Bob Cox can be reached by email at bcox@jrpress.com.
It has been nearly three months since I had a CT heart scan completed at our local hospital. I must admit, I never imagined that a simple phone call to the radiology department would end up making such a big difference in my life and in the lives of several others.
At last count, I have been told by Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health personnel there have been more than 100 local people who mention they read my column and went for a heart scan. I also was told that several of these people have been advised to see a doctor because high levels of calcium were detected.
I do not pass that good information along to bring glory to myself. Rather, I want those who keep telling me they have read my previous health columns and are considering having a heart scan done to pick up the phone and make the appointment. There really is nothing to lose other than the inexpensive $49. I say inexpensive because it can mean the difference between living or dying.
Because I had the scan done, I found out that I was a high risk for a fatal heart attack. My blood pressure was through the roof. The blood flow to my heart was restricted. I was tired all the time and could not walk two blocks without losing my breath. Now, I can honestly say, the phone call I made in March was one of the best calls I have ever made. It can work for you too.
After all the additional testing because of my high heart calcium score, I was forced to start my journey to better health and it is working.
Recently my cardiologist was so pleased with my improvement that he said he would not see me again for one year. With the aid of medication, eating healthier and getting some walking in as additional exercise, I feel much better. My blood pressure is back to normal. I have more energy and I am finding joy in discovering new healthy recipes. As of early June, there is 30.4 pounds less of me, which is a good start.
Of course, losing weight causes another set of problem, which I am pleased to tackle. I have had to purchase a new and smaller belt and go rummaging around for my old jeans that are two sizes less than what I was wearing this past winter. It is a good feeling to put on clothes that did not fit just three months ago.
There have been other challenges like going to graduation open houses and not eating my most favorite thing in the sugar world — white cake with white icing. As a way to celebrate my weight loss, I finally did have a piece of cake at two open houses which caused me to feel guilty ... for a minute at least. The cake was good, but I was ready to get back to my new found love for avocados.
Again, I want to thank all of those who have taken an interest in my health journey. I thank each one of you for the encouragement you are giving me.
I often get asked how I am doing and when I was going to write this update. I plan to continue this column because there are more things in the future to write about such as my upcoming first 5K. No, I am not going to run or jog it, but rather walk it. This journey is long term, and walking is fast enough as I take my health to heart.
Bob Cox is a Journal Review reporter. He can be reached by email at bcox@jrpress.com.
