tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90474458204955372622023-11-16T06:36:00.696-06:00Healthy Changes for LifeHealthy Changes for Life is my online diary about my battle with Type II Diabetes. It will show what I eat, glucose levels, and diary entries. I also will give tips I am learning along my journey that I am using to fight Diabetes better.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-72405109161999584402008-09-23T08:45:00.001-05:002008-09-23T08:47:09.906-05:00BG Reading UpdateFor the past month, I have had the healing touch of Jesus Christ helping me fight diabetes.<br /><br />This morning, my BG reading was 100. I will make another post later today with the other readings from this past month.<br /><br />May everyone have a Blessed Day!Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-47731738645531013992008-08-19T07:27:00.001-05:002008-08-19T07:27:56.320-05:00Another Step closer ....Another Step Closer<br />(8-18-08)<br /><br />For the past few weeks, I have wondering why I had those visions or dreams about my health. Was it because of anxiety? Was it because I was scared? I didn’t know.<br /><br /><br />After last nights dream, I know now why.<br /><br />Let me describe you my dream I had:<br /><br />It started out with my being awoken to my dad. Yes, he passed on in 2000, but I saw him again last night. He was in my bedroom and he tapped me on my shoulder and said “Get up son, we have to talk. There are some important things I need to say to you.” So I got up and went with him to the dining room table, where he and I sat. And we talked, or I should say, he talked and I listened.<br /><br />First off he told me thanks. Thanks for showing him the right way to the light. Secondly he talked about my health. He said that he did want me to die the way he did. He said: “You will change your diet, you will change you’re your fitness level, YOU WILL CHANGE!” I asked him about my two dreams and his response was – “I Put those in your thoughts to show you that if you don’t change, this will happen.” But I said – I had 2 dreams like that, both different. Why?, I asked. “Because you did not listen the first time, I made a second one to show you what would happen if you did not believe me and change.” I promised him right and there, “I will change; I will change my diet, my fitness, my lifestyle.”<br /><br />Secondly, you were wondereing why you were sent to Holly Pond. I asked Jesus to put you there. I want you there. I knew Wes before you met him. I told him, indirectly, that he will meet a person who needs guidance, spiritual guidance, and that he knew where to direct him to get this spiritual guidance.<br /><br />I told my dad, when I got to know Wes for the first time, it is as if I new him already. He and I started talking and over a couple of weeks, he started talking about his great Church. He started talking about scriptures and how they reference today’s life with the past. He peeked my curiosity so much I had to go and see. I had to go and get more. My dad said – “That was me wanting you to find this great home. You will, through time, find out why you are there and what your mission is.”<br /><br />“But now I have to go, my dad said. “I will be with you always, in everything you do. You are never alone, nor will you ever be alone. You have made me proud. I thank you again for showing me the way to the light. I should have reconciled earlier. Thank You, son.”<br /><br />And then I was awake and new what I had to do. The dreams I had about my health – they were there for a reason. They were a warning. Shape up and change or this will happen to you.<br /><br />So this morning, I got on my air rower (which I have not used in weeks). And I did my 20 minute exercise. All this week I will do 20 minutes each morning. Next week I will improve to 25 minutes and up and up over the coming weeks to a 45 minute workout. I will not waver on the diet – no junk food PERIOD. I will get my weight down. I will get my sugar in better control. I will get my cholesterol down. I will improve my fitness and health.<br /><br />I also will continue to go to my new church home. I will open my mind to the Lord. I will let him take control of my life. I am asking for Spiritual Fulfillment. For Spiritual Nourishment.<br /><br />I will change. I have to. There is no going back. I have seen what can happen if I waiver. I don’t want to go there and don’t intend to. Never again.