stranger who held the door for me as I exited the hospital, that made me realize I had just begun a new life.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-17993451477629635442012-03-05T23:51:00.000+07:002012-03-05T23:51:11.398+07:00Three years after Heart SurgeryWell, I recently passed my three-year anniversary of heart surgery. My health is good and my doctor says all is well. The puppies are dogs now. I still eat well and although I am less consistent, I still do a lot of walking. That is the good news.<br />
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The bad news is that I've struggled the last few years with a series of disasters. My heart problem was just one of the calamities that avalanched upon my family and me. One of the nastier surprises was that my employer of 23 years made me redundant as soon as legally possible after my heart problem was diagnosed. That left me too far from retirement to just pack it in but in the horrible situation of trying to find a job, with a health plan, at my age and state of mind. It also took in one fell swoop, most of my social circle leaving me isolated and stupefied by yet another blow. <br />
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The latest challenge is getting our financial house back in order after three years of catastrophe. Right now I am trying to get insurance on a mortgage and line of credit. It is excruciating to be poked and prodded while giving up all privacy and dignity to insure a mortgage so that in the event of my death, more than grief will not burden my family. I am still not sure if anyone will underwrite policy or not. Either way it is going to be humiliating and grotesquely expensive. I mentioned my struggle to find an insurer to my doctor on my last visit and he was perplexed. "But I fixed your heart!" was his comment.<br />
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So as I sit writing this post, I am happy to say my health is great. I believe I'll tick along for quite some time yet. The repercussions of the heart surgery are still rippling around me and causing more problems in many ways than the pain or surgery did. <br />
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I wish there was somewhere to get good solid advice on this unexpected consequence of having the bypass operation.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-72728524420570220412011-01-02T01:01:00.002+07:002011-06-15T02:33:10.852+07:00Two Years after Heart SurgerySo we have come to the end of another year. It was two years ago at this time during the holidays that I had my heart surgery. I went into the hospital on December the 22nd and came out just before before New Years Day. That Christmas is a blur and most of the following year as well. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjStRo4voJpwP7rhkvD5A0-iSUrjMtOz2tcdTCOUrRYwvUSM5a9Ng4KIbhMgc6n5EjdEU0hWA7l4hOsNSp7KMjX4RE8rmUbgigI9xHht0e8g3tF3K4001dvWgsQCeqPWTIWDshdBOvp82/s1600/steve+westR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjStRo4voJpwP7rhkvD5A0-iSUrjMtOz2tcdTCOUrRYwvUSM5a9Ng4KIbhMgc6n5EjdEU0hWA7l4hOsNSp7KMjX4RE8rmUbgigI9xHht0e8g3tF3K4001dvWgsQCeqPWTIWDshdBOvp82/s200/steve+westR.jpg" width="200" /></a>I was so family centered and focused on becoming well that the rest of the world barely registered to me.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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It was a struggle, to be honest, just getting back on my feet. A lasting effect seems to be a change in my attitude. I am much more empathetic than I ever was to other people's feelings and struggles. My ambition has changed from struggling to excel in the business world to just trying to find serenity and peace in my daily life. This change brings with it its own problems and struggles but the rewards are much more fundamentally satisfying.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> All seems well with me health-wise. I had a fight getting my cholesterol under control. But after my regular medical exam last month -for the first time since the coronary Artery Bypass operation- my medication levels were not increased. So the combination of activity, diet and meds seems to finally be doing the trick.<br />
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I feel physically fit and very able, just not quite as strong as I remember myself being. That could be because I was never as mighty as I thought or that I'm a little older or most likely, I simply have not been keeping fit for so many years while the disease crept up on me that it will take another few years to get back the muscle mass that slowly degenerated. Who knows? I'll just keep plugging away and expect to feel better each day until something makes me change my mind.<br />
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So my New Years' wish for all of you, whether just beginning the journey, enduring heart surgery or recovering, is that this year is better than the one before. Sometimes it doesn't take much to effect positive changes, sometimes it takes more than we think we can endure. In my experience more often than not, it just takes the positivism to make the effort and the currents of life will start to take you in the direction you need to go.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-21336577846550584352010-08-19T23:08:00.001+07:002010-08-19T23:09:43.303+07:00Why are we so Fat?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgAjcybK_Ab4zl56FUdT7cCBLl40vJg0hntYAgAGeRFGQI-KpogjZdk_9uLn2_5k3jzyZ12lqt9LvPgz8n-JNKQnbVw10XVPJHzzxaJxl6TB26mEz-JV9z74f1WefXi8eWbABxKlctrUS/s1600/lodge+meal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgAjcybK_Ab4zl56FUdT7cCBLl40vJg0hntYAgAGeRFGQI-KpogjZdk_9uLn2_5k3jzyZ12lqt9LvPgz8n-JNKQnbVw10XVPJHzzxaJxl6TB26mEz-JV9z74f1WefXi8eWbABxKlctrUS/s320/lodge+meal.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Supper at the camp"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here is an article I wrote a while ago at my fishing blog. Not sure what got me to put it there other than the habit of writing down my thoughts. I think it is still valid, though a bit out of date. Let me know if you think it makes sense.<br />
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We apparently have an obesity crisis in North America. <br />
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The fear of lawsuits is forcing fast food restaurants to change their menus and include healthier alternatives to their burgers and fries. <br />
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What a burden that must be for them, after all if there were money to be made in fast, healthy alternatives wouldn't there be a McHealthy’s on every corner? <br />
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Why should there be a penalty for a merchant who sells a product that is legal, the risks are known and the public wants?<br />
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Here is the thing; it is not the fast food guys that are the problem.<br />
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We are demonizing the wrong people. Have you ever finished dinner and sat down to watch some television for the evening? <br />
