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A Continuing, Monthly Journal
of People and Places
Along Bay County, Michigan's Rail Trail System
Enhance your health, stretch your mind, embrace your community; hit the Trail.
by Dave Goss
3-15-08
Dear friends,
Spring is in the air! The temperature is in the 40's, the sun is shining in a clear, blue sky. I am convinced that few people can appreciate the spring of the year any more than we do right here in the middle of Michigan. The winter has been long and harsh at times. The snows have covered the terrain since November, and now they are receding, giving sunlight to the grasses and the flowers. Betty, our faithful dog, Brutus and I, have been out on the Rail Trail daily. The Canada Goose is taking wing. There is optimism in the air.
In this newsletter, I would like to chronicle an event that took place just a few weeks ago, in hopes that my experience might be a sort of wake-up call to some of you.
First of all, let me give you a brief, personal health history. I am now 60 years of age. In the winter of 2001, I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease, or hyperthyroidism, which explained my earlier diagnosis of Atrial-Fibrillation. The onset of all of this ill health was not because of poor health habits. My wife, Betty and I do watch what we eat, though I did have the tenancy to drink a few more beers than I should have. During the spring and summer, we bike daily, putting as many as 100 to 120 miles a week on the Rail Trail. We camp, we fish, we hike, work in the garden, we spend as many hours outdoors as possible.
There is one culprit that needs to be included whenever you assess your overall health: genetics. The Goss family has a terrible genetic pool for heart disease. My dad and three of his brothers died at the young age of 61 from heart disease. You might think this has been a source of anxiety, being 60, as the ominous number of 61 approaches. But, I hadn't really pondered the subject at great length; being one who believes in living life with few regrets. My thoughts have been that if I manage my life well and take reasonable care of myself, the number 61 has no meaning. I received some first-hand knowledge of what it feels like to have the hounds nipping at your heels, several times in my life. The latest was just a just a few weeks ago.
February 29, 2008
A Matter of Life
I had been feeling “under the weather,” you might say, for some time. I had flu symptoms, with the achiness and congestion that comes with the many viruses that come under the heading of influenza. My neck, back, shoulders, hips knees, feet and chest ached. My chest felt full, and hurt during inhalation. On a Friday morning, after having flu symptoms for almost two weeks, I felt particularly terrible.
Betty (my wife of 39 years,) insisted that I go to the emergency room at Bay Regional Medical Center, since our family doctor was not available. The wait was very short. They checked me over really well and found nothing that could explain the pain. Dr. Islam, a cardiologist affiliated with the Michigan Cardiovascular Institute, that was familiar with my medical history, came in on consult. She talked with me for a few moments and advised that I receive a heart cath. I had the heart cath. They found a 95% blockage in one of my arteries. Dr. Mattichak performed the heart cath. I had been given a “feel good” injection intravenously and talked during the whole procedure, telling jokes and stories. There is something about the drug that they give you before surgery that makes me talkative and somewhat giddy. It was not near the negative experience that you might believe it to be. I felt no pain from the actual procedure. An incision was made in the groin, where an instrument was passed through the artery to my heart. An angioplasty was performed, a stent was inserted, and it was all over in around 20 minutes. I could feel the pain in my chest subside as soon as the stent was in place.
Just like that, these incredible people saved my life. I thank all of them from the bottom recesses of my now healthier heart, for saving my life. Dr. Islam, Dr. Mattichak, and all of the people who took part in the procedure, you are all worthy of great esteem. These people who are probably not on your Christmas list, who stand as guardians over our health and our lives, deserve a tribute. Thank You.
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Dr. Islam
Cardiologist |
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Dr. Mattichek, Cardiologist
performed heart cath |
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E.R. STAFF |
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Dr. Parsons
E.R. physician |
Jody Hages
E.R. staff |
Joan Kiebaum
E.R. staff |
Views of the artery, above, with 95% blockage and
after the angioplasty and stent insertion.
It was explained to me by Marjory, one of the nurses, that everyone has different symptoms preceding a heart attack. Although I did not have an actual heart attack, it was most certainly imminent. The bottom line is: if you think you may be having a heart attack, DO SOMETHING. Don't wait until you fall over. Everyone has different symptoms.