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-89576233655981539722008-08-11T08:34:00.003-05:002008-08-11T09:04:15.672-05:00Visions or Warning?Last night I had a dream - the dream started with me waking up in a hospital bed at UAB after open-heart surgery. I had a bunch of tubes in me and thru my mouth. I was very groggy. I remembered Jock being there, as well as my mom. I also had Dr. Varquez there. A few minutes later, my neighbor Dave Hassell walks in.<br /><br />Apparently I had had a heart attack at my house in the middle of the night. I was sent to UAB for surgery.<br /><br />After Dr. Varquez tells me that she opened 2 blockages and that I am better now, she also told me that I am to stay even more focused on the program.<br /><br />Once I realize that I am ok, I suddenly wake up.<br /><br />----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />This was the second time I had a vision of recovering from a heart attack. The first one I had a few weeks ago, but it was different. That one happened while I took a catnap in the car. That vision showed 2 scenarios happening - (1) I cam up from my desk to the front to ask the secretary something and experience chest pains and collapse. The secretary calls 911. (2) This scenario shows me walking into the waiting room of Cullman Family Practice where I again feel chest pains and collapse.<br /><br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Ever since those visions, I now have my cell phone next to my bed within 6 inch reach from me. I sleep light at night - where I can be in a deep sleep yet I can hear the birds and insects all night chirping.<br /><br />Is God trying to tell me something here? Is He trying to warn me?<br /><br />I don't know.<br /><br /> To date, I have had a lot of visions come true.<br /><br />These are becoming scary.<br /><br /><br /><br />Any input would help.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-90630995339267681622008-08-07T07:24:00.003-05:002008-08-07T07:27:43.397-05:00Costs for the 2 day hospital stay in June 2008For those of you wondering how much this 2-day stay costs in a local hospital for a person without insurance, here is the summary. I got lucky, though, in that (1) I did not have major surgery done and (2) I was able to apply for financial assistance. This financial assistance helped me with my bill. For thos going to the hospital, and do not have health insurance, I urge you to apply for financial assistance at the hospital. You never know what you may get.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5fJpX2U2y0LoKCRc6Y4JbcWkZqCFVspj52aYGpJzkSHWqjcN2y-gEkE-myBcCftsEgWnfNlsA8pmjHGGqH9Mt62MQzAo0OayJydmKkqq70lc3qT9TpZX07Vv4AbSDCV11OS0IDcumL8/s1600-h/CRMC+Costs+for+Heart+Care+June+2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231750906327547922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5fJpX2U2y0LoKCRc6Y4JbcWkZqCFVspj52aYGpJzkSHWqjcN2y-gEkE-myBcCftsEgWnfNlsA8pmjHGGqH9Mt62MQzAo0OayJydmKkqq70lc3qT9TpZX07Vv4AbSDCV11OS0IDcumL8/s320/CRMC+Costs+for+Heart+Care+June+2008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-17377457366577484402008-08-06T17:38:00.002-05:002008-08-06T18:05:40.504-05:00Books I have been readingHere is a listing of books I have read lately. I am including the Title, Author, Publisher, ISBN and a brief description of the book’s contents. As I read more books, this list will grow, no doubt.<br /><br />Have any books you recommend? Let me know and I will look at them too.<br /><br /><br />Title: The First Year: Heart Disease – An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed<br />Author: Lawrence D. Chilnick<br />Publisher: Lifelong Books<br />ISBN: 978-1-60094-029-3<br /><br />Summary:<br /><br />“A diagnosis of heart disease can be a blessing in disguise. It can provide the impetus for a healthier you. It’s all about implementing a disciplined and sustainable heart-healthy game plan. You, too, can achieve this.”