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By bedtime you have been exposed to more food, snack and candy advertising than the average person can resist. <br />
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Just try not to have a snack during an evening of television. It is almost impossible.<br />
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I can go for hours without thinking of food in my daily life but a couple of hours in front of the tube can have me craving everything from chocolate to popcorn chicken, whatever the heck that is. <br />
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You want to cure the obesity crisis in North America? Get some control of the advertising agencies that are engaged in psychological warfare with consumers every day of their lives.<br />
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Think about it. If you advertise a product simply by telling people what it is, what it can do and where they can get it, people who want the product will buy it.<br />
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People who don't want the product won't buy it. Simple right? <br />
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Advertising in North America today though is not about offering a product for consideration. It is about convincing people that they want the product by manipulating psychological triggers from fear to hunger to sexual drives.<br />
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It would be interesting to know how many of our brightest and best thinkers make their livings developing the science and art of manipulating the rest of us into this consumer frenzy. <br />
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One has to wonder what the world would be like if they spent their time trying to solve real problems like feeding the hungry rather than tricking the already well fed into eating more.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-79696657779009876502010-07-04T03:03:00.003+07:002010-07-04T03:08:42.550+07:00New Zipper Club T Shirts at ZazzleI have a few new tee shirts up at the Zazzle web site. Folks seem to enjoy these and it sure is a conversation starter when you are first getting out and about after your surgery.<br />
<embed flashvars="feedId=0&path=http://www.zazzle.ca/assets/swf/zp/skins" height="300" src="http://www.zazzle.ca/utl/getpanel?tl=My%20Zazzle%20Panel&at=238035852910996679&cn=238035852910996679&st=date_created" style="height: 300px; width: 401px;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="401" wmode="transparent"><br />
</embed><a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/">create & buy custom products</a> at <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/">Zazzle</a>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-212307460944287982010-06-18T21:06:00.001+07:002010-06-18T21:07:51.808+07:00The Picture of HealthI ran into a couple of friends the other day while standing in line at Tim Horton's buying a green tea and a chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat.<br />
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Hector and I chat every month or so but Dave I had not seen in about six months. The inevitable question of "So, how are you doing?" went around the table as we settled down for lunch.<br />
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I never know anymore if it is a real question because of my heart surgery or merely a polite question as a precursor to conversation. In this case I couldn't get away with a mumbled, "Not so bad. You?". They really wanted a report.<br />
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The truth is- not so bad. I've been fishing most evenings when the weather is fit, maintaining my fitness regimen and starting to feel more optimistic about the future.<br />
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When Dave said I was the picture of health it caught me totally by surprise. The picture of health?<br />
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There is a funny psychological effect when one has been so sick for so long, it shapes one's self-image. My self-image was frozen somewhere around the week or two following my heart surgery. Who I am today is a long way down the road from who I was then. It just hadn't really sunken in.<br />
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The picture of health? I'll take it.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-24771454562134544132010-06-05T23:35:00.000+07:002010-06-05T23:35:04.132+07:00High Cholesterol BluesWow, time flies. It has been a while since I updated this blog.<br />
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My last ramblings were about my upcoming doctor's visit. That went well. I seem to be healing properly. Still pumping out bad cholesterol like that well in the gulf is pumping out oil though. My dosage of statins was upped by another 10 milligrams. But the truth be told, we spent most of the time chatting about new technology and the impact on the social fabric as luxuries become necessities.<br />
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It is strangely comforting to visit your heart specialist and have it be more of a "just touching base" than a "here are the things I'm concerned about" if you know what I mean.<br />
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So a year and a half out from my bypass surgery I guess I am repaired. The rest is up to me. Diet, exercise and minimizing stress are the things to focus on going forward, And you know what? Those are all things that make us feel better anyway. <br />
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It is easy to slide into a couch potato mentality but being lazy and gobbling snacks only feels good for a little while. Eating well and being active feels good constantly.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-5976807746726401632010-05-07T04:28:00.000+07:002010-05-07T04:28:24.821+07:00Doctor Visit One and a Half Year After Open Heart Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm-vATrTDxqX115izBXeJ6OUjNMbT7nT-kxCIZLOQStYQMgcUuFGciOWppquSHnOobi0jy2-VBKIJurVJnH_AZbj3R-PN_0qjjO88pUZcNgtV-RRc-h27SnW8SWd7_TbQJjuPHuCM5mrU/s1600/big+shad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm-vATrTDxqX115izBXeJ6OUjNMbT7nT-kxCIZLOQStYQMgcUuFGciOWppquSHnOobi0jy2-VBKIJurVJnH_AZbj3R-PN_0qjjO88pUZcNgtV-RRc-h27SnW8SWd7_TbQJjuPHuCM5mrU/s200/big+shad.JPG" tt="true" width="200" /></a></div>Well, I have not had much to write about recently. Things are going pretty well for me. As long as I pay attention to my work-out schedule, keep eating well and rest when I need to, I'm feeling pretty good.<br />
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The big medical check up is coming on May 10th. That will be just about a year and a half since my bypass surgery.<br />
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If I do an inventory of pluses and minuses I think there are lots more positives than negatives.<br />
