The Good Fight

I HATE Heart Disease!

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home (live @ kcrw)

This song makes me feel great:) I love the lyrics "Home is wherever I'm with you." Did it put a smile on your face? - Keith

Choices

“It's more challenging to eat healthier when healthier choices are not readily available or simply unaffordable. We must simply do the BEST we can under the circumstances. Because healthier choices are more expensive we must strive to make the BEST choices we can.” - Keith

The Wrong Direction

“According to a new report by the CDC, Obesity rates went up 1.1% between 2007 and 2009. In the past two years, 2.4 million people have joined the ranks of the obese. More than 70 million people are obese which is just over 26% of the population. The percentage of “overweight” adults is much higher. Heart disease and other related illnesses are surely expected to rise. I just want to scream” - Keith

Keeping It Real

"I had 3 radio interviews today. One host asked if I prayed about not overeating to stay healthy. Well, I don’t talk religion or politics. I did tell her I said Keith’s prayer. When I wake up I say “Help Me Make It Through The Day And Keep The Food At Bay”, and at night I say “At The End Of The Day I Kept The Food At Away”. - Keith

Spices Keep It Heart Healthy

“I get asked what spices I use.  Looking in my pantry I have pepper, garlic powder, paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, sweet basil, parsley, rosemary, crushed red pepper, cumin, tumeric, coriander, oregano, and chili powder.  I use a lot of fresh herbs and garlic too.  What do you use to keep it tasty?” - Keith

Nurses Are The Best

“I went to a wedding reception and there were 3 Cardiac ER nurses there.  One of them said that this was the safest party in town and that there was no way anyone could die there.  She said that if something were to happen the patient would surely survive at least until they got to the hospital.  It was the funniest and truest thing I have heard in a long while. Nurses are the greatest.  They do what the doctors can’t” - Keith

We Are The Cure!

We are the Cure. Since 1999, the death rate from coronary heart disease has decreased by 23%; the death rate from stroke has been reduced by 19%; and high cholesterol prevalence was reduced by 20%.Much of this success in fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke is due to the research, public education efforts, medical training and community health programs funded by the American Heart Association. Source: AHA

Blood Is Thicker Than Water.... But Mostly Water

“Pumping from our heart, It takes blood about 20 seconds to circulate throughout the entire vascular system.  Blood is approximately 78% water.  Stay hydrated.  Drink plenty of plain water.  Water is key to good health and weight control.” - Keith

Do You Have A List?

“Shop with a list.  No list, No grocery shopping.  This has really helped me keep the garbage (unhealthy) foods away and out of the house.  Impulse buying for me is almost non-existent.  Add heart healthy foods to your list and stick to it.  Keep a grocery list on the counter and add items throughout the week.  Remember, If it doesn’t go in the cart, it can’t hitch a ride home.” - Keith

Heart Walk Coming Up

Please join team "Outrunning My Shadow" for the 2010 American Heart Association Heart Walk.  Feel free to donate or sign up and walk with our team. If you are out of state you can certainly sign up and be a virtual walker.  I understand how rough the economy is for many.  Feel free to join the team even if you can't donate at this time.  I would be honored to walk for you or in honor or memory of a loved one.  This year I will be walking again as a Heart Attack, Open-Heart Surgery and Obesity Survivor.  I will also be walking in memory of my co-captains brother Michael, who lost his life to a stroke this year.  Everyone suffering or that has been affected by Heart Disease and related illnesses will be with me in spirit.  Thank you for your support and remember even a $5 donation makes a difference in the prevention, awareness and research to defeat these diseases.  Heart Healthy Days Ahead, Keith (a safe link to my Heart Walk page is below)
Link to my American Heart Association Heart Walk Page

Choose Fruit

“The Heart Healthy benefits of fruits are enormous.  Fruits are rich in fiber, natural minerals, and vitamins to name a few.  Choose a variety of colorful fruits and snack away.  I’ve had some fantastic nectarines, blueberries and red seedless grapes in the last couple weeks.  Look for what’s on sale to tell you what’s in season and fresh.  What great tasting fruits have you had lately?” - Keith

Let's Get On The Ride

“A Lifestyle Change can be like a roller coaster.  We’re nervous and scared before we get on it.  The biggest fear is when it starts.  After the first drop we feel relieved and catch our breath, although there may be some more ups and downs.  When the ride is over we say it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be.  We’re usually happy that we can say, “We Did It”.  Start your Heart Healthy ride today.” - Keith 

A Big Thank You

“A big “Thank You” to the medical students at Touro University for having me speak and share my journey and fight with Heart Disease and Obesity.  Your questions at the end made the presentation even better.  You will each save and change many lives for the better.  Heart healthy Days to you and best of luck in school.” - Keith

The Best Hospitals in the World

US News Best Hospitals List (Link to US News Report)
The Best Hospital List is out again.  Congratulations to my friends and doctors at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and The Cleveland Clinic.