STRESS RELIEF

I got the results of my first post-heart attack stress test today, and the news is good. Very good.

My total cholesterol went from 230 to . . . (drumroll) . . . 106!
My LDL (bad) cholesterol went from 180 to . . . 58!!
My HDL (good) cholesterol also dropped a little, from 39 to 35, which is not the greatest news but expected, since my overall number is so low.

And even better news than that, my heart itself is in great shape. It has enough blood flow at rest and at peak exercise. It is not damaged or compromised from my heart attack. I wish you could have heard the nurse's voice on the phone when she said "and there's not even a scar!" with that little lilt of incredulity, like she didn't really believe what she was seeing.

I didn't expect this much progress either. True, I've been eating like a model heart patient, exercising 4-5 times a week, learning all I can, and taking all my bitter pills, with or without a spoonful of sugar. And though I expected some results (dammit), I didn't think it would be this dramatic. I really thought my DNA would have been more determinate.

So when you see articles and TV talk shows and PSAs where the doctors say "heart disease is largely preventable," that's really true. While I will always have it, if you know your numbers and commit to the necessary changes, you won't. Because all this stuff -- diet, exercise, and medication and focus and sacrifice and love and prayer -- actually works.

JENNY

If you are one of the millions like me named Jennifer, you know the Jenny song. You know, "Jenny, I got your number. I'm gonna make you mine. Jenny, don't change your number . . . 867-5309 ee i en." That one.

(Once at a work/social event for my husband, the band asked if anyone was named Jenny. To my mortification, Scott's hand shot up as he shouted "My wife!!" And that's how I ended up on stage in front of all his co-workers and bosses and a bunch of strangers. Not cool.)

But this is pretty cool. Plenty campy, but nonetheless fun. "Jenny please know your numbers, blood pressure, lipids, and BMI ee i ee." I had to share it.



Mayo Clinic is using this video to promote its free Facebook app that makes it easy to know your numbers and your potential. Check it out.

Love,
Jen(ny)