<br /> --- From the forward by Curtis M. Rimmerman, MD<br /><br />A longtime health writer and editor, Lawrence Chilnick was stunned and terrified when he suffered a heart attack at age 48 – but assumed his medications would take care of the condition. They didn’t. Soon, Chilnick needed a quadruple bypass. At that point, he set out to turn his health around by educating himself on all aspects of this life-threatening disease. Now as a patient – expert, Chilnick shares his story and the latest medical, dietary and lifestyle advice for stabilizing and reversing a heart condition. In clear and accessible language, <em>The First Year: Heart Disease</em> shows you how to take an active role in your treatment to manage coronary and cardiovascular disease. This unique guide prioritizes the information for you, walking you through everything you need to learn and do day-to-day, week-by-week, and month-by-month in the crucial first year after diagnosis.<br /><br /><br />Title: Take a Load off Your Heart<br />Author: Joseph C. Piscatella and Barry A Franklin, Ph. D.<br />Publisher: Workman Publishing<br />ISBN: 0-7611-2676-7<br /><br />Summary -<br />Increase the odds of living longer with this bold, broad approach to cardiac health. A medically up-to-the-minute and easy-to implement program, <em>Take a Load off Your Heart</em> sets out four key steps to cardiovascular fitness, from assessing risk to managing stress, from improving diet to making habit of exercise. It demystifies predictive markers such as triglycerides and Syndrome X, and offers 109 simple, practicle lifestyle tips - #22 Breathe deeply, #97 Drink black tea, #3 Increase your HDL Level, #54 walk briskly, #75 Give up dieting - for preventing, stabalizing, and, yes, reversing heart disease.<br /><br /><br />Title: Heart Attack - A Cleveland Clinic Guide<br />Author: Curtis Mark Rimmerman, M.D.<br />Publisher: Cleveland Clinc Press<br />ISBN: 1-59624-031-8<br /><br />Summary -<br /> There is no other medical center more qualified to write a book on this subject. The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center has been selected as the best Heart Center in America, according to <em>U.S. News & World Report's</em> annual survey for the past 11 years. Our doctors are leaders in cardiology, cardia surgery, cardiothoracic anethesia, and research into the heart and its diseases. No heart program has more experience, more knowledge, or better access to technology. Cardia angiography and the coronary artery bypass were developed at the Cleveland Clinic.<br /> Heart disease is a tremendously frustrating condition. It progresses silently and makes its presence known - if at all - only well after it is established in the heart's arteries. When there are symptoms (significant chest pain, for instance, or sensations of indigestion), they aren't always recognized or acknowledged as being associated with heart disease or heart problems. Worse, sometimes the first sign of a heart disease is a heart attack, and a lethal one.<br /> Told through case histories, this Cleveland Clinic Guide provides what anyone at risk of a heart attack needs most: real, substantive information from a source that is trusted by people all over the world. The author understands what patients are going through and knows that with more information - like this Cleveland Clinic Guide - they will understand they are not alone and that they can have hope.<br /><br />Heart disease myths addressed:<br />* If I have symptoms, I'm not at risk<br />* If my parents had heart disease, I'm doomed to get it also<br />* Heart disease begins in adulthood<br />* Only those who are overweight or obese are at risk<br />* Normal cholesterol levels = no risk for heart attack<br />* Women don't have heart disease or heart attacks<br />* Smoking only hurts the lungs (and cigars are "safe")<br />* If you're taking cholesterol-lowering agents (statins), you can eat anything you want<br /><br />Other topics:<br />* Heart anatomy (cardiac plumbing "101")<br />* What can go wrong (anatomy of a heart attack)<br />* Telltale signs / warnings<br />* Risk factors<br />* Women and heart disease<br />* Patient's role in managing heart disease<br />* Life after MI / cardiac rehab<br />* Medical and interventional therapy<br />* Choosing a heart doctor<br /><br /><br />Title: You and Your Cardiologist<br />Author: Curtis Mark Rimmerma, MD<br />Publisher: Cleveland Clinic Press<br />ISBN: 1-59624-081-0<br /><br />Summary -<br /> Your visit to a heart doctor will be less stressful once you read <em>You and Your Cardiologist: A Cleveland Clinic Guide</em>, by Curtis Mark Rimmerman, M.D. This book will teach you how to work closely with your cardiologist, whose goals are to treat heart disease and help maintain a healthy lifestyle.