weight loss and snow

We already discussed the need to NOT use the next 48 hours as an episode of The Cooking Channel, but this morning's entry will focus more on health considerations.

Every year, many people experience their heart attacks or even death while shoveling snow. The combination of undetected corornary artery disease, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity (smoking, high cholesterol, age over 60, family history of heart disease and being a male are the other ris factors) and extreme exertion under inclement conditions can make the "perfect storm" so to speak for a massive myocardial infarction.

I implore everyone out there to warn anyone you know who fits the above description to NOT get out there to do lots of heavy snow removel. If you have the resources, hire the multitude of people ringing doorbells looking for this work....they need the money lots and lets you stay inside. No macho stuff...let others do it. If you have children, put them to work (unless they are young enough to be considered too young for this of course).

If you do go out and feel ANY shortness of breath, chest pressure, dizziness, IMMEDIATELY stop and go back into the warm house and if symptoms persist, do NOT attribute it to "gas"...call 911,

Use this time in the house to exercise, and read the 650 blog entire I have written. Nah, exercise, read the ones last week you missed, watch some movies and plan some fun meals that are creative yet low-caloric. And most of all be careful and do not put your hralth at risk .