************Fitness Friday************* Greetings Aortic Warriors! Last weeks challenge was to meet our goals and keep up with expectations. Not other peoples but our own. As promised I’m going to tackle the issue of losing weight. Why? 1) about 33% of us who make New Year’s resolutions choose losing weight 2) both weight and high blood pressure are directly related, not to mention a host of other health complications such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. On January first, one of our goals was to stay committed to being healthy. For us it means eating less cheese and drinking less wine, becoming more active and losing weight. Prior to my dissection, almost two years ago now, I weighed 158 lbs. I ran 5x/wk (5-7mi/day), worked out and my diet was not an issue. All of that changed one evening when I decided to go for a run. Suddenly I was faced with 30 days of bed rest, the possibility of open heart/thoracic surgery, never returning to work, and an endless supply of medications to help keep me alive. Sounds familiar right? The first 3 months I literally gained 30 lbs. and by the beginning of this year it totaled 50. You do the math because quite frankly, I cringe. Ok, I’m human. A tiny part of me is vain. Bed rest, fitness restrictions, depression, medications, and numerous surgeries for some of us ALL contribute to weight gain. They help us but they also hinder us. In the last year and a half I’ve come to value my life, my time, and the people I love in a way I never did before. I can’t just allow my health to be the responsibility of others. I had to take action. I HAVE TO BE ACTIVE. There are good days. There are bad days. In the last month I’ve lost 10 lbs., sleep better and feel better (even though I’m more tired sometimes). All of this moving around has been good for my mind too. I’m less depressed and less stressed out. It’s not just being physically or mentally active. I feel more actively involved in my medical care. Those BP numbers are lower than they were and my medications had to be adjusted by my doctor. I encourage each of you to talk to your doctor about your condition and desire to become stronger and healthier. Ask them to make fitness recommendations so you can be informed and stick with it. Go to cardio rehab if your insurance will cover it. Join a gym if you can afford it. Take a walk with family and friends.-that’s a twofer, you build memories and miles! If the weather is rotten, turn on some music and dance like a fool! Losing weight takes time and dedication. I knew it would be hard. We all have new limitations. But thanks to a little more activity every day, I am learning to call them challenges and that helps keep me motivated because anyone can overcome a challenge. And speaking of...next weeks challenge is to add a few more minutes to your routine. I’m going to add 15 minutes to my current 15 minutes of walking to build stamina. - connxtance We’re here to help. Let us know how you are doing! BP 101 “Countless studies have proven that even a 5% weight loss can dramatically lower your blood pressure and decrease the strain on your arteries. Regular physical activity (walking or swimming for a half hour 3-5 times per week) along with a healthy diet, can achieve this goal. Consuming more fruits and vegetables, decreasing your sodium intake and either limiting or eliminating any processed foods is the healthiest and quickest way to weight loss and lower blood pressure readings!”– Amanda Shick Ditch, Medical Contributor *always check with your doctor before starting a new fitness routine or changing medications.
Posted on: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 20:59:53 +0000
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