Good 'ole Dr. Eric Anderson examined me today. There was the pressing of the back for tenderness, the seriously quiet study of my heartbeat (after all, I am overweight). Then, as not expected, he said, "Well, let's do an EKG to rule out any heart problems."
I have to admit, I was a bit concerned, but relieved at the same time; I wasn’t accustomed to doctors being so thorough in the Kaiser Health System. I had heard about heart problems manifesting as backaches. After checking my blood pressure (which was normal, I was surprised too), my oxygen level (also normal), It was time for the EKG, that too came back normal. Wow, I am one healthy fat dude! I felt like bragging to all me fat "bruthas" and "sistas" who weren't as lucky as me; but I didn't. After Dr. Anderson turned a bewildered eyebrow up at me squeaky clean test results, I guess he couldn't help himself and said it, "You DO need to lose some weight, that could become a big problem as you get older..."
Damn, he got me! After he said that, I realized just how old I was getting. When I came in for minor aches and pains when I was in my 20's, they didn't default to EKGs and oxygen tests. In fact, they patted me on the head and told me to go about my day. I guess I have passed the "young" threshold right into "At risk heart patient".
Today was probably the 12th of many medical near-misses for me. Doctors have often marveled at how healthy I am for such an overweight guy; I credit my non-love affair with sweets, give me a steak any day! I have been given several opportunities to get off of my ass and lose the weight; I have simply chosen to take the low road and do NOTHING. Now that I am married, studying home buying and thinking on having a kid or two, the idea of getting healthy isn't just a good idea, it more like a necessity.
When will I make the connection? When will I chose life over red meat? What will finally help me break the habit of lusting after food?!?! Maybe today was it...
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3 comments:
Start with the exercise, dude. Food is one piece of the puzzle but my honest recommendation is better to get moving and improve how you feel in a bunch of ways than start with cutting out foods and getting more depressed about the whole she-bang. You know me, I'm Mr. Everything in moderation, (and I mean EVERYTHING!) but I would focus on things you CAN do rather than what ya CAN'T. Dig?
Yay, I'm glad all your cylinders are firing. But what did he say about your back pain?
I am sick of running sometimes, but I like the idea of exercising better than not eating, too.
I hear you on the "not getting any younger" thing. I thought I was old, but when I reminded my mom that I was 30, she reminded ME that "her baby" is THIRTY. How old is SHE? I cling to this in a desperate attempt to still feel young. But it's kind of like an alcoholic who has 12 martinis a night mocking the guy who has 13 for drinking too much.
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