Vanity is not the only reason I obsess over my weight.
When my dad was 31, he had his first heart attack. (Yes, first. He would have 2 more and a triple bypass before he was 40- actually at the same age I am, now- 37.)
I had to start going to nutritionists and doctors to inform us of how fucked up our genetics were. I knew. I never even knew my grandpas since heart disease beat me to them. I also had a baby brother that died of heart disease. I would eventually lose ALL of my grandparents to the disease.
But there I was, at 14, with doctors telling me to eat right and exercise and explaining the generational gap of 10 years in likeliness of heart attacks. My dad was 31, if I wasn’t careful, I could have one at the age of 21. All I heard was “blah, blah, blah.” It didn’t help that my dad’s cardiologist’s name was “Dr. Pepper”.
Like any screw authority, rebel hellion, I ignored these warnings. I ate what I wanted and didn’t really exercise. But I was always skinny and it never worried me. In my defense, I NEVER smoked cigarettes… I don’t remember what the doctors said about pot.
Thanks to the wonder that is age, birth, and an addiction to high fructose, I am not living as worry free anymore. The extra weight I carry is hard on me. And it goes further than just living in sweats and anything with a draw string.
I have a constant reminder in my head that my heart may be compromised. It scares me.
The slightest tinge in my chest, ache in my arm, or unusual shortage of breath- sends me running for Dr. Google. He’s not a very good doctor. I check my blood pressure regularily and go to a cardiologist, But because of my family history, I feel like I am already on borrowed time.
Like my dad.
He’s still kicking. And his ticker? He was told several years ago that only 50% of his heart is pumping blood at capacity and that it’s not even strong enough to sustain anymore operations.
Despite the unfavorable diagnosis, he is still very active. If you met him, you would never know that he was all but given a death sentence almost 10 years ago. You would never guess that he depends on $2000/month in medication- about 20 pills a day- to keep his heart beating. He would probably make you laugh by telling a dirty joke and insist on buying you dinner. And then dessert. And then fix your leaky sink.
He’s beaten the odds. He is one the strongest people I know. He and I are very similar. We can both be ornery as hell, have a bad temper, and take care of others before ourselves. I’m proud to be a lot like him (OK, maybe I’m not so proud of the nose I got from him), but his medical history is not one I want to repeat.
Dr. Pepper… oh, that’s hilarious! Great post, Tena!
very scary. I would have likely been the same way as I’ve always been a bit rebellious but when it comes to my health now, I do whatever it takes to stay well.
maybe vanity is not the ONLY reason, it’s just a pleasant coincidental bonus. I know what you mean though… my family is riddled with diabetes and the extra weight is guaranteeing that I will have it too…it’s time to do something, because I’d rather spend my money on teeny bikinis, NOT medication.
thanks for reminding me that the reason why we should care about our body has to do more about what’s going on in the inside rather than focusing on the external.
girl, you have to stay on this! we want you around for a long time. and for crying out loud, stay off dr. google!
and how cute does your dad sound? i am jealous.
Dr Pepper? really, not Diet Dr. Pepper? Love the post. Great tribute to Dad.
Maybe Dr. Google and Dr. Pepper should get together? Dr. Google scares me. Take care of yourself, sister!
Love the name Dr. Pepper. I lost my Dad 12 years ago, it is absolutely wonderful to hear your Dad beat the odds. I love hearing good story’s. I hope you too beat the odds and dont have to deal with heart disease it is a scary thing.
Dr. Pepper? ha! I feel like you wrote that story for me. I really needed to hear some positive news today so thank you for your thoughts. I am thankful we live in a time where medicine is available for us to take (no matter how much it stinks to take so many pills!) so we can enjoy life for as long as possible!
I remember my mother having a heart attack when I was in grade school. She was in her 40’s at the time. It scared the crap out of me. It still does, because even now I’m paranoid my heart is going to give out. You would think I would take care of it better.
Dr. Google is on my sh*t list. He has failed me.
Its never too late to start in the right direction.
And Doctor Google…my hubs has forbidden me to visit him ever again.
((hugs)))
My husband lost his father 8 years ago to heart disease. He ate well and worked out every day (had a six pack for abs actually). It was the smoking and drinking we think that hit him hard. Thanks for the reminder to take care of ourselves for more important reasons than looking good in a swimsuit. Take care! T
3 heart attacks by age 40? That is enough to bring anyone to the gym multiple times a week. I’m glad that your dad has made it through all that and is still alive to tell the stories?
I’m wondering how sites get added to your blogroll? I have recently started a blog that I think would be a beneficial add to yours.
Thanks!
I know of two men who were both around 50 who both died from massive heart attacks this month. I feel like this is the third sign that something is wrong with my heart!!! Three clues….I must get tested somehow!!!
I love the way you describe your dad-so very sweet.