Quarterly update on my New Year’s Resolution

This year, for the first time, I shared my New Year’s resolution, which was published here on January 3, 2008. But I did it primarily as a public service announcement (PSA). Moreover, with my doctor’s collaboration, I am committed to writing quarterly updates on my progress to inspire (though more likely to commiserate with) all of you who are struggling to fulfill similar resolutions.

Accordingly, here are some excerpts from my original article, followed by my first update:

I have always been blessed with good health – especially since I began swimming competitively at age 9. Therefore, I’ve never felt the need to join the madding crowd of yo-yo dieters making New Year’s resolutions to lose weight….

But that all changed recently when my doctor summoned me for a consultation on the results of my latest physical exam. In short, she informed me that I’m fat, and I that need to lose weight…40lbs to be exact….

Far more troubling, however, is the self-delusion that allowed me to gain 40lbs (up to 210) and still think that I was every bit as fit as when I weighed 170…. My cholesterol is over 300 and I’m presenting all of the early-stage symptoms of kidney and heart problems that took my Mummy’s life at the unforgivably young age of 64.

Therefore, I have resolved to lose all 40lbs by this time next year.

Finally, I had my first prostate exam…. I was so traumatized that I can’t even imagine having another one for at least another 10 years! (But seriously, if you’re over 40, I urge you to discuss the importance of prostate exams with your doctor.)

UPDATE

Last week I tipped the scale at 203 – down from 210 in January. Unfortunately, this 203 was up from the 196 I weighed in early February; which means that for every 2 pounds I lost, I gained one back (i.e., two steps forward, one back).

My cholesterol is 270 (LDL: 190, HDL: 64), down from 325. Nevertheless, my doctor is so concerned about the lack of progress here that she mentioned that dreaded word: “statins.” Even more troubling, however, is the erectile dysfunction associated with them. After all, I’ve heard enough about Lipitor, Zocor and Crestor to know what a downer they can be…down there.

Therefore, if I have to go on statins to get my cholesterol down, I might have to go on Viagra to get my (you know what) up!

Meanwhile, my pulse at rest is 58 (no change), and my blood pressure is 125/70 – down from 135/80. In fact, the rest of my blood-work results turned out fine.

But that’s enough information about me (next update in late June). How are you coming along?

NOTE: We are suffering a pandemic of obesity (and related complications) worldwide. Therefore, I urge you to commit to annual physical exams (complete with tests for HIV and other STDs). And this applies especially to black men in Africa and the Caribbean where there seems to be a cultural belief that one visits the doctor only for emergency care. Because I am a living example of the fact that, despite daily exercise, we are all vulnerable to that silent killer – CHOLESTEROL.

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