Rick's Fitness/Health Goals

[SLYinKC]

As many of you know, I recently had a heart catherization procedure and stent implant due to having one of my main cardiac arteries being 98% blocked.  Just to put that inperspective, 2% more would be a heart attack. 

As part of my rehab process, my Cardiologist has enrolled me in a "Cardiac Rehab" program, which began today.  This program will run 3 times a week for 6 weeks and will consist of various fitness/workout routines that are performed while on a monitor to track heart function.  It also will entail education on stress management and diet education. 

I hope to come out of this with tools to help me avoid another blockage, or even worse, a heart attack or stroke.  I'm looking forward to getting into this program.  I had always considered myself to be in fairly decent shape and tried to monitor what I ate.  I also wasn't considered overweight, nor did I have high cholesterol numbers.  Hopefully, I can use this class to help me figure out some healthy lifestyle changes.  I'll try to post my progress and tips that I'm learning along the way.

[schro]

Good Luck Rick. I would love to hear any suggestions for a healthier lifestyle. Like you, my cholesterol has been low, but heart issues have plagued my mom's side. Anything would be welcomed.

Good Luck.
Go Raiders!

[D.A.L.U.I.]

Good luck, and all considered it's "living" with it that counts and this sounds like you're doing just that.  Let us know if there are any "tasty' ways to keep on the healthy side.

[JDog]

Rick ,I look forward to the feedback from you that  you get from these classes. I'm sure these will improve the quality of your life and allow you to continue to enjoy your friends and family.

Good to hear you are doing well.

[nomad]

Good luck Bro'

I hope you get some good tips on keeping the "shiney " side up and the rubber side down.

[Razor X]

Good luck with the program, Rick.  Do you know yet what types of exercise are involved?

[warhawk]

I'll try to post my progress and tips that I'm learning along the way.

rick....good luck with your road 2 fitness & a healthier lifestyle. i'm looking 4ward 2 hearing your updates.

WARHAWK

[SLYinKC]

Good luck with the program, Rick.  Do you know yet what types of exercise are involved?

The workout is in a gym setting using treadmills, eliptycal machines, stationary bicycles, and weights.  All very much like a normal gym, only after each workout station/setting, you stop to get your blood pressure taken and monitors are attached to your chest to check your cardiac activity.

[Tyler]

Good luck Rick!  I'd also be curious to hear what they tell you so I can compare notes with what my cardiologist says.

I'm guessing you'll start to learn a lot about the Glycemic Index.

[Razor X]

The workout is in a gym setting using treadmills, eliptycal machines, stationary bicycles, and weights.  All very much like a normal gym, only after each workout station/setting, you stop to get your blood pressure taken and monitors are attached to your chest to check your cardiac activity.

So the idea is to figure out how hard you can push yourself without overdoing it?  And you take what you learned in this program and transition over to using a gym on your own?

[SLYinKC]

So the idea is to figure out how hard you can push yourself without overdoing it?  And you take what you learned in this program and transition over to using a gym on your own?

To answer Razor's question, that seems to be exactly what it is.  Today was my second session.  I worked out on the elyptical machine, treadmill, and exercise bike.  This was actually my first full session.  The last one was spent partially doing paperwork and giving medical history.  They really didn't push me very hard today.  Still getting a feel for what kind of physical shape I am in.  I'm going to try to get them to let me push it a little more next week.

On a side note, I just got my hospital bill today.  This was my first hospital stay since the late 80's.  It was almost $46,000 for 1 day in the hospital (before doctors fees).  I'm guessing docs will add another $15K, but I'll wait to see what the final total is.  My jaw just dropped open with I saw the total.  I can't even imagine what it would be like to be without health insurance.

[SLYinKC]

Today was my second full session. I'm just starting to work up to the point where I'm actually getting a good workout and breaking a sweat.  I'm finding that the nurses that run the rehab don't tend to push your limits.  I'm having to do that myself.  So when they tell me to do a certain level on the machine, I tried kicking it up a notch.  (just a little) so as to get the blood really flowing.  I'm monitored the whole time, so there shouldn't be any adverse risks.  Next week I also get to spend an hour with a nutritionist.  I supposed to bring my wife.  This should be revealing session.

[warhawk]

rick....thanks 4 your daily update.  looks like your progressing.  the real deal comes with applying what u learn from your nutritionist.

WARHAWK

[SLYinKC]

rick....thanks 4 your daily update.  looks like your progressing.  the real deal comes with applying what u learn from your nutritionist.

WARHAWK

Yes, Warhawk, that will be the hardest part.  Even this past weekend, I really blew it and seemed to just pig out on a bunch of junk food.  I even think I put on a few pounds over the weekend.  Making these types of changes to habits that are years old will be the hardest.

[Timmay]

do they apply those monitors to your brain too??/ LOL....just kiddin bro...glad you are doing well.  Nothing to mess around with actually.  See ya