SO THERE!

Ola!  Modern health care, I suppose, is really supposed to be helpful to the general population.  In my particular case, I can truly state that my life has been saved by an alert cardiologist.  Two years ago, after describing my symptoms to him, he had me check into the hospital, where he inserted a catheter into a groin vessel, then maneuvered it up to my heart. From this point he discovered a blockage in the Left Descending Artery.  One of the male nurses called this particular artery, "the widow maker." 

Using the tip of the device, the cardiologist inserted a stint which opened the artery to increased blood flow.  Since that time, I have had no re-occurrences, for which I am grateful.

Now, at this point in this posting, one would expect that I should launch a compelling tirade of words, either pro or con, exposing my views of the current health care system in our country.  Nada!  Lo siento!  There is plenty on the web concerning health care philosophy; however I will say that I am grateful for the care we have.

Besides having saved my life, my cardiologist also recommended I lose some weight, which I did.  He suggested a  weight goal that was equal to what I had weighed as a senior in high school.  With the prospect of having to make future visits to the hospital cath lab, if no changes in lifestyle were made, I was able to come within 10 lbs. of his recommendation.

Over the Holiday's, I put on 10 unwanted lbs, that have stubbornly held on, in spite of my half-hearted efforts to lose them; however I am determined to not gain more.  All in all, I believe there are not to many weight loss wrinkles in my face.



Of interest is the healthier way of eating I have acquired.  The diet plan that I have embraced has helped me to appreciate the wonderful flavors that good food, spiced well, possesses.

I still love a good, cheap fast food hamburger; but I don't need one every day.  I also learned that the chicken taco plate at Cafe Rio isn't as loaded with as many calories as I had previously thought.  Actually the greasy smell of the fast food places has become repugnant to my olfactory nerves.

More fruits and vegetables, less meat, much less bread, less milk, less desserts, more nuts and grains, more V-8, less soda pop and candy, more Splenda, more pretzels, more salsa, more exercise like mall walking, more time in the exercise room!  In general - less caloric intake, is the key to success!

Eating out?  No problem, especially if it can be planned for well in advance.  Splitting a meal with Bev works well.  This not only saves money but also eliminates the need for a doggy bag.

Now that I have all these words out of my system, I hope you all are planning on a happy July 4th, with all the good American food you can think of.  For me, I plan to have good ol' hamburgers cooked outdoors on a tabletop grill, and lots of potato chips.  "So there!"