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I've started to feel some renewed enthusiasm for hobbies I'd drifted away from. For example I've gone fishing almost every day after work these last couple weeks. The weather has been grand and I've enjoyed every minute of it. I built a fly rod and tied a dozen flies last month too. <br />
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On that front, things are rapidly returning to normal. Sure, I still have trouble sleeping and a bit of pain but that is manageable if slightly unpleasant.<br />
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On balance things are going pretty good one and a half years out from the heart surgery. Still I will be glad to get the visit to the heart specialist behind me.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-17250279586362638592010-04-08T04:40:00.000+07:002010-04-08T04:40:40.639+07:00Heart Healthy Eating is Tough to DoAs everyone knows who is trying to change their lifestyle to be more heart healthy, eating well is a tremendous challenge.<br />
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My amazement has never abated at how irresponsible those who are in the business of selling food to the public are. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that businesses are in business to make money and will use every trick in the book to do so even if in the long run we, the consumer, are the ones who will suffer. <br />
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It is not just those of us who eat the trans-fats, excessive amounts of salt, and nutritionally poor food that suffer the consequences. Our whole society bears the burden on the health care system, poorly fed kids struggling to get through a school day and the serious , debilitating, consequences from a lack of activity and poor nutrition striking at an ever younger age. <br />
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Oh well, you have heard my rant before but here is a little bit of good news. Kraft Foods announced recently that it is reducing the amount of salt in its products by an average of 10% over the next two years.<br />
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When you think about it, that is a lot of salt that won't be eaten. Kraft has over a thousand products that will contain less salt. <br />
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On the Kraft Foods website it says this strategy will eliminate more than ten million pounds of salt from North America's groceries.<br />
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Why is this a good thing? Eating too much salt can cause high blood pressure and contribute to heart disease among other things.<br />
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Kraft is the first to admit that this is good for business but heck, more than 750 million teaspoons of salt will not be eaten in North America in 2012. Lets call it a win for health aware consumers.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-40478505259006159872010-03-27T07:25:00.000+07:002010-03-27T07:25:34.540+07:00Are You Dumber After Open Heart Surgery ? Are you dumber after heart surgery than before you went under the knife? Some patients who have undergone heart surgeries that require the heart to be stopped and life sustained by a cardio-pulmonary bypass machine report experiencing varying degrees of cognitive decline after surgery. <br />
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The condition has been nicknamed "pump head".<br />
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Now don't get me wrong, you don't go in as Albert Einstein and come out as Bo Bo the Chimp. It is more subtle and in a way, more insidious. <br />
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You see no one mentions this as a possible side effect. So when you start to notice changes in your mental capabilities it is quite disturbing. There is a simmering, low level of anxiety as it starts to dawn on you that there is something wrong with your brain. You have difficulty concentrating or following the thread of a conversation. You can't remember some one's name or an important date. It is a terrible, depressing feeling to realize that you are just not as smart as you used to be.<br />
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So there you sit in the first weeks following your surgery, battered in body and mind, a prime candidate for the crushing depression that often haunts the survivors of open heart surgery.<br />
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There is some good news. The impact on your mental capacity while real is relatively short term with noticeable improvements three months out, six out and so on.<br />
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Here is what is thought to happen. The combination of prolonged anesthesia and the heart lung machine induce a certain amount of mental confusion and memory loss that is temporary and will diminish over time. <br />
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The physical challenge to the body during the process of restoring the body to normal temperature from the cool state it is in while on the pump may deprive the brain of oxygen for a short time. So it is a double whammy. The body and brain are put through an amazing ordeal. It is one of the casual miracles we take for granted in modern society that we come back at all.<br />
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If you are presently recovering from open heart surgery and have these symptoms:<br />
<ul><li>difficulty concentrating</li>
<li>noticeable changes in mental capabilities</li>
<li>increased depression</li>
</ul>Talk to your doctor. Knowledge is power and just knowing that with a little time things will get better is very reassuring.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-77551061161878456392010-03-14T23:57:00.002+07:002010-03-14T23:59:39.797+07:00You are What You Eat After Heart Surgery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_McOIrmwQAJKA3xA2Gy4PjgBSU35X8BucJ5zRBwMK7pv98v9-jbzPmew-q4dBLMCOFYW-vKDvMwPwPS0gccXwYAhJ9Ig_Ez1Q51AWYq4SGa-k51_FA-9m4UNqvOW4dpQDzd1slhcRJfpV/s1600-h/campfood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_McOIrmwQAJKA3xA2Gy4PjgBSU35X8BucJ5zRBwMK7pv98v9-jbzPmew-q4dBLMCOFYW-vKDvMwPwPS0gccXwYAhJ9Ig_Ez1Q51AWYq4SGa-k51_FA-9m4UNqvOW4dpQDzd1slhcRJfpV/s320/campfood.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div>Like the rest of you recovering from Heart Surgery, I have been careful about what I've been eating. It requires forming new habits and overcoming a lifetime's bad habits. <br />
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Well it is not easy as I'm sure you know. In the first place it is hard to get accurate information about what is good, what seems to be good but isn't, and what really is bad. <br />
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Here is a case in point. Recently a study was published by researchers at Harvard University that found it’s eating processed meat not regular old fashioned red meat that increases the risk for developing or worsening heart disease.<br />
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Like you, I have been told to minimize fatty red meat in my diet as well as deli meats, canned meats and more recognizably processed meats like bacon or pepperoni.<br />
