Yes, I am approaching the subject of heart health. Kevin has been a long time high blood pressure patient where as I have been a low pressure individual. Recently we both came face to face with hereditary factors which were frightening, stressful and saddening.

Back in November, my Dad went in for a stress test of which was followed by approximately 6 weeks of hospital and in-patient rehabilitation. He had to have quadruple bypass surgery. My father is a mountain, an invincible force who is always there for everyone. In his 80’s still working and doing things a 50 year old would be doing. We always thought him to be strong as an ox so seeing him in such a state was one of the most heart wrenching situations I have personally dealt with. Thankfully he came through it all and is well on the way to many more years of being the family patriarch. His diet has of course had to change and regular exercise has been added to his routine but he is back to most of his regular activities and we are so grateful.

Kevin’s father who at the same age as my father was suffering much more debilitating health issues. He had bypass surgery many years earlier and was a long time hypertension patient. He also suffered from Parkinson’s disease. During visits with his Dad he told Kevin he wished he had done a lot of things differently and taking his health more serious was high on that list. It was with a great sadness that we shortly after were saying our final goodbyes. Kevin’s father passed away in January.

These situations were separated by a very short two months time. It really can put ones health at the forefront of your mind. This is were we are at today. Lessons learned are that even though someone looks healthy on the outside being followed closely by a physician who knows your family history. That healthy dietary habits and regular exercise are an important part of a long and healthy life. That taking control of these things is important and although they may not be easy must be faced head on. A lesson from Kevin’s father and one that has been heard and read many times over the years. In the end we only regret the things we did not do. Taking care of yourself should never be something you don’t do.

So what are we doing? What’s our plan? I took the time to sit and do some research on my own and although we need to buckle down and find a well fitted primary care physician we also need to take our health into our own hands. This starts with diet and exercise. I found a diet framework I am working with in addition to adding high antioxidant foods to our diets, supplements and of course cutting our salt and fat intake. The no salt thing for me is hard. He on the other hand prefers bland food but loves any and all cheese. In addition to changing eating habits exercise also makes a heart healthy. We’ve started with just walking about a mile every day. Kevin was all over saying that all he does all day is move around and thought that to be enough. It took some explaining and convincing to have him better understand that walking a mile nonstop briskly is not the same as walking leisurely back and for on a job.

It has been three weeks and being more conscience about what we are putting into our bodies along with daily cardio exercise, that brisk walking, Kevin has lost 6 1/2 lbs. He feels better and we intend on this being a lifestyle change that will remain. Cutting out or minimizing things like caffeine, red meat, prepared foods either processed from the grocery store, fast food or restaurants. Limiting alcohol to maybe 2 drinks a day only on weekends and adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grain carbs and foods high in potassium and other nutrients that help reduce hypertension. Being sure to eat regularly throughout the day and working on distressing your lifestyle.

I hope to share some recipe and menus we are adopting as part of this transition to healthy living and naturally decreasing blood pressure. Taking our health as a number one priority is one of the best things we can do to live a long, productive and relatively sane lifestyle on a homestead.

xo