<br /> "<em>Heart disease is one of those conditions that stimulate great fear and anxiety in patients and families. The antidote to fear is knowledge</em>," writes Dr. Steven Nissen in the forward to <em>You and Your Cardiologist</em>. "This book is essential reading."<br /> Using simple language and real-life examples, this comprehensive guide helps you prepare for your heart exam, walks you through the actual office visit, and shows how doctors proceed from intake to diagnosis to treatment. Its descriptions of heart disorders are clear and easy to follow. In addition, <em>You and Your</em> <em>Cardiologist</em> answers questions often asked by heart patients, including:<br />* Why do I need a cardiologist?<br />* Which important details does my cardiologist need to know about me?<br />* Are all these heart tests really necessary?<br />* What are my medications for, and how to they work?<br />* What if I need surgery?<br />* Aftere my heart attack, will my life ever go back to normal?<br /><br /> As Medical Director of Cleveland Clinic Family Health Centers in Westlake, Lakewood, and Avon, Ohio, Dr. Rimmerman sees both sides of the doctor-patient relationship. In this book, his observations to underscore the importance of strong partnerships: Improved communication saves lives.<br /><br />A NOTE ON DR. RIMMERMAN:<br /><br />Dr. Curtis Makr Rimmerman is a cardiologist with more than 14 years' experience in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. Board-certified in internal medicing, cardiology, and echocardiography, he holds Cleveland Clinic's Gus P. Karos chair in Clinical Cardiology, serves as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Clevelenad Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, and is the author of <em>Heart Attack: A Cleveland Clinic Guide</em> (Cleveland Clinic Press, 2006). Owing to the work of Dr. Rimmerman and his colleagues, Cleveland Clinic cardiac care consistently ranks No. 1 in the United States, as reported in "America's Best Hospitals," the annual survey made by <em>U.S. News & World Report</em>.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-67532188209720269532008-08-06T14:43:00.001-05:002008-08-06T14:44:19.511-05:00The 2 4 1 PropositionAccording to the American Heart Association:<br /><br />Did you know that you will gain 2 hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular exercise that you do? According to a Harvard Study, by exercising regularly you will live longer. Start! today.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-61834415003854441552008-08-06T07:38:00.003-05:002008-08-06T07:43:03.930-05:00Diary Entry for 8-6-08Weight this morning = 299.6! Next goal: 280<br /><br />Slept good after last night's walk. Made breakfast and lunch and took clothes with me to change to go walking in at end of day.<br /><br />BG before breakfast = 116<br />BG at bedtime =<br /><br />Menu Planned:<br /><br />Breakfast = 2 sandwiches each of:<br />2 slices 40-calorie bread<br />1 tsp promise spread on each slice<br />1.5 slices tomato<br />2 thin slices cheese<br />decaf coffee w/ skim milk<br /><br />Lunch =<br />bowl of soup from either Sweet Peppers Deli or Rumor's Deli<br />water<br /><br />Dinner =<br />3 cups spring mix salad greens<br />1/2 tomato, sliced<br />1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced<br />1/4 white vidalia onion, sliced<br />1/2 green bell pepper, large dice<br />1/4 homemade vinaigrette<br />water<br /><br />Planned exercise:<br />(4) 1.5 mile loops at Heritage ParkDirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-4388440115747688882008-08-06T07:33:00.002-05:002008-08-06T07:38:27.611-05:00Diary Entry for 8-5-08Had a good long day today. Worked from 7 am to 6 pm, then went walking in Heritage Park. Had a good walk. Went home and went to bed at 9 pm.<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />2 slices 40-calorie bread w/ 1 tsp promise spread on each slice, 1 slice tomato, 2 slices cheese.<br /><br />Lunch:<br />1 bowl of spicy chicken baha soup from Sweet Peppers Deli<br />2 cups tortilla chips w/ spicy cheese dip<br />water<br /><br />Dinner:<br />3 cups spring mix salad mix<br />1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced<br />1/2 tomato, sliced<br />1/4 red onion, sliced thinly<br />1/4 cup homemade vinaigrette<br /><br />BG:<br />before breakfast = 135<br />at bedtime = 106<br /><br />Walking was good - I went for (3) 1.5 mile loops in 60 minutes. Got my heart rate up to 132 beats per minute max. I have to have my heartrate between 117 and 153 for it to be efficient. The walk has to be a minimum of 40 minutes at this rate for the walk to be benificial.