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This research concludes that eating unprocessed meat does not "significantly" increase the chance of developing Heart Disease. It was eating processed meat, meat that has been cured or preserved by smoking, salting or whatever, that was increasing the risk of developing not only Heart Disease but Diabetes too.<br />
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So here is the quote from the report that caught my attention:<br />
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“To lower risk of heart attacks and diabetes, people should avoid eating too much processed meats — for example, hot dogs, bacon, sausage or processed deli meats,” said lead researcher Renata Micha, a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health. “Based on our findings, eating up to one serving per week would be associated with relatively small risk.”<br />
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Presumably more than one serving a week would increase the risk significantly. I thought I was doing well by having a sandwich from the local deli at lunch instead of the restaurant's special of the day. I'm not so sure now.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-30720375443129754652010-03-07T22:32:00.005+07:002010-03-07T22:50:45.567+07:00Heart Disease No Longer Just for the OldThere has been a lot of heart health related news over the last little while, former Presidents having blocked arteries cleared, former Vice-Presidents having heart attacks and the sudden passing of an Olympian's Mother due to a Heart Attack.<br /><br />Sad and sobering news. There have been a couple of major reports on the state of health of North Americans recently as well. We are facing a crisis.<br /><br />Recent statistics tell us that one out of every five of us has high blood pressure severe enough to require medication. Another study reveals that people in their twenties and thirties are living with high cholesterol, too much weight and on and on.<br /><br />The most provocative thought from all of this news is that we could find ourselves sitting beside our children in emergency rooms both being treated for the same heart related illnesses.<br /><br />Heart disease is no longer reserved for the old.<br /><br />I can't help but think that we have to address some of the issues with our food supply. It doesn't matter how many Olympic athletes are sponsored by a fast food restaurant chain, if the food has too much salt and any trans fats at all, it is really just a slow poison.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-61774936019158433642010-02-21T23:37:00.003+07:002010-02-22T00:05:35.324+07:00Sleep Problems After Heart SurgeryIt is apparently very common after open heart surgery to have problems sleeping. What a curse it is too. Even now a little over a year down the road from my quadruple by pass I rarely sleep through a full night.<br /><br /><br /> In the first weeks after coming home from the hospital sleeping was an ordeal. Just getting into bed involved some careful planning. As painful as it was to get into bed, getting back up was worse.<br /><br /> As time went by, it was easier getting up and down but sleep was still more of a doze interrupted by crazy, vivid dreams. As the house quieted in the night I would hear my own heart beat or feel it. Again, a very normal after affect but still a bit creepy.<br /><br /> When the breast bone healed it was easier to get into comfortable positions and sleep improved. I would still sometimes be uncomfortably aware of my own heart beat but not as often. I would still awaken every couple of hours. When I say awaken I mean wide awake. Glance at the clock to see if it is time to get up wide awake.<br /><br /> So it has gone, first awakening every hour or two, then after three hours and so on. For a month or more I would drift off and sleep well only to bolt into wakefulness at precisely 4:30 AM. Then I would I lay there thinking in circles, listening to my heart beating and reliving all of those moments of my life that seemingly only have the power to haunt in the dark watches of the night.<br /><br /> You know, it wouldn't be so bad if I remembered happy things, triumphs or great fishing trips while I lay there waiting to sleep again but it doesn't seem to work that way.<br /><br /> As I say, it is a common after effect of open heart surgery and should fade away with time. It is something that a doctor could likely help with but I have an aversion to the thought of taking more drugs. I reckon that now that I'm more fit and getting lots of exercise it should soon be getting a lot better.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-82977299172635174212010-02-13T23:35:00.004+07:002010-02-14T00:11:09.867+07:00There Is No Cure for Heart DiseaseWell the news about President Clinton serves as a reminder that even though the immediate problem of blocked arteries can be repaired by a Coronary Artery Bypass Graft, the fact of the matter is that heart disease is only repaired not cured.<br /><br />A bypass lasts for a decade or so and by then new blockages will have usually formed in the veins used to create the graft.<br /><br />President Clinton's latest problem was fixed in an interesting way. They didn't perform another bypass to replace the graft that had plugged. The surgeon decided to use angioplasty to clear the artery that had originally blocked requiring him to have the bypass graft in the first place. Once it was cleared the surgeon inserted two <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">stents</span> to keep it open.<br /><br />Mr. Clinton had his quadruple bypass in 2004. That seems like a short time for one of the grafts to have plugged up again but if ten years is the average time I suspect it is a matter of luck and how strictly he followed his diet and workout routine.<br /><br />The good news for those of us living with heart disease is that as long as the heart isn't damaged by a heart attack, chances are we will live long and productive lives. We may have to go through more grafts or <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">stents</span> but I guess that beats the alternative.<br /><br />So, my fellow members of the Zipper Club remember:<br /><br /><ul><li>eat well</li><li>take your medications to keep your Cholesterol under control</li><li>exercise </li><li>watch your blood pressure</li><li>reduce stress as much as possible</li><li>keep your doctor's appointments </li><li>call 911 at the first sign of chest pain</li></ul><p>With luck, our grafts will be the ones that never get clogged again.</p>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-55007632909651387552010-01-30T22:44:00.005+07:002010-01-30T23:45:41.894+07:00A Little More on Treadmills and Cardio Rehabilitation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BPiCSy66eIgwqT-7EMtPBYKy_bo5crFINAn6GhqDReJBE8p5QC8GXlYW5ETxxp8_WPwr-m-avgv-UWfYLLHP3KljezlZ2zo7zQ-OQVrPxHOAhOPwDzlZDhf9eZKXYtuVjconedFsam4P/s1600-h/profile_611T.