When, out of the blue, two very fit trussers are slowed by heart issues, and I discover my own, I must speak up! Especially since none of us fit the high-risk profile: we don’t smoke, consume much alcohol, or carry much extra weight. Fortunately, thanks to our exercise routines, we are better able to deal with our issues, and this experience encourages me to offer some humble advice.
Don’t blame the truss business for your lack of conditioning, especially since we’re in a generally healthy economy. Now is the best time to address bad habits, while opportunities are plentiful. Talk to your boss if too much is demanded of you. Don’t wait until you begin to physically suffer, or when we’re headed toward recession.
Do find your health baseline, through your physician, and get the tests recommended for your age—that’s how I found out that I had an enlarged aorta that needs to be monitored. Conversely, another good trusser skipped her prescribed colonoscopy and ended up with later stage cancer.
Even if you do get a good physical, take advantage of some further benchmarks to chart your progress. One way is to attempt (with care) some physical activity in which you previously excelled and contrast the results. Dr. Kenneth Cooper was only 28 when he attempted to water ski with the same intensity as he had as a teenager. The nearly disastrous result of his sedentary years led him to not only change his life, but to change literally millions of lives as he discovered the value of aerobic exercise.
A very modest suggestion is to enter a walk/run—like the BCMC 5K. This event has been part of the Show for the past 8 years, so we can track our progress over nearly a decade. Now with fitness watches, we are able to constantly monitor our heart rates, and (with a doctor’s aid) gain valuable insights.
And don’t hesitate to enter a local run, or the upcoming BCMC 5K in Columbus, regardless of your physical state. As pictured here, all sizes and shapes come out and enjoy the shared experience of staying physically active, while hopefully also influencing the lives of others.