Getting Started - Again!

Dan Carroll being the Intrepid IT Professional

Here's the deal. I will turn 52 this summer. I am not in the best of shape. I am at least 50 to 60 pounds (22 to 27 kilos) overweight, possibly even more. It depends on whose guidelines you follow. More on that later. I have high blood pressure. I like to think its not that high, something the doctors call hypertension. My joints creak, my feet hurt if I stand too much or walk to far, And I used to love to walk, take long hikes and go backpacking.

And to top it all off, I have glaucoma and cataracts. Had surgery in my left eye, now the right eye is developing cataracts. Oh, and I almost forgot about the sleep apnea. So anyway, it could be worse. No diabetes. Blood sugars are generally very good. But my triglycerides are out the roof. At least they are without medication and watching what I eat. I used to be a typical Southerner and eat almost everything fried.

So, the bottom line is, I have to lose weight. And to eat better. At least my body appears to be fairly resilient. I haven't shown any signs of heart disease or other weight related maladies. Except that my breathing and sleep apnea might improve, dramatically maybe, if I lose the excess baggage. So that is the plan, lose weight and get fit. My concentration though is going to be health.

I know weight is an issue, really I do. I am an American after all and the World knows we tend to be over weight, more than the average any way. But instead on concentrating on the wieght loss and dieting, I am going to work on becoming healthier. I will exercise more, eat better, concentrate on relationships, worry less, and put it all in God's hands. Yes, I am a believer, just not as devout as some.

Getting Fit . . . and Staying Healthy

OK, this is my true goal.  Get fit and healthy, and stay there.  Is it easy?  Heck no!  I tend to be lazy in these areas.  I have a true interest in health.  Really.  I listen to health news and watch shows on health and read some about these subjects online.

I'm not into crazy fads and listening to people rant about health issues.  I want facts.  That's the way I am.  And that is what I hope to bring to the table in this blog of mine.  The facts and nothing but the facts.  At least how I see them.  I have a straight-laced, no nonsense approach to life.

I'm a technical type and like to do my own research.  So that is what I'll cover here.  Some research, and some opinion.  Not only mine, but that of others.  Whatever I feel lends relevancy to the topic on hand.

I may wander a bit.  Meander really.  But I hope to make a point in each posting.  And make one that makes sense to people.  And, hopefully spark a conversation or two.  So feel free to add your two cents worth.

Now I admit, I may come off a bit biased in some cases.  (Aren't we all -- biased in our own way?)  But will strive to stick to the facts.  And of course, my own commentary will be thrown in.  My own observations, as you will.

I will also include findings (research) with links to what I have found.  I won't always agree with the links I provide and will include commentary to that effect.  Discussion is good.  The best way to learn in my opinion. Get a dialogue going.   Hash it all out.  Start some controversy and get the ball rolling.  You get the idea?

And I'm sure after a few posts, everyone will see that I like to watch The Dr. Oz Show.  I'll admit a certain bias here.  His show IS entertaining.  But for me, the real draw is that he covers relevant, timely topics in an intelligent, informative way.  The man does his research, and brings in experts to back him up.

Dr. Oz isn't about his opinion and some weird pseudo science (like some of the odd-ball diets out there).  He brings into play the science and research concerning health issues, debunks commonly held ideas that may be erroneous, and does it in an entertaining way.  What else can you ask for in a TV show on health?

I'll also be bringing in the opinions of others.  Some of these I won't be agreeing with.  And others I may only partly agree with.  A prime candidate here would be my wife.

She is a lovely, intelligent woman.  Not the book smart type (that's me), but a down-to-earth, common sense type of person (she is).  She reads (books), but only when it is extremely interesting to her.  She prefers conversation.

She is always chatting with friends, family, and acquaintances, online and on her cell phone.  A very sociable person, she is.  And I love her for it.  She is the Yin to my Yang.  Opposites we are but very complimentary to each other (as far as talents go).  Follow along and you'll see what I mean.

I definitely will wander around a bit.  Especially on health issues.  So I will be covering a lot of topics concerning getting fit and healthy.  And staying there.

I have to get fit.  I know this.  But it isn't always easy.  Too many distractions in life.  So, I hope I can interest a few people in following along on my journey and, hopefully, maybe even influence a few.  Positively influence that is.

Wishing life, happiness, and prosperity to all, till we meet again.     (I know.  It's a bit cheesy.)

Back To It

Okay, I got a little lazy this summer.  But now I'm back to it.  After dropping 40 pounds, I put 15 of them back on so I have my work cut out for me.  My wife, Tammy, has gotten her sister, Vonnie, to start walking and working out with her.  I'm also walking but a different, longer route than the ladies and was surprised to have my brother-in-law join in this morning.  So, maybe this will turn into a family affair.

Tammy and I continued our workout at home this morning while watching The Dr. Oz Show.  We even incorporated some of the 10-minute exercises featured on the show.  The Dr. Oz Show is a favorite show of ours.  I find the Doc to be knowledgeable, entertaining, and informative on some of today's issues.

I plan on commenting on some of his content her in this blog.  I would appreciate comments (and some followers) to get some good discussions going.  Until then, I will continue to put down my own thoughts and observations here on things to do with Getting Fit and Being Healthy.

I tend to research topics and will put some of my findings here also.  I know that the 'Net is a place full of content that may not always be accurate, so if you find anything here that isn't factual, please let me know.  Just be for-warned that I will double-check the facts and call you on it if I prove myself.

So, be sure of your facts before correcting my posts.  Just because you "heard" it somewhere, or you "feel" it may not be right, doesn't make it so.  Check your facts.  And I don't mind being challenged.  That's what makes for a lively discussion.

Thank you for reading this and please leave a comment.  I'm also interested in discussing any topics that you have an interest in.  Just remember to keep it health related in keeping with the theme here.  Now, I wonder if there is any interest out there in health related articles.  Some of these posts might qualify for redistribution.

You all have a great day and keep fit.  -- Dan Carroll