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432559305253451778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BPiCSy66eIgwqT-7EMtPBYKy_bo5crFINAn6GhqDReJBE8p5QC8GXlYW5ETxxp8_WPwr-m-avgv-UWfYLLHP3KljezlZ2zo7zQ-OQVrPxHOAhOPwDzlZDhf9eZKXYtuVjconedFsam4P/s200/profile_611T.jpg" /></a> For those of us working at getting more daily exercise, a treadmill is a great way to go. Before Cardio Rehab I had never used one or even thought much about them. Truth is, once I was back on my feet after my heart surgery I really didn't have much trouble disciplining myself to walk every day. It quickly became a part of my daily routine to head out immediately upon getting home from work and before eating dinner. That was until late last month. The cold, icy weather has made footing treacherous and the whole outdoor experience fairly miserable.<br /><br />At about the same time I was feeling less inclined to take long evening walks I started noticing treadmills on sale in the department store flyers delivered to the house every Tuesday evening. A quick comparison of the cost of joining a gym and the cost of a good treadmill made the treadmill option look more attractive to me. It seemed less expensive, more convenient and if I just didn't use it the way I thought I would I could sell it.<br /><br /> While in Rehab the physio therapist once offered some advice for those of us contemplating buying a treadmill for home.<br />It should have:<br /><ul><li>a motor of 2hp or better</li><li>the stride length of the belt must be long enough for you</li></ul><p>I will add one more thing, power incline is a great feature and really a "must have" from my recent experience. I like the pre-programmed work-outs but they and the rest of things like i-pod connections, fans and stuff like that are more a matter of personal preference than critical to getting a good, reliable machine.</p><p> After a month of dithering and suffering through the weather I finally committed to buying a treadmill. I chose the model in the picture above, a Tempo 911t. It was on sale for around one third of its regular price and I was comfortable that I was getting a lot of machine for my money.</p><p> The nagging issue was, "how to get it home"? These things are big and heavy. The first thing I did was to visit the store and compare the various machines on display. Firstly to reassure myself that I was making the best choice for the money and then to get an idea of just how big the respective machines really are.</p><p>Reassured on both points, that it was a good choice and that I could handle getting it into place once home, I got the boys from the store to put it in my car for me.</p><p> The machine comes partially disassembled in a huge, flat box bound in yellow nylon strapping. By putting the front seats all the way ahead and folding the back seats down, it fit smoothly into the back of my RAV4 although it was a two man job to lift it in.</p><p> Once home I was able to slide it out and walk it by rocking, moving one side a few inches, then the other, in a slow but steady fashion onto the doorstep and into the house.</p><p> When inside I was able to lay it on a mat then slide it to where I wanted it to end up. It is recommended that you open the box and assemble the treadmill where you are going to use it.</p><p> I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box to find tools included as well as well written directions. The trickiest bits are already put together so it was really just a matter of adding the hand rails and mounting the electronics display. Within an hour the treadmill was together and running. </p><p> I have it set up beside a window that I can just reach over and crank it open to control the temperature if I get too hot when working out. A television is directly in front so that I can watch a movie when walking. One thing, I have a set of wireless headphones I wear so that I don't have the TV blasting while I huff and puff. I really recommend that.</p><p> All told, I got a great buy on a great piece of equipment. I can't wait for the weather to warm up so that I can get back outdoors but in the meantime I'm really enjoying the treadmill. I'm also getting a thousand or so extra steps a day with no fear of slipping and falling.</p><p> I'm obviously no expert, but if you are thinking about a treadmill and have any questions, drop me a note or leave a comment. I've done a fair amount of research on the topic in the last few months and will happily share what I have learned.</p><p>Steps yesterday: 11890</p><p> </p>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-83085130822489999012010-01-17T23:37:00.005+07:002010-01-18T00:12:35.123+07:00Smarter Heart Medications Are on the Way<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta71SIdk9KXm5ZHLngvm_QPB9wCh9KpwHt31Mryg6aRNBC8DYf9Z7F7K5vTunsYBOeHipxyjkRRaH9OiiJXDNjINUWzkE4q59uHt7QqjM1_rqbMvrxM1MHnKfud12-UmtSHBavz5dZo7H/s1600-h/profile_611T.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 176px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427756070836305986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhta71SIdk9KXm5ZHLngvm_QPB9wCh9KpwHt31Mryg6aRNBC8DYf9Z7F7K5vTunsYBOeHipxyjkRRaH9OiiJXDNjINUWzkE4q59uHt7QqjM1_rqbMvrxM1MHnKfud12-UmtSHBavz5dZo7H/s200/profile_611T.jpg" /></a> Last week I read about a study done recently that identified more than a dozen genes that control the rate of our heart beat. After comparing the genetics of tens of thousands of people from European and Indian descent, researchers were able to isolate these genes. If you have certain combinations of them you are more or less likely to have heart conditions involving arrhythmia. Arrhythmia is an irregular heart beat.<br /><br /><br /><br />Anyway, this discovery is the sort of thing that can lead to smart drugs that target specific conditions more effectively and efficiently. It is important because heart disease according to the report I read, kills almost seven million people a year. Half of those people suffer from some form of irregular heart beat.<br /><br />On another note, I bought a treadmill the other day and have been using it with some regularity. Sorry for the bad pun but just trying to stick with the theme of this post. I bought a Tempo 611T as pictured above.<br /><br />It was a work out just getting the thing in the house, down a flight of stairs and then wrestling it out of the box and assembling it but it seems well worth it.<br /><br />The streets and side walks are icy and treacherous for walkers in this part of the world at this time of year so it is nice to get my ten thousand steps in the comfort of my home. It is pleasant to be able to walk away the stress of the day while reading or watching TV and without having to cope with sub-zero temperatures. I do miss the human parade of dog walkers, joggers and fellow heart walkers but spring will eventually come and I can resume my lakeside promenades.<br /><br />My daughter is trying to teach one of the dogs to use it but he much prefers going out. If you have been thinking about getting one and have a good spot for it in your house I'd recommend it.<br /><br />Steps today: 5,654 so far but I've been averaging around 11 to 12 thousand since getting the treadmill.