InDECATUR didn't mention Tim Russert's tragic death when the terrible news first broke (although very tempted to do so), under the assumption the readers also hear, see, and read national news from other sources.
A friend admonished me for this, saying she checked inDECATUR first, which is flattering, but surely that's not true for most of you.
But, this interview given by his internist is something you may not have seen, but should watch, as it applies to everyone in Decatur.
His internist, Dr. Michael A. Newman, told MSNBC that "an autopsy had found that Mr. Russert had an enlarged heart and significant coronary artery disease." According to the Associated Press, Russert had been "diagnosed with asymptomatic [exhibiting no symptoms] coronary artery disease, which he was controlling with medication and exercise."
I'm no doctor, don't play one on TV, and didn't stay at a Holiday Inn last night; but I suspect any of us over 55 who have eaten steak and potatoes most of our lives have plaque buildup in our arteries, which is a ticking time bomb.
He says Tim did well on a 5/29 stress test was pleased with how well he did on his treadmill just that morning. He strived to eat well and exercise. [But, he was a tad on the heavy side, moreso than this blogger even.]
It should serve as an alarm (or reminder) to us all that we should do all we can to stay healthy, AND we must be mindful that, even if we do, we may check out at any moment. Even seemingly healthy young athletes sometimes die suddenly [typically from undiagnosed genetic disorders coupled with physical stress].
It adds credence to the age-old advice: Live each day as if it is your last.
Increase your chances of living a long, healthy life by:
- Eating right and striving to optimize your weight
- Getting regular checkups
- Taking recommended medication
- Getting regular exercise (just 20 minutes a day will do wonders)
- Learning how to handle stress
- Avoiding hazardous situations
- Not smoking
- Drinking red wine (but not to the point of damaging your liver and not before driving)
The younger you are now, the longer you are expected to live (given projected medical advances), so the more life you have to lose by not taking care of yourself.
According to the actuarial tables, a person currently 58 should live another 25 years, on average.
At the end of the interview [which was, unfortuantely, cut short in the video clip] the doctor says Tim was given CPR but "a defibrillator is what makes the difference." Every company and organization of any size should have one. The latest ones are reportedly very easy to operate with minimal training.
Philips sells one for the home, but it's $1500. I suspect most people will put priority on a flat screen HDTV, to watch from the easy chair after grilling and eating a big steak.
