My Dad’s Open Heart Double Bypass Surgery
My dad just had unexpected open heart double bypass surgery on Friday and is still in the hospital. He is recovering, with some good days and some bad, and his doctor, Dr. Michael Argenziano was absolutely wonderful to us. I’ve been in and out of the hospital for over a week now and while in the waiting rooms, the one thing I kept seeing was brochures about how exercise can help prevent heart disease.
As a fitness professional, the number one reason people tell me they want to work out is to lose weight and look good. I almost never hear that they want to have a healthy heart. And yet, we can’t live without a healthy heart. Heart disease is the nation’s #1 killer. And after this week of worry and stress about my dad, and finally relief that he made it through, I realize even more how important it is to stay physically active.
Lack of exercise, a poor diet and other bad habits all lead to heart disease. The American Heart Association recommendations for physical activity in adults is a good guideline of how much exercise is needed for overall cardiovascular health.
In my professional life, I meet many people who hate to exercise and are resistant about starting an exercise program. But as the AHA says, something is better than nothing. You don’t have to dive into a hardcore program. I always tell people, find something that you enjoy doing, whether it is dancing with your friends (or by yourself), biking, swimming, or just taking a walk with your family or dog. Park your car in the furthest spot in the lot and walk those extra steps. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take a class with a friend or family member. Take a walk on your lunch break. Run after your kids in the yard.
It sounds so simple, and yet people are still so resistant to doing any of it. But as we get older, that lack of physical activity starts to work against us until suddenly, we find ourselves in the hospital about to undergo major surgery in order to save our lives.
It’s our choice. Add some kind of physical activity into our lives and eat healthier so that we can dance at our daughter’s wedding. Take our grandchildren to the park. Run with our dog. Live an active and mobile life. Or keep leading a sedentary life with unhealthy eating habits and end up with our life cut short, or having to undergo open heart double bypass surgery while our family worries and stresses.
I know which choice I prefer.
We still have a long road ahead of us for my dad’s recuperation, and I am hoping he will be home soon to hold his beloved Pinot.
And his beloved Lokie.
Oh no! So sorry to hear this. Your dad has a big beautiful heart and such a generous and loving spirit. Not to mention so many talents (cooking & art to mention a couple) and an amazing sense of humor! He is such a special man. Praying for his speedy recovery and strength for you and your family. Thank you for the very important reminder of how important it is for all of us to exercise. So proud of your mommy for getting fit this year!!! Xoxo
Thanks Karen! I love what you wrote about him.
Praying for a speedy recovery !!!
Thanks so much Laura!
Praying for a speedy recovery !!!
I’m so sorry to hear your news. Your father is in my prayers.
Valerie
Love is the best remedy of all! And I know your Dad has tons of that from Pinot, Lokie, and his human family too!
That is so true. I am now freaking out trying to lose weight to look good…but a healthy heart is of utmost importance. You can’t look good with a frail heart can you? I am so sorry to hear your Dad is in hospital after a major surgery. I wish him a speedy recovery and thank you for jolting us back to reality. Now I’ll think more of wanting to look good on the inside. Have a wonderful week and my warmest get well wishes to your Dad!
Yes you’re right! But a good benefit of being healthy inside is that you feel and look better on the outside too 🙂 Thanks for your well wishes for my Dad!
I love your analysis on working out and eating well Lyn! I could not agree more that making positive changes in your life, however big or small, will add up and it is so crucial. I can’t stand how lazy some people have become these days. I pray for all the best for your father and your family!! Please give your mom a hug for me.