I didn't choose this path exactly as a volunteer; I came through the door kicking and screaming. And, like most life lessons, in retrospect I just can't believe I missed the boat by so much. This was a "life or death proposition" and here I was marginalizing and rationalizing my likes and dislikes.
In one mental exercise I started imagining my tombstone :
Here lies Ron Yates-RIPHe was killed by oatmeal raisin cookies! He was killed by extra butter movie popcorn! He was killed by a tub of extra virgin olive oil! He was killed by Ruth Chris medium rare filet mignon wrapped in bacon! He was killed by one more day at the office! He was killed by sitting on the sofa! |
So, I decided I was smarter than any of those prospective tombstones! I think I was able to learn and integrate information that might make a difference before it's too late and my Public Health background inspires me to share what I have learned. This is working for me, the key is to find something that works for you and that you can sustain. Yeah, I still have some of those desperate killers mentioned above. One of the neat things about an effective program is occasionally you can indulge and the body seems to be able to process the indulgence much better. The key is to return to your program the next day. In this case, it really is "the first day of the rest of your life." References are indicated where possible.
Feel free to ask me any follow up questions. I would also like to hear what you thought about this information and your reaction to it. I know a website might feel impersonal but there is a human here interested in your progress!
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Coronary bypass operations and heart catheterization balloon and stent procedures can relieve the pain of blocked coronary arteries, but these operations and procedures do not prevent future heart attacks very well at all. Instead, we have come to understand that most heart attacks and many strokes can be prevented by medical treatment.
Effective treatment includes the right kind of diet and lifestyle, drugs that change cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins, and drugs such as aspirin that partially block blood clotting.
Reversal of arterial blockage by medical treatment is slow and difficult. However, by removing cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques, the tendency of the plaques to break down, rupture, and cause clots can be greatly reduced. This may be the reason that heart attacks and strokes can be largely prevented."
John R. Guyton, MD
Department of Medicine
Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Nutrition
Duke University