As you may already know, I am an advocate of a healthy lifestyle, of daily exercise, and I openly promote the use of our Rail Trail system. I was blindsided by this health event. I will try to be more observant in the future. None of us know for sure how many grains of sand remain in our hour glass. We can only do the best with the time that we have. I feel most fortunate that I am here, and it invigorates me to know that some of the symptoms that I have been feeling for the past year or so, aren't just symptoms of older age. My wife and I look with renewed vigor at the prospect of again riding the Rail Trail this spring. I have heard it said many times when a person somehow has a close brush with mortality: Every day is now special, and is greeted with optimism.
Unprepared
I would like to share a story with you that actually took place in July, 2002.
On a Sunday afternoon in late July, the air was hot and heavy. Betty was at a church meeting, and I, on the spur of the moment, decided to take a bike ride on the Pere Marquette Rail Trail out of Sanford. I threw my old, 1979 Schwinn Super Le Tour in the back of my pickup and drove to the trail head in Sanford. Since it was on the spur of the moment, I did not plan the trip carefully, but just threw two bottles of water into my bike pack, along with some sun screen and took off. I gave no thought to the fact that on the previous week, I had loaned my extra inner tube, and my co2 cartridges to a friend, and failed to get them back. Wearing only a pair of deck shoes with cotton socks on my feet, I would ride the 24 miles from Sanford, to Coleman and back; a distance of 24 miles.
I was taking the shorter trip because of the time of the day, and the heavy curtain of hot air that afternoon. My Super Le Tour has become an extension of my body. I have ridden the old bike over 35,000 miles since I bought it in 1979.
I headed out the trail around 6:45 in the afternoon. Once away from the city, I picked up a comfortable pace. It was surprising how few bikers were on the trail. The heat was in the high 90's and the humidity stifling. I had been moving at a good pace, but even with the wind cooling me all the way there, my clothes were soaked when I reached the trail head in Coleman. The humid blanket of air was suffocating once I stopped. I sat on a wooden swing that is provided in the small park and drank a full bottle of water. I refilled the water bottle, then headed back to Sanford.
The thought crossed my mind that it would be a “worst case” scenario if I should happen to have a flat at this point of my bike ride. I was 12 miles from my truck in Sanford. Betty was at a church meeting. I had no cell phone. I had deck shoes on, with flat soles and no cushion but a pair of cotton socks. Bang! It was as loud as the report of a rifle. My rear tire had blown out. I chastised myself for being so careless as to go biking on a Sunday night without a tire repair kit, or a spare inner tube. I had been biking long enough to know better.
I pushed my bike for about ½ mile, before realizing that it was not a good idea. The flat tire gave too much resistance that would compound itself over the next 11 ½ miles. I hid the Super Le Tour in the high grasses next to the trail, and would return for it once I reached my truck.
The asphalt was too hot and too hard for my unprotected feet, so I began walking in the loose gravel on the side of the trail. The ¼ inch of rubber sole on my deck shoes was fine for the deck of a sailboat, but totally inadequate for hiking. I could feel every stone that I stepped on. I could feel the chaffing on the pads of both feet after walking only a few miles. There was a bed and breakfast on the south side of the trail that I have always used as a half-way marker for progress along the trail. I stopped at a bench near a kiosk and looked at the large blisters that were forming on both pads of my feet. They were full of fluid and both were ready to burst. I had only a small amount of water left in one of the bottles that I had brought. I had hoped to buy several bottles of water from a small store across the road from the B&B, but unfortunately, it was closed.
The next 6 miles were quite uncomfortable. Both blisters on the pads of my feet broke, adding considerable pain to my slow progress. It was more of a mechanical movement to put one foot in front of the other as I walked on in the heat. I considered myself to be quite physically fit at the time, but I was wasted, tired and dehydrated by the time I approached the trail head in Sanford. It was getting dark. I got into my truck and drove to a nearby ice cream store that I noticed was open. I was soaked with sweat when I walked into the small restaurant with a noticeable limp. There were several young children in line at the counter that could not seem to take their eyes off me. I felt weak and dry. There was a small drinking fountain there. I drank my fill, then sat on a chair and waited my turn at the order counter. I ordered a large malt.
