Please Keep Trying!

We had a bit of a scare in the family this past week. The matter of heart health came to light for an immediate family member and required a heart cath test. The test came back normal; nary a narrow artery in sight, but it opened everyone’s eyes as to the necessity of a heart healthy diet and regular exercise.

Ironically, I returned home to St. Louis today after the heart testing and was welcomed with the results from my physical. I haven’t had a physical or blood work in seven years plus. The last time I even thought about my cholesterol was when it was 256. But the week before, when I had my blood work done, I kept thinking, what if I’m not as healthy as I think I am? Sure, I don’t eat meat, much dairy, or much fried foods, but what if I’m in a bad spot? Maybe this heart thing runs in the family. All these thoughts were before the test for the family member came back spotless.

I didn’t even think about my test results until I tore open the envelope and read them.
My test results were:

• Total Cholesterol: 134
• Triglycerides: 85
• HDL (good cholesterol): 50
• LDL (bad cholesterol): 67

I’m told that’s good. But I don’t want good; I want great. I want sparkly award winning cholesterol. I want arteries so shiny I emit light every time I bleed. That may seem far-fetched and a bit of a reach. Fair enough. Yet I made a goal to live to a vibrant, energetic 120 years, with all my faculties and all my functions. I was hoping I would end my days in a spectacular gliding accident right after I hit 120. I have this whole life thing pretty mapped out, and I need to be in the best shape possible to achieve my goal. So “good” won’t cut it. It’s got to be great.

Now I’m going to make it a goal to up my HDL to 60, 10 points higher than it is now. I’d also like to lower my LDL to 60, 7 points below its present point. Why bother if I’m in good health now? Part of it is the longevity factor but part of it is also the challenge. I’ve come so far in customizing my body and making it look and run better than it ever has before, that my health has become an almost obsessive past time. It’s become a hobby to see if I can make my body do this, overcome that, and look how I want it to. How could I not take up this challenge for better heart health?

I can see how my family member and I may become slightly competitive about improving our cholesterol levels. I don’t mind the competition. As long as we both cross the finish line, I’m happy and won’t give them a heart time if I come in second place.