I had a physical last month along with bloodwork. My triglyserides were sky high.

She told me I was at risk for a heart attack and that she'd give me a few months to make major changes, otherwise I would have to go on medication for diabetes.

Well, that hit me like a shovel upside the head.

I quit smoking immediately by going on the patch. So far, so good.

I've cut way down on fried foods, breads, and drinking alcohol though I wasn't exactly a big time drinker before. I even cut out the Mountain Dews and Monster drinks and switched to the Diet sodas.

Getting back into the gym hasn't been as easy though I did go once, I've instead been going for walks. I will get my lard butt back into the gym though, I just find it so hard to get myself to the door. Once I'm in there, no problem.

FYI, I have seriously damaged legs from an accident five years ago. I can walk, even dance if that's what you want to call it.

We'll see how things go. My dad just turned 70 and had a major stroke a few years back and a minor stroke a few months ago but is doing fine now. Mom is alive and well so the family history isn't as bad as some.

Don, 45 yrs old

DON!! Wow man...talk about doing a 360 from a wake up call! Wow...

I hear ya on the getting to the door part. In my case, I don't have to go anywhere (for now), but I do have to convince myself to get into my clothes. Once I'm in the clothes, I'm golden. But I literally have to talk--out loud--to my self to go upstairs and get dressed. lol...To anyone standing outside my doors, I'm sure I sound like a loon.

Congratulations on quitting smoking!

You can do it, and you will feel so much better in a few months.

Good job, Don! Keep it up. I know it's hard, but you seem determined and that's half the battle, bro.

Well, with the help of the patch, I've been able to stay off the cigarettes. I think I've done much better with the garbage food but if a patch comes along for that, I stick one of them on too. Unfortunately, there's plenty of room which I guess is the problem, isn't it?

Don