Personal Reality Check

This blog is a personal reality check.  I am 61 years old, nearing retirement, and my health is poor.  This week I went to the hospital for a kidney stone and spent several thousand dollars for a few hours in the ER.  They didn't find anything but guessed it was a kidney stone too small to see on the cat scan.  I have had the flu for the last week and I have had a lot of time to think about health and retirement.  I have a movie on iTunes called "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead".  That is how I feel today.

So, this blog is going to be a record of my journey back to health.  It is really a selfish act in that I want to live longer and have an active life style in retirement.  It is also a gift to my wife who is worried about me and wants me to get healthy.  I am hoping that this change in our lifestyle will improve her health also.

If you are in a similar situation and I think many are at this stage in life, feel free to follow along.  I will offer advice and post results.

My current status:

1.  Overweight:  220 lbs at 5'7".

2.  Medical problems:  High blood pressure and diabetes

3.  I seem to be aging rapidly with "wisdom" spots (liver spots) and blotchy skin on my forearms

Current approach to improving my health:  Dr. Joel Fuhrman's Eat to Live diet and exercise.

I am using the following 3 books:

1.  3 Steps to Increadible Health - Workbook, Dr. Fuhrman

2.  3 Steps to Increadible Health - Volume 1, Dr. Fuhrman

3.  3 Steps to Increadible Health - Volume 2, Dr. Fuhrman

Dr. Fuhman's website:  http://www.drfuhrman.com/

My goal is too lose weight (<170 lbs), eliminate health problems if possible, and be active and healthy.