My Doctor's List - A Prescription for Exercise

Last Friday was my 4th visit to my doctor since beginning this new exercise journey in early April 2010. According to my doctor's records I had lost 27 pounds (over 30 pounds at Lifepointe) since she started tracking the impact of exercise on my health. And I must admit, I feel pretty good.  I tell her that even though I am still quite heavy, I don't feel as winded or tired after exercise. She says that the exercise has most likely impacted my endurance. I feel certain she is experiencing this journey with me. (I feel fortunate that we have such a good relationship.)

As my doctor began reading and checking off each medication regulating cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, heart health, kidney function, and more, I could see that one more medication had been added to the end of her list. It made me smile out loud. Here is how the list of medications read in my chart:

Metformin 500
Niaspan (and an aspirin) 1000/day
Fish Oil - 3 1000
Lantus - 50 units at night
Valturna - 300/day
Coreg - 625 twice daily
Welcohl - 3 pills, twice daily
Vitamin D3
Exercise

When she got to the end of the list, she asked about my prescription for exercise. I told her about my workout schedule and commitment to exercising 5 times per week - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I mentioned the importance of my work with a trainer two nights a week because "he pushes me in ways I cannot push myself." I told her about the water aerobics that I plan with my friend/colleague Deb, and about the strength training using the Human Sport machines and and cardio exercises I work on individually, two times each week.  

I have spent these last 6-8 months getting a sense of this exercise plan, with the help of very capable health coaches/trainers, and it is obviously making significant difference in my life. I celebrate (a happy, happy dance inside my head) and think to myself "there's no doubt about it, I have come a long way, baby!"

Submitted on Sunday, December 12, 2010.

P.S. Happy Birthday daughter Catherine. I love you!