Fighting What Life Gives You

There are many issues that we deal with when it comes to our health.  There are some issues that we can control such as your diet & exercise.  Then there are issues that we are born with, such as asthma or  heart defects.  During the 2012 Olympics there is one story that jumps out that needs to be celebrated.

Oscar Pistorius!

Check out his website at:  Oscar Pistorius!

My heart issues were difficult at age 57, but Oscar had to deal with this from birth, a double amputee, from birth!  And here he is!  Running in the Olympics!  What a story!

And he runs the 400 meters!  One of the most difficult events in track & field!

If you have not followed the story, take a look at what we can over come!

Oscar Pistorius revels in 'dream' Olympics athletics final

24 Foods to Save Your Heart

Web MD has been a great site for me to visit for heart news & ideas!  Here is a slide show showing food ideas!

Web MD - 24 Foods That Can Save Your Heart

Some good ideas!  Fresh Herbs like Sage & Thyme, Black Beans, Red Wine, Tuna, Olive Oil, Walnuts & Almonds, Sweet Potatoes, Oranges, Carrots, Oatmeal, Cherries, Blueberries, and more!  Have a look!

More News on the Mediterranean Diet

More on the Mediterranean Diet.  Checkout the following article:

The Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health

This article point out more research on this diet & the possible benefits.  The tips are:

• Avoid red meat. Use fish (preferable) or chicken instead, along with legumes, as a protein source.
• Eat lots and lots of fruits and vegetables, fresh whenever possible.
• Cook only with olive oil or canola oil.
• Eat whole grain breads and pasta
• Eat a handful of nuts daily -- walnuts, almonds, pecans and Brazil nuts have actual clinical data to back up their health benefits.
• Avoid baked goods.
• Avoid butter and products containing trans fats.
• Limit (or better, eliminate) fat-containing dairy products.
• A glass of red wine (but no more than one glass per day) can also be beneficial to heart health. You should probably check with your doctor about this one.

How about some Mother - Baby Heart News -

Mothers and babies can instantly synchronize their hearts just by smiling at each other

This is an amazing study!  In the analysis - 

Mothers and their 3-month old infants were observed during face-to-face interactions while cardiac output was collected from mother and child. Micro-analysis of the partners' behavior marked episodes of gaze, affect, and vocal synchrony. Time-series analysis showed that mother and infant coordinate heart rhythms within lags of less than 1 s.

The verdict is out for dads!  No study is been made for dads.  I'm sure they will find that the Dads have more impact on the heart rate of young men that come to date their daughter on the first date!!!

Grand Daughter Comes Home

Jamina (Mina) is home & she is gorgeous!!

Born on Monday & home on Wednesday!  Another great reason to take care of the the heart!!

Ahhhh! Finally! A Grand Daddy!

On July 30, 2012 at 12:51 PM, Jamina Joyce Albright entered the world!!


Ain't she cute!!!!

And the GRAND-parents are not toooooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!!

Grandparenting!

OK.  Here we are!  I think today is the day!  Our first grandchild!  Another great reason for open-heart surgery!  In a little over a year & a half I have had many great things happen!

Dec - 2010 - Open-heart Surgery
May 2011 - Part of another State Champion Track & Field Team!
June 2011 - Retirement after 35 great years in education
November 2011 - Oldest son gets married to a lovely lady from the Philippines!
July 2012 - First grandchild - Soon!
October 2012 - Youngest son's wedding!

A lot of great moments!  Time to focus on grand-parenting!

Take a look at this article:

Grand-parenting 101- Advice for New Grandparents

Time to focus on grand-parenting!  Here are the main tips!

1. Smile when you get the news.

2. Let them do it their way.

3. Emphasize the positive.

4. Be understanding of the mother-to-be.

5. Go easy on the shopping.

6. Hold off on major decisions. 

7. Do help out, but don’t overdo it. 

8. Put doubts about the spouse on hold.

9. Be prepared to share. 

10. Make peace with your ex.

What do you think?