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-87672988133638132412008-08-06T07:32:00.002-05:002008-08-06T07:33:22.666-05:00Walking Log for July 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem8Tl2SySmX8g7oXZLeUSqLQ7e5JEqNB__mCDChKLOWojRnK6W-DsluopOQGVv9ssf6ejwoBq1gaZb-7V3B2OpZa-rqW2IMCP9qee12ociV6XA2Iz-rVnN8OFWNcd1t19fkBXG7rJwGo/s1600-h/Walking+Log+July+2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231381779178137362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem8Tl2SySmX8g7oXZLeUSqLQ7e5JEqNB__mCDChKLOWojRnK6W-DsluopOQGVv9ssf6ejwoBq1gaZb-7V3B2OpZa-rqW2IMCP9qee12ociV6XA2Iz-rVnN8OFWNcd1t19fkBXG7rJwGo/s320/Walking+Log+July+2008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-91697394360818275542008-08-05T16:13:00.000-05:002008-08-05T16:14:11.763-05:00Diabetes Treatment & Insurance<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/business/05health.html?ref=business">Millions With Chronic Disease Get Little to No Treatment </a>Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-28999875890625166142008-08-05T15:21:00.002-05:002008-08-05T15:22:07.923-05:00“Study: Sugary Fruit Drinks and DiabetesAn Article in a recent USA Today Newspaper:<br /><br />“Study: Sugary Fruit Drinks and Diabetes<br /><br />A common belief is that consuming too much sugar gives you diabetes, when actually not much is known about how specific nutrients affect people’s risk of the disease. But a new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine adds to the evidence that sugar-sweetened fruit drinks might be as much to blame for higher type 2 diabetes rates as sugary soft drinks. And while sugary soft drinks appeared to raise the risk of type 2 diabetes by helping to pack on the pounds, the fruit drinks seemed to raise diabetes risk independent of weight gain.<br />Harvard and Boston University researchers followed 44,000 African-American women from 1995 through 2005. In 1995, the women were ages 21 to 69 and did not have diabetes. They completed questionnaires about what they ate and drank in 1995 to 2001. In addition, they provided updated information every other year about lifestyle factors such as smoking status and new diagnoses of serious illnesses.<br />Compared with women who drank less than one a month, the women who reported drinking two or more sugar-sweetened soft drinks a day had a 24% higher risk of diabetes, while those who drank two or more sugar-sweetened fruit drinks had a 31% high risk of diabetes.”Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-16386437672500063502008-08-05T15:21:00.001-05:002008-08-05T15:21:48.134-05:00Thin Mint Blizzard’s far from thinAn Article in the USA Today Newspaper recently:<br /><br />“Thin Mint Blizzard’s far from thin”<br /><br />“According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a large Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard contains more than 1,000 calories, a day’s worth of saturated fat and 31 teaspoons of sugar. CSPI says its like drinking two Big Mac’s.<br />Based on a calculation of a whole box of the mint cookies that the Girl Scouts sells: Eating an entire large thin mint cookie blizzard nearly equals eating a whole box of thin mints, which tops out at about 1,350 calories and two days’ worth of saturated fat”Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-50434075827850054362008-08-05T15:20:00.000-05:002008-08-05T15:21:12.133-05:00Getting Blood Drawn - Relax your handFrom a recent newspaper article in the USA Today:<br /><br />“If you’ve ever had blood drawn from your arm, you know the drill: Tourniquet in place around your upper arm, you clench your fist a few times to get the blood flow going.<br /> That might not be such a good idea, says a new study in the Annals of Clinical Biochemistry, Fist clenching seems to be one of the main reasons for falsely high potassium levels, a situation called pseudohypercalemia.<br /> Fist clenching does improve blood flow and make veins stick out, lead author Vanessa Thurlow told the BBC. But a lot of good that does if it results in a high potassium level that really isn’t, because that finding could mistakenly lead to further tests or treatment for impaired kidney function.