The Real Heart of the Matter
The Real Heart Of The Matter
(A Heart Is A Terrible Waste)
A very recent event, both significant and close to home, brought me to the re-realization that in spite of noble efforts and intentions, everything may all be for naught if the bodies main engine gives out. This of course refers to the heart. By far, the number one indicator of longevity is cardio-vascular health. It is hard to fathom just how hard and long this muscle must work during our life times. What is not realized is how much it is abused and neglected. Like the old reliable car that only gets attention when problems occur, the heart will go for extended periods of time with only minor indicators of rough times ahead. Our reliance on technology can make us lackadaisical. The consequences of neglect can run the gamut from having to begin ‘inconvenient’ exercises to drugs and extensive therapies to instant demise.
Cardio-vascular disease can rob us of quality of life, burden loved ones, and cost untold fortunes to ‘fix’. The signs of this disease are many and often disguised. In the case involving my family, there were no significant outward signs. We know if we’re overweight or out of shape or eating poorly. We often don’t know if we have high blood pressure or cholesterol. The key is regular check ups, asking hard questions of doctors about the changes we’re experiencing, and acting on the recommendations given. The "I’m going to get myself checked-up and in shape next year" excuse will only last so long. Significant and substantive changes, with minimal fuss, can be made to heart health. These changes are much harder to make after something happens. The upside is so much better.
(A Heart Is A Terrible Waste)
A very recent event, both significant and close to home, brought me to the re-realization that in spite of noble efforts and intentions, everything may all be for naught if the bodies main engine gives out. This of course refers to the heart. By far, the number one indicator of longevity is cardio-vascular health. It is hard to fathom just how hard and long this muscle must work during our life times. What is not realized is how much it is abused and neglected. Like the old reliable car that only gets attention when problems occur, the heart will go for extended periods of time with only minor indicators of rough times ahead. Our reliance on technology can make us lackadaisical. The consequences of neglect can run the gamut from having to begin ‘inconvenient’ exercises to drugs and extensive therapies to instant demise.
Cardio-vascular disease can rob us of quality of life, burden loved ones, and cost untold fortunes to ‘fix’. The signs of this disease are many and often disguised. In the case involving my family, there were no significant outward signs. We know if we’re overweight or out of shape or eating poorly. We often don’t know if we have high blood pressure or cholesterol. The key is regular check ups, asking hard questions of doctors about the changes we’re experiencing, and acting on the recommendations given. The "I’m going to get myself checked-up and in shape next year" excuse will only last so long. Significant and substantive changes, with minimal fuss, can be made to heart health. These changes are much harder to make after something happens. The upside is so much better.
