Coronary Bypass Surgery, Health Work Out or Performance Work Out ?

Tomorrow, I plan to run the Jed Smith, 50 km race advertised as the fastest in the West.  My friend Secretariat is going to run with me and keep me company.  He has done that before in this race and other races like the American River 50 and the Way Too Cool 50 km.  It is great being able to run these races with a good friend.

Today is a rest day, as I am not going out for a trail run.  Last Saturday, at the Stinson beach half marathon, I experimented with a Chia bar.  It seemed that my energy was good after consuming that bar.  However, I do not believe that I ran any faster.  Yesterday I purchased Chia seed powder and mixed it in today’s smoothie.  My smoothie consisted of a banana, an orange, an apple, frozen strawberries, ginger, almond milk, yogurt, cayenne pepper, pineapple, and broccoli.  I intend to use the Chia seed powder and Chia bars during tomorrow’s run.  If all goes well, I will hoot and holler.

An article titled “Rowing to the Heart’s Content” appeared in the December 20, 2011 edition of the Wall Street Journal.  In the article, there was a story of a commercial real estate attorney who, at the age of 48, had a nine hour sextuple coronary bypass surgery to install artery opening stents. At the time, James was 5’8” and 182 pounds.  He jogged, rode a stationary bike and lifted weights several times a week.  He was a light drinker, did not smoke, and avoided eating red meat.  Unfortunately, he was the one of the 10% of cardiac patients who is genetically predisposed to heart disease, regardless of lifestyle factors.

Currently, he is working out with an Indo-row machine that has water filled flywheels intended to replicate an on water experience.  This machine also measures miles per hour and calories burned.  He also practices Yin Yoga (a deep stretching, passive yoga) and takes spinning and strength training classes.  In addition, he has adopted a gluten-free diet that, according to him, boosts his energy.  He currently weighs 157 pounds.

According to Dr. Gordon Blackburn, the best activities for post-operative patients are aerobic exercises that utilize the large muscle groups and involve rhythmical repetitive activities.  He recommends cycling, walking, jogging, rowing, an elliptical trainer, or dancing.  The doctor also suggests resistance training with bands and weights to maintain muscle mass. He believes that there is exercise for health and exercise for performance and does not believe in high-end performance for these patients.  He believes that every post cardiac bypass surgery exercise program should be customized.

How would you classify your exercise program? 1.  None at all 2.  High-performance 3.  For health 4.  Somewhat between 1, 2 or 3.  I would currently place myself between 2 and 3.  Do as the Nike commercial “Just do it” or “keep moving.”

Aging,Mind-Body, Depression and Chia Seeds

Part six

 What if we are overweight, recovering from an illness, have an illness or injury and aging?  More than likely, we are going to have to deal with rehabilitation, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, etc. and physical issues.  Remember, there is the mind –body connection. What about mental health?  What mental conditions are we likely to face because of our physical limitations or conditions as we age?   The following does not apply to older folks only.

Let’s start with depression.  This mood disorder can begin at an early age.   A few subtle signs of depression, in older folks, include: boredom, loss of interest, loss of pleasure and decreased energy.  These signs can persist, and stay with us for weeks, months, years or even what seems like a lifetime.  Psychotherapy is the most efficient form of treatment or when needed, psychotherapy and medication.  A placebo might work with these symptoms. Just find the right one. I personally prefer cardio exercise.

Anxiety is another common mental health condition.  A few signs of anxiety are related to an apprehension or dread, such as avoiding an activity.  Restlessness or irritability; hyperactivity; and an inability to control hunger can be other indications of anxiety. Medication and psychotherapy can be considered.  I prefer cardio exercise.

Feelings of loss can be troublesome, as evidenced by preoccupation with absent relationships, perseveration of past achievements, looking for attention and sexual inappropriateness.  Sometimes it is very difficult to predict the loss.  When loss happens, it takes time to deal or cope with finality or the reality.  The Individual often feels unprepared and is overwhelmed with all the responsibilities and details with which they are confronted as well.  Often dependency is heightened and exemplified at the beginning of this crisis.  Loss has and an irregular healing time frame.  The time to heal varies from individual to individual. Some people never heal.

Just think about the issues that confront an active or athletic individual coming back from a serious physical condition or unable to rehab successfully.  When there is a loss of identity or the ability to do things that you have done in the past, it is easy to be discouraged.

Giving up, losing the will to live is another unfortunate debilitating psychological state.   This often corresponds to losing meaning in your life, the loss of opportunities to give to others and a role reversal.  It is often difficult going from being in charge to being dependent and cared for.  You might have experienced a loved one that has given up.  When that happens, there is likely very little you can do to change the attitude.   Not being able to control the situation results in feeling helpless.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are other possible disorders that often occur during aging.  Maybe long-term-care, hospice or hospital care comes in the picture.  Creative resources such as Eden alternative, Pioneer network, and Green houses are additional programs that can be considered. Check out the resources.

My mother, as she aged, did not want to leave her home. My sister, brother, and I talked about her going into a retirement facility.  She said.  “I do not want to be around old people.”  I did not fully understand it at the time but she was so right.  She lived until age 93.  Secretariat’s mother is 96 and guess where she lives? These women know, what is best for them. Right Secretariat ?

The presentation and book signing at Sunrise Natural Food went well and gave me another perspective regarding the aging process.  Thank you Leslie for your information regarding my purchasing a Chia bar.  I am going to use this product during Saturday’s half marathon at Stinson Beach.  Lookout Secretariat, as I hope to narrow the gap between us.  I 'll tell him about my secret today during our tapering run. From Secretariat: All the Chia Bars in the world are not going to help you.