<br /> A phlebotomist, someone who draws blood, told the BBC that a better technique is to ask patients to gently close their hand when the needle is being inserted and then open it. Oh, and tourniquet should be loosened once the blood starts flowing.”Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-77782846782281166702008-08-04T13:05:00.002-05:002008-08-04T13:09:46.042-05:00New Menu based on the "TLC Diet"Since my meeting with the Cardiologist, I have been using the "Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) Diet. This literally means -<br /><br />Eat lots of fruits and vegetabls and fish<br />Limit chicken to 3 servings per month<br />Limit pork to 2 servings per month<br />Limit beef to (1) 4-oz serving per month<br /><br />In addition, I have been getting daily exercise for at least 60 minutes each day since that meeting.<br /><br />I have noticed =<br />* increased energy<br />* hungery not all day<br />* loss of weight<br /><br />I also have to continue limiting myself to 200 mg of diatery intake of cholesterol each day, in order to reduce my cholesterol levels. this means that if I want an egg, it will have to be either the egg whites only or an egg substitute, since the yolk of one egg contains 249 mg of dietary cholesterol by itself.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-52612046981534565212008-08-04T13:00:00.002-05:002008-08-04T13:05:39.552-05:00Benign Essential Tremor and Blood SugarEver since Junior year in High School, 1986, I have been dealing with a symptom called "Benign Essential Tremor". This condition hinders me to only being able to write my name in script. Everything else I have to print. It gets worse if I am under stress. Caffiene does not affect the syndrome.<br /><br />Oddly enough, I have noticed that since I am lowering my blood sugar and also my weight, my nervousness tended to get worse. I find that strange.<br /><br />Anyone else have this happen to them?Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-39973660439231501752008-08-04T07:38:00.001-05:002008-08-04T07:40:33.997-05:00Blood Glucose Log for July 2008<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdMRc98T8I0gF-iWRFYu0JvKa4CwTP-UhFNCcXpq4ZULUD3uzy2UgnYKpv4DMSe5Sb7nfgY1FMJ-YUgoG1cDs0c9-sonY-ejIDFZjuJJOBCBnEe2xOwOlXKa-9IsLpLhXBJZcgwIYm4M/s1600-h/BG+Log+-+July+2008.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230641143528534690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMdMRc98T8I0gF-iWRFYu0JvKa4CwTP-UhFNCcXpq4ZULUD3uzy2UgnYKpv4DMSe5Sb7nfgY1FMJ-YUgoG1cDs0c9-sonY-ejIDFZjuJJOBCBnEe2xOwOlXKa-9IsLpLhXBJZcgwIYm4M/s320/BG+Log+-+July+2008.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This is the log of my blood glucose readings I took for July 2008.</div>Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-27822756847232702182008-07-31T07:39:00.001-05:002008-07-31T07:41:08.190-05:00These changes are good!!You can tell if you are losing weight - when you can fit into smaller clothes.<br /><br />I went to Target in Fultendale last night and found a pair of relax fit jeans size 42/32 and they fit great. My 2 other pair are sized 44/32 and 46/32.<br /><br />That can tell you a change right there.<br /><br />Now about the abdominal area. I gotta use my air rower more to slim the belly down. Then I can work on getting 2XL shirts instead of 3XL.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-2646644152331214212008-07-28T17:24:00.001-05:002008-07-28T17:25:36.075-05:00The Top 10 Heart CentersThe Top 10 Heart Centers<br /><br /><a href="http://hmatter.blogspot.com/2008/07/top-cardiac-centers-in-usa.html">http://hmatter.blogspot.com/2008/07/top-cardiac-centers-in-usa.html</a>Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-90209542439165995872008-07-28T17:06:00.002-05:002008-07-28T17:11:39.598-05:00Diary for 7-25-08 to 7-28-08These past 3 days have been a change. Gone are the days of eating 3 meals per day. I switch over to 5 smaller meals now.<br /><br />Gone are the days I don't go walking. I have walked each morning for 3 miles and each evening for 3 miles, except for 7-26-08, due to rain. But I worked inside the house all day.<br /><br />This mornings weight was 296.6 lb. Saturday, 7-25-08, the weight was 302 lb.<br /><br />My goal is to get down to 280 and then add jogging to my walking routine. I am going walking for 3 miles in the mornings out at my house and then am doing 3 miles at Heritage Park after work each day. Friday's, Saturdays and Sundays I go out by my house both times. Once it gets cooler during the daytime, I will go walking at lunch time as well - I know a route here at the office that I did last fall.