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-83663146540346882082009-12-23T05:53:00.003+07:002009-12-23T06:11:27.305+07:00One Year After Coronary Artery Bypass SurgeryOne year ago today I was waking up from CABG surgery. It has been an amazing and challenging journey back to health. I am still not where I would like to be but compared to where I was just one year ago well, it is almost unbelievable.<br /><br />For those of you about to undergo bypass surgery and for those of you at various places in your recovery, take heart and forgive my terrible pun. You will get through this and come out the other side better.<br /><br />The things I did right:<br /><ul><li>My family got involved in my recovery. I wouldn't have tried so hard without their support.</li><li>I took advantage of every educational and physical rehabilitation program that was offered to me.</li></ul><p>The things I should have done:</p><ul><li>I should have kept in touch with the fellows who were in the hospital ward with me having the same procedure.</li><li>I should have kept in touch with the people I went through Cardiac Rehabilitation with. It is easy to become isolated while working your way back. I think being able to meet up with folks going through the same thing would be really positive and encouraging.</li></ul><p>Well, that's it. I just wanted to mark the anniversary of my heart surgery and wish to all health and growth in the New Year.</p><p></p>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-36253799410770435432009-12-14T00:22:00.011+07:002009-12-14T03:00:12.609+07:00More Puppy Pandemonium and Starting a Running Program<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpbUGEtsGvuA8UQFMDscrOMt4c5Z4fNeW9kwFU4rWEd9NdKV0AdwDdTTcvYZmR3BYVzZ-a8Co5fUN5igvpytG8iQTNMs9G8IdsDHo_xLo23j5s7alfcRYIb-3pRE92PIfsoPmQHq6ESzo/s1600-h/Springer+Spaniel+pup.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 109px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414773472411735202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpbUGEtsGvuA8UQFMDscrOMt4c5Z4fNeW9kwFU4rWEd9NdKV0AdwDdTTcvYZmR3BYVzZ-a8Co5fUN5igvpytG8iQTNMs9G8IdsDHo_xLo23j5s7alfcRYIb-3pRE92PIfsoPmQHq6ESzo/s200/Springer+Spaniel+pup.JPG" /></a> Pandemonium, that is the right word for what is going on in my house right now. We have brought another pup into our home.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />This fellow is a Springer Spaniel named Schalke, after my daughter's favourite footie team.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFX7AzPHPdHfM3ueVQRqDdB_kateg-d_Ay0j3CiLauJAINUH8rn2iITdyLw8nsDWiNnoThkjxuG7P0uth89OY9eh98TZSBmBVW7Dfr3yBfDj6pxIM1MFEkZts-pvVhi4VsuIW3nyf1wCa/s1600-h/puppies.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414775545327210162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFX7AzPHPdHfM3ueVQRqDdB_kateg-d_Ay0j3CiLauJAINUH8rn2iITdyLw8nsDWiNnoThkjxuG7P0uth89OY9eh98TZSBmBVW7Dfr3yBfDj6pxIM1MFEkZts-pvVhi4VsuIW3nyf1wCa/s200/puppies.JPG" /></a><br />The little pup Shorty, our Maltese is fun to walk although in truth it is really more of a carry with frequent stops to chat with other pedestrians who are captivated by his cuteness. No kidding, it almost like a super power with this dog. The power of cuteness.<br /><br />Walking Schalke on the other hand is already an athletic event. Thankfully he doesn't have much stamina yet.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />I was speaking with a friend of mine recently who is a marathon runner. He gave me some information on adding running to my daily walks to enhance my cardio-fitness.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />The idea is to walk for five minutes and then run for a minute, walk for another five minutes, run for a minute and so on. Gradually you will build your stamina and muscles by increasing the minutes of running until you can do the distance running you have set as your goal.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />Walking the Springer Spaniel puppy is like that anyway although I suspect his stamina will increase at a much faster rate than mine but I am going to give it a try.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />The cautions for those of us recovering from heart surgery are of course to be careful not to over-do it. If you can't talk and do what you are doing, you are over doing it! I find that simple rule is much easier to apply out on the street than monitoring my pulse.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />I remember a discussion during my cardiac rehabilitation that mentioned that those people with dogs appeared to do better at maintaining their fitness goals over the long term. I can see why.<br />Puppies lift your spirits. They need to be played with and walked. It is hard to be too much of a couch potato in a house with two puppies.<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br />Steps today: 10,164Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-65030636208903644422009-11-18T07:13:00.002+07:002009-11-18T07:30:18.581+07:00Mummies Had Heart Disease TooI just read an article about forensic studies done on some mummies that are over 3500 years old. Turns out that heart disease was a problem then too. As the article says, "You can't blame this one on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">McDonald's</span>".<br /><br />In an era when the average life span was around fifty these mummies, thought to be in their mid-forties, showed definite signs of atherosclerosis. One even had evidence of a heart attack.<br /><br />Most of us think our modern life style is responsible for our health problems but it turns out that fast food, couch potato living and smoking are not the only things that cause heart disease. Some of us are just going to get it. What we do then is probably what dictates our quality of life from then on.<br /><br />Anyway here is a link to the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091117/ap_on_he_me/us_med_mummies_heart_disease;_ylt=A0wNdPzIOgNL9QkBqSys0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNldWx1ZWpnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMTE3L3VzX21lZF9tdW1taWVzX2hlYXJ0X2Rpc2Vhc2UEY3BvcwM5BHBvcwM2BHB0A2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5faGVhZGxpbmVfbGlzdARzbGsDZG9udGJsYW1lZmFz">article</a>. It is an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">interesting</span> read.<br /><br />Steps today:10,432Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-27195174864838411742009-11-14T19:53:00.003+07:002009-11-14T20:13:07.448+07:00Man Set on Fire During Heart SurgeryHere is the headline from a <a href="http://www.halifaxmedicalmalpracticelawyerblog.com/2008/05/man_set_on_fire_during_heart_s.html">malpractice lawyer's blog</a>: "Man Set on Fire During Heart Surgery Sues Doctor!"<br /><br /> The story is not as good as the headline but the blog itself is quite interesting.<br /><br /> Another interesting story recently making the rounds is this one about a doctor who is using a type of Crazy Glue called Kryptonite, to hold the breastbone together after open heart surgery.<br /><br /> As most of us know who read this blog, having your chest held together with wires and waiting for it to heal is the worst part of the whole heart surgery in most cases.