Christmas Tree

Last year at the time I was waiting for my open heart bypass surgery!  And I could not do the normal Christmas Tree Stuff!  Like,......

Throw the tree on top of the van & tie it down!

Place the tree in the tree stand make it PERFECT for my wife!

Unload all the containers of decorations.

It is amazing what a few by-passes will do for the blood flow needed to decorate for Christmas!  And a great friend Bill, who stood in for me last year and helped with the Christmas Tree!  THANKS BILL!

Lipitor Goes Generic!!

This is a sure sign that I am now a senior citizen (and 5 bypasses later!)  Today instead of paying $35.00 for Lipitor (That is what I pay with my medical coverage) I paid $5.00 for the generic version!  YES $5!

That's $5!!!

How do you know when you are a senior citizen - when you go crazy paying less for your meds!!!

Next year Plavix goes!  Another thing to look forward to!!!

The generic name is:

Atorvastatin
Atorvastatin is used along with diet, exercise, and weight-loss to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and to decrease the chance that heart surgery will be needed in people who have heart disease or who are at risk of developing heart disease. Atorvastatin is also used to decrease the amount of cholesterol (a fat-like substance) and other fatty substances in the blood. This will decrease the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases because when there are high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, these substances may build up along the walls of the blood vessels and decrease or block blood flow to the heart. Atorvastatin is in a class of medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body.
Check out the website - Generic Lipitor About to Hit the Market!

Back to Coaching

Last year I was waiting for my open heart surgery!  One of the first things I new I would miss was coaching track & field in our schools indoor track & field season!  Well, I'M BACK!  We just finished our first week of practice and the new heart did great!

One of the most important things when recovering from any kind of surgery is getting back to a normal routine (WITHIN REASON)  As I have said in previous entries, one of my issues was being too busy!  Now that I am retired, I am able to pick & choose my activities!

I returned back to work, started coaching again, back to church council, and was able to retire!  After one year, I am attempting to choose what I want to do!  So what is my schedule now?

Coaching track & field
Volunteering for our church
Working part time - 5-10 hours a week
Mr. Mom at home - cleaning, washing, etc (till my wife retires)
Exercise Daily
Research my history of my home town

I need to be careful - sometimes I can't say NO!

Heart Healthy Diet

Of all my goals I set for myself last year, the diet has been the most important!  Just like other aspects of the past year: exercise, medicines, etc., I need to stay more consistent.

Here are my victories:
1 - In the meat category, I rarely eat red meat.  If I do, it is very lean!  In the normal week it is all fish & chicken.

2 - Veggies & Fruit - I have now placed a fruit bowl in the kitchen for snacks - bananas, grapes, apples, and other fruits are there for snacks! (Although I still have a chocolate container for my weaker moments!)

3 - Desserts - I try not to go for my OLD favorites - Chocolate cake & brownies, pies
Here are a few tips from the Mayo Clinic!

Found these suggestions from Mayo Clinic - Heart Healthy Diet

1. Limit unhealthy fats and cholesterol

2. Choose low-fat protein sources

3. Eat more vegetables and fruits

4. Select whole grains

5. Reduce the sodium in your food

6. Control your portion size

7. Plan ahead: Create daily menus

8. Allow yourself an occasional treat

Medical Alert! Laughter is Still the Best Medicine

Keeping your sense of humor always makes a great medicine!  The Muppets have ALWAYS made me laugh!

Have a look!

The Muppets: Bohemian Rhapsody

Checking on Last Year Preparation for Open Heart Surgery

What was I thinking last year at this time.  Here were some of my goals!

1 - Continue to work on the positive approach to my heart condition 2 - Continue to make this blog a help to others suffering from heart issues 3 - Start research on other statins - since lipitor was the "med" that I have been using 4 - Start research on my "new diet plan" How did I do?  #1 - Positive Approach (I give myself a 90%)  I think I have maintained a

I had some bad days, but the focus on my family & faith kept me motivated!

positive attitude. #2 - The blog is the best thing I did!  It kept me focused.  It kept me learning! I allowed me to communicate and meet new people. #3 - The research is amazing on the internet!  From meds to PVC's, exercise and diet,  and many other heart related issues. #4 - My first 6 months were great, the last 5 I have had my ups & downs! Need to stay focused!