[Paddlewise] Hearts and health

I was at the swimming pool today and started thinking.  Yeah, I know 
that's dangerous in my case.

Most of the guys that show up are older and have heart problems.  Some 
of the younger ones do too.  In fact, a significant number are swimming 
as part of a recovery program for heart problems.  In the locker room, 
they're always trading stories and advice about beta-blockers, 
angioplasty, bypasses etc.

That got me thinking - given Doug's recent problems - about the fact 
that some of these guys waited until _after_ their heart problems to 
start looking after themselves (the "fear of God" syndrome).

No, I'm not suggesting Doug is guilty of this - absolutely not.  His 
stories on this forum over the years let me know he takes care of 
himself (well, generally - I still wonder about his mental health given 
his tendency to paddle when most of us hunker down indoors :-).

Anyway - I know I'm preaching to the choir on Paddlewise, but perhaps 
you could take a second look or make a comment to friends and family.

Take the time to get your fitness and diet sorted out before you end up 
becoming an expert on fibrillation and beta-blockers.  You know - if all 
you do is paddle for exercise, that's not enough.  Get out and 
swim/walk/cycle/whatever between the paddles.  You'll feel better and 
paddle better.  And you'll reduce the probability that you'll end up 
with staple marks across your chest.

If you are one who's family history/genetics pretty much predicts the 
inevitability of heart problems as you age, being fit will make you 
better prepared to deal with the consequences.

Anyway, Paddlewise is better for paddle stories than recovery stories, 
so let's take care of ourselves and each other.

Mike
PS - and the planet.
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