<br /><br /> This new method heals the breastbone in days rather than weeks and you can get back to normal activities in weeks rather than months.<br /><br />Read the whole story here:<br /><div id="ynbody"><div id="ynstory"><!-- BEGIN HEADLINE --><div class="header"><a href="http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/091112/science/science_breastbone_glue">Using glue to mend breastbone after open heart surgery.</a></div><div class="header"> </div></div></div>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-62719618709415124712009-11-12T00:04:00.003+07:002009-11-12T00:11:27.427+07:00Remembrance Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYG883rEnPKxGZXiDf90QzPnQwKqbQ_Zj9TfWGKhbTEehrULvHPfsaJIi7alyTMTAnSFY1bUkS7vNjuZ-ISUk_ig9zS1cs2xzGclHR73HfqqBJWSV0khwLJwbYWKe6R4cOVr2_oPl89F4/s1600-h/nov11.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402893285969829218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYG883rEnPKxGZXiDf90QzPnQwKqbQ_Zj9TfWGKhbTEehrULvHPfsaJIi7alyTMTAnSFY1bUkS7vNjuZ-ISUk_ig9zS1cs2xzGclHR73HfqqBJWSV0khwLJwbYWKe6R4cOVr2_oPl89F4/s200/nov11.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Remembrance Day is always a time for sober reflection as we remember and give thanks for those who sacrificed and continue to sacrifice so much for our way of life.<br /><br />I walked to the ceremony this morning and was struck by how many people there were there. Thousands of people from all ages and walks of life crowded the park around the cenotaph.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNLhPNLyHyxg_0QZ5jaV_XyCdR69M1R45bfkyc64mzNpM-HbRhherwibb5Rod1ZnGw0ROBV0nO6JSU_NQYSnYWDICFYwz1Zo5nCvezTvMDgmX5PqZC7xzeqL39leBRTC4PnBQpAstZBaH/s1600-h/Nov+11.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402893277381542402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKNLhPNLyHyxg_0QZ5jaV_XyCdR69M1R45bfkyc64mzNpM-HbRhherwibb5Rod1ZnGw0ROBV0nO6JSU_NQYSnYWDICFYwz1Zo5nCvezTvMDgmX5PqZC7xzeqL39leBRTC4PnBQpAstZBaH/s200/Nov+11.jpg" /></a><br />It was a touching ceremony and I was grateful to be there.</div><div> </div><div>Steps today: 8987<br /></div><div> </div>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-41402563159550136332009-11-09T05:26:00.006+07:002009-11-09T06:09:44.193+07:00I Might Need to Join a Gym<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAZtZ11Rk0kUOB-TgYn6KzYPobH7M5p1YB2E6BkFQX3PPmStDY6zaHqP7b7qK4-bYOOxK2-jlm6OGZJxnAywKbpMWt4QPELyongzx95jfvfXbp4-F6od4v6ttsa5WFQEneZU7m8Lf2eVB/s1600-h/R+Phillip+019.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401862815399144706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAZtZ11Rk0kUOB-TgYn6KzYPobH7M5p1YB2E6BkFQX3PPmStDY6zaHqP7b7qK4-bYOOxK2-jlm6OGZJxnAywKbpMWt4QPELyongzx95jfvfXbp4-F6od4v6ttsa5WFQEneZU7m8Lf2eVB/s200/R+Phillip+019.jpg" /></a> October has passed and the temperature is dropping fast. That is not so bad for walking except that the time has changed to daylight savings time. It is already dark when I get home from work still needing six or seven thousand steps to meet my goal of ten thousand steps a day.<br /><br />It is cold, uninviting, and not very pleasant to walk in the dark..<br /><br />The question is, Does it make sense to spend the money on joining a gym or would I be wiser to invest in a good treadmill for home?<br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I don't know which is more practical. more importantly, I don't know which option will keep me motivated and exercising to the level I need to maintain my rapidly improving health.</span><br /><br />If you have any ideas please let me know what you think. Your experience and advice will be most welcome.<br /><br />On a positive note, I took a few days off to go salmon fishing last week . That is a fairly rugged proposition in late October in Nova Scotia. It was great though, I felt good and was comfortable with the demands of a couple of days on the river.<br /><br />It was great encouragement to keep eating well, taking my meds and exercising. I was happily able to do something I thought was lost to me forever since my heart problems and subsequent bypass surgery.<br /><br />On December 22nd it will be one year since my heart surgery. I need to think of something special to mark the occasion. Any suggestions?<br /><br />Steps today: 7980Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-19378349420503269532009-10-18T20:52:00.005+07:002009-11-09T06:07:59.734+07:00Making Even One Positive Lifestyle Change Lowers Your RiskHere is the latest photo of Shorty. He is doing well. He ate the Dandelion flower then continued on his walk. Well, not so much a walk as a carry but I'm still getting my steps in, just not as quickly as before. A walk with this puppy also involves a lot of pauses for chatting as people stop to admire him.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPuWOIXdfmw13DIiRgslPKT-pc6prkvuVYcMnRDyNACnp0wh5Nit-EO78UyzQhf5Tgt76xpWo3VlnveJbiFD6PDhIbuTZipjV7ObFqG73a84eVLvvfLwaeEl4vLg9E1jPBlTyAfLYOoR-/s1600-h/Shorty.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393937728666713218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPuWOIXdfmw13DIiRgslPKT-pc6prkvuVYcMnRDyNACnp0wh5Nit-EO78UyzQhf5Tgt76xpWo3VlnveJbiFD6PDhIbuTZipjV7ObFqG73a84eVLvvfLwaeEl4vLg9E1jPBlTyAfLYOoR-/s200/Shorty.jpg" /></a><br />I found out today that the Maltese breed is over 28 centuries old. Talk about tried and true!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span><br /><span style="color:#ffffff;">-<br /></span>There was an article recently in the Globe and Mail, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/even-just-one-healthy-lifestyle-change-can-lower-your-risk-of-heart-disease/article1226456/">life section</a>. It listed at least eight lifestyle changes to help you avoid heart disease. In our case, to help prevent the recurrence of blockages and other symptoms after Heart Surgery.<br /><br /><br /><br />The thrust of the article was that there are a lot of recommendations from your doctor and other health care team members of things you should do for your health, even if you only do one good thing it will have a positive effect.<br /><br />We all know by now that we should:<br /><br /><ul><li>Quit Smoking</li><li>Moderate Alcohol</li><li>Get Daily Exercise</li><li>Reduce Salt</li><li>Eat more Whole Grains</li><li>Control Our Weight</li></ul>And on and on goes the list.<br /><br />Here is the thing though, you don't have to do it all in a gulp. Just do something. Maybe try starting with one thing and include the others as you go along. Building on your successes slowly and surely until you find the balance that works for you.<br /><br />As a fellow in my ninth month of recovery after Open Heart Surgery for Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts, right now I feel like I will do whatever it takes to avoid having to go through this (or perhaps even worse) again. Knowing myself though, I suspect as I feel better and better my resolve to do all of the things on the list may weaken.<br /><br />Which brings me back to the point. Doing something, even if it is only one thing on the list, is better than doing nothing.