It's About You

“Life is too short and your Heart Health is too important to worry about nonsense from others.  Remember its none of your business what others think about you. Instead, use that energy to improve your own health and wellness.” – Keith

Never a Burden

“Eating healthier, becoming more active, and taking care of your heart should never be a burden or feel like one.  It’s an opportunity to live happier, healthier, stronger and longer.” - Keith

Because You Asked

“Know your numbers and take action to improve them no matter how good or bad they may be. I have been asked how my numbers compare to when I had my heart attack. My numbers in a snapshot--April 12 2007 Total Cholesterol-300, LDL-245, HDL-33, Triglycerides-250, Ratio-9.09, June 23 2010 Total Cholesterol-110, LDL-56, HDL-41, Triglycerides-67, Ratio-2.68“ - Keith

A Risk Factor You Can Reduce

“I was recently asked what my Triglycerides were before my heart attack and what are they now.  In April 2007 my Triglycerides were at 250, which is considered very high.  My levels now maintain around 67 and have been as low as 56.  Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood.  High Triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease.  Lifestyle change and diet directly affect your levels.  The following are ways to reduce your levels.  Get regular exercise/activity, limit fats in your diet, reduce sugar intake, don’t smoke and reduce alcohol consumption and maintain a healthy weight. I have a link on my website “resources”>>”heart disease” for more info.” - Keith

Click Your Heals and Make a Change

“I may have lost a battle or two with heart disease and obesity in my past.  But now I’m confident I’m winning the war.  If Dorothy had the power to go home all along by clicking her heals, then why would we think we couldn’t make a small change by clicking ours? Each of us has the innate ability to make small shifts, small changes if you will, to positively impact our lives.”

Father's Day Wishes

“Happy Fathers Day to all the great Dads out there and in heaven and to the many Uncles and Brothers that stepped up when a dad may not have been there.” - Keith

Pay Attention and Don't Ignore Symptoms

I had a tough day.  I woke up at 4am to go to the bathroom.  I had some discomfort on the left side of my back.  Kidney area.  The discomfort quickly turned to pain and kept getting worse.  I couldn't sleep and knew something was wrong. Around 6am I was getting scared thinking it could be a kidney stone or worse.  At 7am I couldn't take it any more and called the 24hr nurse line from the insurance company.  We talked and I simply couldn't wait to go to urgent care (which opened at 8am) and decided to get to the emergency room.  I went to St. Rose where my heart surgery was.  Yes, I was in a lot of pain.  After a shot of Dilaudid for pain they did a CT scan.  It turned out I had a severe kidney infection that came on super fast with no warning.  Antibiotic and Pain medication prescribed.  The ER doctor and nurse were fantastic and the staff was great as well. I can't explain how I got it (either could the doctor) but I feel like the luckiest guy in the world.  I'm in the best shape I've ever been in and I can deal with an infection.  I was scared.  It just goes to show you that things can and do work out for us.  Now this wasn't a heart attack but my instincts told me it was too much for me to handle and I couldn't take a chance.  I'm gonna get some sleep.  Have a heart healthy night. - Keith

It's Just Routine

"The big thing about a routine is that you get used to doing it and it then feels strange when you don't do it.  Shifting your thinking just a little is what it takes.  I used to have a routine of eating toxic fast food and sedentary couch sitting.  I changed my routine and gained momentum by making small changes.  I believe that it’s innate in all of us to do the same.  The first step is what it takes.  Then we need to repeat that same step the next day." - Keith

This Video Could Save A Life - Hands Only CPR - Be Prepared

Hands Only CPR. Take the time to visit the link at the bottom of this article and watch the video.  Share the video with people you know.  It may be you who must act.

This is re-published from the AHA website - Keith

CPR. A lifesaving action.

When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, his or her survival depends greatly on immediately getting CPR from someone nearby. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of those people who experience a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location get that help. Most bystanders are worried that they might do something wrong or make things worse. That’s why the AHA has simplified things.

Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help.

It’s not normal to see an adult suddenly collapse, but if you do, call 911 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help. Take a minute and look around this site and invite your friends! Increasing the number of people who know about Hands-OnlyTM CPR will increase the chance that someone can help when an adult suddenly collapses, and more lives can be saved.

Hands Only CPR from the American Heart Association

What's The Best Exercise?

“The best exercise is the exercise/activity that you can and will do.  Forget the excuses and find something that you have fun doing. It should be fun and not an exercise/activity that you hate to do.  Your endurance and momentum will build quickly.  It’s much easier to make something fun part of a regular routine.” - Keith

Health Is Good

“The side effects from being healthier and fit are the least of your problems.”  My answer to an interviewers question about any problems I’ve encountered from losing over 200 pounds. - Keith

Skinny Scoopers Success Story Keith Ahrens

Skinny Scoopers Success Story Keith Ahrens

SkinnyScoopers.com added me to their website.  Thanks so much for the exposure Skinny Scoopers:)

A Little Adds A Lot

“For each extra pound of weight we carry, we put between 4 – 5 pounds of pressure on our knees.  It’s amazing how even just a little weight loss can make you feel so much better.” - Keith

Reduce Your Risk

“Many studies have shown that a small weight loss of 5% to 10% of your current weight can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other potential medical problems.” - Keith

Keith - Towson Alumni Magazine

Weighty Matters by Bill Sheridan
This article was written for the Summer 2010 Towson University Alumni Magazine.
Feel free to share this article with your friends.
http://www.towsonalumnimagazine.com/towson/2010summer#pg10

Obesogenic

“We are living in an “Obesogenic” or “Fat Creating Society”.  The odds are stacked against many of us. The temptations to not eat healthy and be sedentary are great. Finding and eating healthy foods and snacks challenge many everyday. The stronger the challenge, the stronger the fight, the greater the victory.  I say, bring it on.” - Keith