My name is Larry and apparently I’m a fat guy. I wasn’t always this way…just 3 short years ago I was in great shape. But father time, poor eating habits, and my job situation has conspired against me and I became what I don’t want to be…a fat guy. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a fat guy if that’s what you want to be. My problem is..I don’t.
I had a job change a couple years ago and my lifestyle became very sedentary. At the same time I crossed over into my 40’s and while my workouts became less frequent, my eating habits became poor with all the wrong foods and to much of them. Sausage, ribs, and steaks replaced salmon, chicken, and veggies.
So, about 2 months ago I was feeling bad…nothing to serious but some small chest pains, no wind, and my legs hurt whenever I had to do anything so I knew I should probably go get the general state of things checked out.
I found one of those screening centers like at Mountain States where you can get a nice set of tests done for about $100. So I made an appointment and got the following:
The screening includes:
* Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and glucose levels
* Coronary risk profile (questionnaire)
* Waist Circumference
* Height and Weight
* Blood Pressure
Vascular studies:
* Carotid Artery Scan, to identify potential stroke risk.
* Aorta Scan, to identify potential aneurysm risk.
* Ankle Brachial Index, to ensure adequate blood flow in extremities.
Dang. When I received the results, it was like I had one foot in the grave already.
Blood Pressure: 150/89 – this is high and bordering on needing a prescription. BUT I don’t do medication so I’m determined to bring this number down by changing my eating/drinking habits and getting more exercise.
Waist – 50″ – geez.
Cholesterol -
HDL (the good kind) 26
LDL (the bad kind) 139
They gave me various other measurements like glucose measurements and also provided a clean bill of health on the carotid artery/stroke screening (thank goodness). But it’s the above numbers along with my weight and bodyfat that I am determined to work on without the aid of medication.
That’s my story. I’m going to use this blog to document my personal saga as I march my 42 year old butt back to health.
Every day I’ll post what I’m eating and the exercise I am able to complete and once a week I will post my weight, blood pressure, and bodyfat/bmi (body mass index). Along the way, I’ll also post the gadgets I buy and use to measure my progress.
In my next post I’m going to talk a little about my current numbers and what my goals are for January 2007.
Wish me luck and feel free to come along for the ride by using the comments section in this blog.