<br /><br />Drinking lots of water, and eating small meals - the weight is coming down.<br /><br />I intend to have more weight off by the time I go back to the doctor's in October and November 2008.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-70951665131114812382008-07-25T15:35:00.002-05:002008-07-25T15:49:46.763-05:00Daily post for 7-25-08 Day 1Day 1:<br /><br />This is my first full day on a new plan. It started with me getting up at 6 am and taking my sugar reading. It came in at 128. I then got myself ready, ate a simple sandwich, took my medication and then went for a brisk walk. The walk was good. It was a little cool, a little humid. There was a light breeze blowing. I got interesting looks from the neighboring cows as they watched me walk past them on the road. A few people zipped by fast this morning, but a few others actually slowed down to pass me. That made me happier seeing them slow down to pass me. Anyway, the walk lasted a brisk 60 minutes. I covered 4 miles round-trip. After returning from the walk, I took a shower and then did a blood pressure check. Following that, I read the newspaper from yesterday. Then I got ready and went on my errands in Town, including a light lunch. After checking a few things here on the internet, I will stop at Food World to pick up a few items for dinner. Then it's off to home, with more meds for high blood pressure. Planned on doing some reading, then taking my cholesterol medicine. Bedtime is around 10 pm.<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />2 slices 40-calorie bread, toasted<br />1 tbsp meat spread<br />1 slice low-fat cheddar cheese<br />4 oz. pomegranite juice<br />16 oz. water<br /><br />during walk = 16 oz water w/ crystal light<br /><br />after walk = 1 whole peach, 16 oz water<br /><br />Lunch:<br />2 slices 40-calorie bread<br />1 tbsp meat spread<br />16 oz water<br />3 cups chicken tortilla soup (from Sweet Peppers Deli) in a bread bowl<br />32 oz water w/ lemon<br /><br />Dinner:<br />2 cups mixed salad<br />1/2 white sliced onion<br />1/2 green bell pepper, sliced<br />1/2 tomato, sliced<br />homemade vinaigrette<br />1 filet tilapia fish (4 oz)<br />steamed vegetables<br />brown rice pilaf w/ onions and bell pepper<br />1 tbsp diced tomatoes<br />1 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese<br />1 glass red wine<br /><br />Dessert:<br />1/2 cup cottage cheese<br />1/2 cup fresh blueberries<br /><br />Blood Sugar Reading:<br />Pre-BK: 128<br />Pre-L: 102<br /><br />Exercise:<br />60 min brisk walking this morning, 4 milesDirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-9928487570485154192008-07-25T15:26:00.002-05:002008-07-25T15:35:11.347-05:00A Reason for everythingThere is a reson I called yesterday's blog "Day 1".<br /><br />My reason is this: That is the first day I fully understand what my decisions over the past 10 years have done.<br /><br />Now, my goals are to:<br /><br />1. Walk briskly every day at least 60 minutes.<br />2. Eat a healthy menu consisting of: bread, grains, dairy, vegetables, fruit, protein.<br />3. Lose weight to better my Blood Sugar Control.<br />4. Lose weight to get my High Blood Pressure down.<br />5. Eating a healthy menu will also help me to reduce my cholesterol.<br /><br />But the biggest goal:<br /><br />Enjoy Life!<br /><br />So that is why I am writing an article, which I hope will be published in the local Cullman Times. I will also post it here.<br /><br />I find that by writing down what I eat, how much I walk, what my sugar is, what my blood pressure is - all of these things hold me accountable. But just writing them down on a sheet of paper is not enough. At the beginning I did a daily blog noting these things. Then I strayed away from it.<br /><br />But now I am committed to going back to doing a daily blog.<br /><br />By blogging about what I do every day, not only do I hold myself accountable with what is written, but I hold myself accountable by the fact that others can see what I write. And that is what I am after.<br /><br />In addition, I want others to be aware of their medical conditions and to make the decision to go the doctor and get checked. Don't wait 10 years before something happens to go to the doctor. Don't wait until you have a heart attack or mini-stroke before you go. Go Now!!!!!