<br /><br />Steps today: 10987Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-64811681212381639822009-10-06T04:50:00.005+07:002009-10-13T07:22:21.051+07:00Get Shorty! Get Moving!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFZ9-N4YV4XI8Zgealj-q-1AkC0_zw6Mypv-RyPrcEIzQNpUZBv3MjvAAsLH8Smyjfx6zzbn_rVCQnAc2Ud_Tf5zS5M48q8jFAPeANQbaUYDIrUPukdmI-UjfvYI_IDnELcEVCO95tCWx/s1600-h/Shorty-Maltese+Pup.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389236682552324818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFZ9-N4YV4XI8Zgealj-q-1AkC0_zw6Mypv-RyPrcEIzQNpUZBv3MjvAAsLH8Smyjfx6zzbn_rVCQnAc2Ud_Tf5zS5M48q8jFAPeANQbaUYDIrUPukdmI-UjfvYI_IDnELcEVCO95tCWx/s200/Shorty-Maltese+Pup.JPG" /></a> Look at this little beauty. This is Shorty the newest member of our family. <div>he has been with us now for three days. I have never been a big fan of small dogs but this guy is hard to resist.</div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">--</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div>There seems to be a link between successful recovery from bypass graft surgery or other heart operations and sharing your home with pets.</div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;"></span></div><div></div><div></div><div>If you think about it, it does look to be likely. It is certainly hard to be stressed while stroking a cat or playing with a puppy. Reducing stress is one of the key lifestyle changes recommended to diminish the risk of heart disease. </div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div>Having a dog will also get you out of the chair or up off of the couch pretty regularly as they need to pee or go for walks. Your dog may be sympathetic to the fact that you are feeling pretty crummy but when he's got to go, he's got to go.</div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div>Once you are on your feet a dog is a great walking companion. They are definitely an important member of the Zipper Club Support Team .</div><div><span style="color:#ffffff;">-</span></div><div>Shorty is technically my wife's dog but I had no idea just how darn cute a Maltese puppy can be. Our Field Spaniel pup arrives in mid-December so I have a feeling that our house is going to be so full of puppy cuteness for the next few months that I'm going to have to work at being my grumpy old self or no one will recognize me.</div>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-90563454215322836712009-09-26T22:41:00.004+07:002009-09-26T23:09:43.623+07:00Recovery is a Family AffairWaking up after open heart surgery is a stunning experience. There are all of the physical sensations but there is also a moment, somewhat delayed by the overwhelming immediacy of the physical stuff, when the impact of the event strikes home. "I'm alive. I've made it. Now what?"<br /><br /> It is the "Now What?" that has been my preoccupation for the last eight months and will likely be on my mind for the foreseeable future.<br /><br /> Part of the recovery is the physical rehabilitation. An even larger part is the educational process. In my case, I had to complete a number of classes about living with heart problems, heart healthy life styles and general knowledge about the pharmaceuticals used in treating heart diseases before even being admitted to the physical rehabilitation centre.<br /><br /> The Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Health in Motion Program involved two sessions a week doing exercises under the supervision of a nurse, a physio-therapist and a dietitian as well as one class room session a week.<br /><br /> The classes were spread out over the first eight weeks of the program and covered topics like:<br /><ul><li>Risk Factors for Heart Disease and Stages of Change</li><li>Exercise and Goal Setting</li><li>Dietary Risk Factors</li><li>Basics of Heart Healthy Eating</li><li>Super Heart Healthy Foods and Foods to Avoid</li><li>Label Reading</li><li>Eating out and Meal Planning</li><li>Coping with Heart Disease</li></ul><p> The smartest thing I did was to take my daughter Nancy with me to the first round of classes. I encourage you to do the same. Take a family member with you to as many classes as they can attend. </p><p> There are two reasons for this. First, I was still quite dopey for the first couple so a lot of the information didn't stick. The second reason is that a lot of the life style changes, the mood swings and depression that are the after-effects of open heart surgery require not just co-operation from your family but their active support and understanding.</p><p> Even though you are the one feeling the physical pain, your whole family feels the repercussions of your operation.</p><p> </p><p>Steps today: 10,287</p><p> </p>Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6789154992439578146.post-83119087615762718722009-09-16T05:21:00.005+07:002009-09-18T04:50:49.395+07:00Some Practical Advice For Those About to Undergo Open Heart SurgerySo here is some practical advice for those of you getting ready to enter the hospital for heart surgery. In the week before going into the hospital take a few minutes to have a hair cut. I know, not very high on your priorities but once you go into the hospital you can pretty well count on being laid up for a few weeks at least. The simple things like showering and ordinary grooming will be tough until your incisions heal and you won't be able to drive for six weeks or so. Anyway, I didn't get a haircut and wished I had. I was pretty shaggy by the time I was able to drive myself to the barber shop.<br /><br /> What to take to the hospital?<br /><br /> For clothing I took a week's worth of boxer shorts,two pairs of cotton pajamas, a house coat and a pair slippers. The pajamas should be a little larger than you might normally wear so that they don't bind and rub against your incisions.<br /><br /> I wish I had thought to get those slippers with no backs that you just step into instead of the shoe style ones. The first time I tried to get out of bed for a walk, putting on the slippers was an ordeal. Trust me on this, get the ones with open backs that you can slip on without bending down.<br /><br /> In my wash bag I took a hair brush, a razor, shaving cream, floss, tooth paste and a toothbrush.<br /><br /> Having spent some time in salmon fishing camps with other middle aged men, I also brought some ear plugs. I'm not sure if there is any such thing as a private room when in Cardiac ICU or a Cardiac Recovery Ward. I was in a room with five other people, all of us within a few days of a heart attack or some other major event leading to open heart surgery. It was noisy and active 24 hours a day.<br /><br /> Things I wished I had brought: a Walkman type music player with headphones and a radio. I think a couple of "talking books" would have helped to pass the time more pleasantly. I found it uncomfortable to hold a book and the drugs made it hard to focus anyway. Some hard candies to keep my mouth moist would have been nice too.<br /><br /> There are many other more important things you have to think about as you are about to undergo this life changing event but I hope this helps a little.Steve Dobsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03850567525708829500noreply@blogger.com1