middle-menYeah, that’s me.

OK, it’s not really me, but the graphic illustrates the state in which I presently find myself.

I’m the guy in the middle…in the middle of life, in the middle of parenting Justin…and yes, I’m a middle child.

The point is I need to make some changes in my life, in my health, in my parenting strategy.

And I know first hand that change isn’t easy.

Here’s what’s going on in most areas of my life (some things have to remain private, you know?).

I was sitting in the dentist’s chair before a procedure and the dental assistant took my blood pressure.  160/106.

YIKES!

For those without a clinical background, textbook perfect blood pressure is typically 120/80.  The bottom number (diastolic pressure) is the one that’s most important as it measures the pressure within the arteries when the heart is in its relaxation phase of pumping.

This is the highest my BP has ever been. They took it again and got the same measurement.  After I was done with my lovely time in the chair, it measured 150/90.  Better, but still too high.

Long story short, I have an appointment Tuesday morning with my physician.  I’m pretty sure whatr she’s going to tell me:

  • Lose weight
  • Exercise more
  • Cut back on caffeine

It’s kind of the standard advice I get from her no matter what ails me.

It’s a given that changes have to be made. About four years ago I adopted the Atkins  (low carbohydrates, high protein) nutritional plan. I lost almost thirty pounds and felt great.

I fell off the low-carb wagon and the results are evident.  I went back to drinking Newcastle Brown (my favorite British beer) and stopped walking (my preferred form of exercise).  My body was never built for running though I wish it were.

Here are the options I’m weighing (pun intended):

  • Cycling - I used to ride a bike -of course I didn’t have gray hair back then- but I found it good for staying fit. I like this idea although cycling won’t target my abs…a major aesthetic concern.
  • Swimming - I love swimming. There’s a swim center in Santa Cruz that I could hit twice a week and spend time in their lap pool. That would target all body musculature (though I cringe at the thought of the head-to-toe muscle aches that will accompany my first aquatic venture).
  • Combined Weight Training & Swimming - This is would require a home gym type of set up.  Not something I can do right now in terms of space or budget.

Guess I’ll need to adopt one of these and go forward. Of course, other changes need to occur as well, but that’s the private part.

:-?

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