<br /><br />Stay tuned.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-17316288453527323702008-07-24T16:46:00.002-05:002008-07-24T16:59:46.340-05:00Day 1 for new health & FitnessHere are the results of the Cardiologists meeting today:<br /><br />My poor diet 8-10 years ago here where I ate the typical American Diet, finally caught up to me.<br /><br />She basically stated to me that she sees me as someone who, without diabetes, is a prime candidate for by-pass surgery. That scared me.<br /><br />So here are her requirements:<br /><br />Per Requirements of the Cardiologist:<br /><br />Lose weight NOW!<br />Watch what you eat and portions!<br />Keep Dietary Cholesterol less than 200 mg each day.<br />Walk 1 hour each day briskly!<br /><br />Why -<br />I am currently at 299 lbs, officially.<br />I have a possible problem with sleep apnea (this was back when I was 375). A portion of the heart shows some thickening. This could be a result of sleep apnea. A study will be done at a later time.<br /><br />I have to get better on my sugar control, try to get the morning number down closer to 100.<br /><br />I have to get my cholesterol down to less than 100 for the LDL. It currently sits at 148.<br /><br />Also, when I have insurance for a few months, Dr. Varquez recommended I get an MRI done, to rule out a mini-stroke. She says CAT scans are not that good in detecting mini-strokes and are a general hospital diagnostic test.<br /><br />Use the TLC Diet for my diet.<br /><br />That is it.<br /><br />Next meeting with the cardiologist is in November 2008.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-61649525407088161442008-07-23T07:41:00.002-05:002008-07-23T07:41:56.927-05:00Echocardiogram ClarificationThis is the type of Echocardiogram I had done in the hospital:<br /><br />Transthoracic echocardiogram. This is a standard, noninvasive echocardiogram. A technician (sonographer) spreads gel on your chest and then presses a device known as a transducer firmly against your skin, aiming an ultrasound beam through your chest to your heart. The transducer records the sound wave echoes your heart produces. A computer converts the echoes into moving images on a monitor. If your lungs or ribs obscure the view, a small amount of intravenous dye may be used to improve the images.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-26268437899343146202008-07-23T07:34:00.002-05:002008-07-23T07:40:15.352-05:00UpdateThis morning my sugar was 118, with a reading of 89 yesterday evening before dinner. I am trying to eat mainly salads with no carbs for dinner to see if I can get my sugar down in the mornings.<br /><br />My weight is still holding at 299.<br /><br />As for my appointment with my Cardiologist, that is tomorrow afternoon at 1:45 pm. Yesterday at my lunchtime, I gave Cullman Family Practice, who is my primary care doctor group, authorization to send a copy of my medical records to Dr. Varquez's office. Dr Varquez is my cardiologist.<br /><br />I also asked my mom yesterday about heart disease in the family and she told me that it runs all on my dad's side. Her side has no heart disease. To date, my dad's youngest brother Martin Baeuerle, was the youngest to have a heart attack. My dad started taking meds for hypertension, cholesterol and tryglicerides around 39-40. He died of a heart attack at age 60. I don't know if he had any warning signs as he never spoke openly about his health.<br /><br />I will do another post tomorrow after the meeting for the update.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9047445820495537262.post-23611339678364013582008-07-17T14:54:00.002-05:002008-07-17T14:58:01.871-05:00Fitness for this week 7/14 to 7/20 2008So far this week, I have gone walking 2 times for about 2-3 miles each time. I also have used my indoor Air Rowing machines 2 times for 10-15 minutes each. I am working on getting back up to 30 minutes in one session.<br /><br />My goal is to go walking each morning for a minimum of 30-40 minutes and up to 1 hour. Also, I am setting a goal of using the Rowering machine every night for 30 minutes.<br /><br />My overall fitness reward: To do the Cotton Row 5k in Huntsville next year. At a bare minimum, I will run the 2 mile fun run. I am doing this with a friend of mine together, so that is keeping me going.Dirk Baeuerlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17484326786775078064noreply@blogger.com0