When I look back at this experience, I chastise myself for being so naive as to think I could bike any distance without the proper equipment: extra inner tubes, co2 cartridges, a bike tool kit, a first aid kit. I have resisted carrying a cell phone. I have had too many quiet moments disturbed by the annoying jingle that alerts my wife of an incoming call. I don't like the idea of being instantly available to anyone who might want to chit-chat. But the flip-side to that thinking is that in an emergency, they can be quite helpful. I still don't carry a cell phone, unless I feel that it is absolutely necessary. But, I no longer wear deck shoes when I am biking.
With spring coming, I thought I would offer a favorite recipe using one of our favorite spring vegetables. This is a delicious recipe, and it's also good for you.
Asparagus Chowder
Source: Fine Cooking
Ingredients:
2 medium leeks- white part only, cleaned and chopped (about 2 ½ cups)
1 tablespoon butter, or soy margarine
4 cups vegetable stock, or stock of choice
1 pound new potatoes, unpeeled, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
2 pounds asparagus- cleaned, trimmed and cut into ½ in pieces
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup half-and-half, or soy milk
¼ cup fresh parsley- finely chopped
Method
1.In a heavy-bottom pot, saute' the leeks in butter over medium heat until soft, but not brown, 6 to 7 minutes.
2.Add the stock, potatoes, salt, and thyme. Cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until potatoes can easily be pierced with a fork, (about 15 minutes)
3.Add the asparagus and pepper, and simmer uncovered until the asparagus are cooked, (about 10 minutes.)
4.Transfer half the solids to a blender or food processor. Add the half-and-half or soy milk and puree' until smooth. Return the mixture to pot and bring to a simmer over low heat. Serve hot, garnish with fresh parsley.
Can Playing Scrabble Make You Healthier?
I found an article on the internet awhile back titled: “Older Adults Who Stay Social Have More Brain Power.” A study authored by Teresa Seeman, Ph.D, found that social support seems to have a positive effect, helping to maintain (mental) function as we age.
Another article by Mark Moran, stated: “Friendships and supportive emotional relationships of all kinds may be crucial for maintaining memory and thinking ability as we age.”
After reading these articles, I immediately thought of Betty's relatives (on both sides,) who have a history of long and useful lives. Her grandma Fowler, lived to the age of 96, and was always knitting, cooking, or doing something new and interesting. Her great aunt May, lived 104 lucid and productive years. Betty's parents, who are both vigorous people in their mid 80's, are always doing new and interesting things. Betty plays a nightly game of Scrabble with her mother, whenever they are together. Her dad is always looking for a challenge, a crossword puzzle, or something to fix.
You can see a common thread in much of the family: their social sense of family are very strong, and they are always learning and experiencing new things.
The brain seems to work like a muscle, which needs to be exercised to keep fit.
“Quotes”
Among politicians, the esteem of religion is profitable, the principals of it are troublesome.
- Benjamin Whichcote,
Moral and Religious Aphorisms, 1753
There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture in the lonely shore,
There is a society where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar.
I love not man the less, but nature more.
-Lord Byron
O, wondrous bird is the pelican,
His beak will hold more than his belican.
He takes in his beak
Enough food for a week,
But I'm darned if I know how the helican.
- Dixon Merritt
The upright, honest-hearted man
Who strives to do the best he can,
Need never fear the church's ban
Or hell's damnation.
- Robert Burns- 1799
Every increased possession loads us with a new weariness.
- John Ruskin
What an empty existence it would be, to be a member of the British Royal Family. You are revered from birth; not because of the person you've become, or something that you have done for humanity, science, nature or art. But, simply because you were born in a palace.
- D.A. Boggdweller
I watched a program on PBS last week. It was a documentary on the daily existence of a family that lived near a vast, municipal dump, just outside of Mexico City. They spent every waking moment of their lives, sifting trough the garbage looking for something to eat. It really lessened my urgency to fret about the weeds in my lawn.
- D.A. Boggdweller
To quote an old cowboy and his wife: “Happy trails to you, until we meet again!”
See you next month.
If you have any comments, or ideas for Life Along the Trail, please contact me at: boggdweller@yahoo.com.
Good Things From the Galley
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