By | 5 Feb 2015

Gail Mates

I spent most of my life watching heart disease strike family members.

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Both grandfathers died of heart attacks, my father suffered from several and even my mother had an enlarged heart and hypertension that made her susceptible. When my father had a stroke, I witnessed firsthand the depression and fear that he felt. It was heart wrenching to watch.

In my own life, health issues were mounting. High cholesterol, high triglycerides, diabetes, sleep apnea, esophagus surgery and a metabolic syndrome were just a few of the hurdles I faced. I was digging my grave with a knife and fork!

I knew my life was going downhill, but nurturing was something I did for others, not myself. It wasn’t until my daughter pled with me to make a change that I finally listened. My daughter told me through tears that I was killing myself and that she wanted me to be here for her children.

Diet was the first area I tackled. I began eating ‘live’ foods, shopping on the outside of the grocery store instead of the inner aisles of canned and boxed foods. Exercise came slower, but it was the pace I wanted to set because I knew that doing too much, too soon would backfire. I started with 5 minutes of exercise a week and was soon able to fulfill my dream of completing a 5k run.

Almost 60 pounds lighter, I am changing my heart every step of the way. My diabetes, high cholesterol and triglycerides, sleep apnea, and esophagus are all great now! I don’t make excuses; I just do what I need to do. If it’s snowing outside and I can't get to the gym, I simply walk around my living room and bedroom. If you can make it easy, you can find a way.

There’s one thing that keeps me going – the smile on my daughter’s face. I plan to be here for a long long time.

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Advocate State - VA Advocate State - DC Advocate Issue - CVD Prevention Obesity Prevention Advocate Stories

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Nathan Thomas commented 2021-03-21 21:45:49 -0400
Thank you, AHA, for your support.

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