[oneclickplus]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Depending on what your conditions, chronic issues are, yes!

I’m in my early 60s, and have take several meds for various conditions (high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, etc) since my 30s.

Doctors have never really discussed lifestyle changes with me, but have always been quick to prescribe meds to “mask” the symptoms.

I started researching my various conditions a few years back. I began to focus on diet (get rid of sugars, seed oils, processed foods, high-carb foods), began a focused exercise routine, brought weight down to a BMI of 22.5.

Today, is a red-letter day. I was told to get off my final med, as all my numbers are in very good to excellent range. No longer pre-diabetic. Cholesterol excellent. Blood pressure in very good range. Inflammation eliminated. Lots of energy, sleeping great. How many people in their early 60s can claim this!

I’m posting this as an encouragement to many out there that feel they will be on these meds for life. There is a way off for some. I realize that everyone’s situation is different, and some need to stay on their meds. But for others, there is a way off, through being laser-focused on diet/exercise/weight.

Agreed!! And a big practical part of achieving these goals is to cut / eliminate sugar and alcohol. A lifestyle change indeed for many. I'm also down to zero meds with exercise & weight loss. Yes, we are all different. But, for many, this is achievable.

[mraines]

Originally Posted by DARFAP

The focus on cholesterol is a stone age idea to support statins. There are plenty of books written by doctors who have awakened to this narrative that put this myth to rest. Like the OP learned, get off / significantly reduce carbs, quit seed oils, and start eating meat /eggs/ all those things they have told you will give you high cholesterol. There's a whole other world out here. No need to continue to suffer needlessly. Congrats OP!

Lipitor almost killed my mother. I refused to go on statins. I tried watching my diet but some things are hereditary. I finally went on a med that is not a statin. I exercise and try to eat healthy. I don't understand people who would rather eat all the wrong things all the time and sit on a couch.

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Depending on what your conditions, chronic issues are, yes!

I’m in my early 60s, and have take several meds for various conditions (high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, etc) since my 30s.

Doctors have never really discussed lifestyle changes with me, but have always been quick to prescribe meds to “mask” the symptoms.

I started researching my various conditions a few years back. I began to focus on diet (get rid of sugars, seed oils, processed foods, high-carb foods), began a focused exercise routine, brought weight down to a BMI of 22.5.

Today, is a red-letter day. I was told to get off my final med, as all my numbers are in very good to excellent range. No longer pre-diabetic. Cholesterol excellent. Blood pressure in very good range. Inflammation eliminated. Lots of energy, sleeping great. How many people in their early 60s can claim this!

I’m posting this as an encouragement to many out there that feel they will be on these meds for life. There is a way off for some. I realize that everyone’s situation is different, and some need to stay on their meds. But for others, there is a way off, through being laser-focused on diet/exercise/weight.

Congratulations! I personally know this isn’t easy to do living here because of all of the junk food we are facing at every social event, restaurant, etc.

I had accomplished what you have before I moved here 2 years ago, but have fallen off the keto wagon and am back to square one now with HBP, prediabetes, inflammation, and weight gain after having lost 25 lbs and lowering my A1C from 6.4 to 5.6 just from change in diet prior to our move. It’s been tough finding the motivation to get back on track.

I’ll be 72 next week, and will use your post as the kick in the butt I needed. Thank you for sharing!

[La lamy]

Totally agree that docs are way too eager to prescribe pills instead of encouraging lifestyle changes. I'm fortunate to have grown up in a health conscious family where healthy food and getting outside for daily exercise was the norm. After menopause I started developing digestive issues and doc said I should go on meds. I chose to do a daily diet log instead. Figured out what made me feel pain/throat closing after a few weeks, made the changes, no meds needed. Food is our best pharmaceutical if well chosen!

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Michael great news you should get healthy home town article in DS. I am guessing you have taken into account, your health improved with retirement because less stress? More time to be active, better food choices instead of fast junk because you were working.

Our group of 26 retired from healthcare post working 2 years of pandemic the same month.
19 have lost weight, reduced meds. We all still have sleep issues, after years of trauma call.
Have endless hours to fill, but lower stress levels.
We now live to eat, no longer eat to live whatever we can swallow in 10 minutes.

Yes - so true! I loved my job and was totally obsessed with my career. Didn’t realize until after I retired that I was stressed out each day (positive stress not negative stress, as I was consumed with my career 24/7, always thinking, planning, strategizing - your body reacts the same to positive or negative stress). It wasn’t until after I retired that I realized how much stress affected my health negatively. I now sleep way better, as my mind now naturally shuts off at bedtime, not thinking about the next work day. As you said, I am now focused on my exercise and diet way more than when I was working. I love to cook, and am very experimental in the kitchen. I now make good, balanced, healthy meals, rather than grabbing donuts at work and eating fast food during my lunch breaks.

Sounds like you are on a similar trajectory. Congratulations on your retirement. Continue to live a happy, engaged (and healthy) life here in TV!

[Michael 61]

Originally Posted by Nana2Teddy

Congratulations! I personally know this isn’t easy to do living here because of all of the junk food we are facing at every social event, restaurant, etc.

I had accomplished what you have before I moved here 2 years ago, but have fallen off the keto wagon and am back to square one now with HBP, prediabetes, inflammation, and weight gain after having lost 25 lbs and lowering my A1C from 6.4 to 5.6 just from change in diet prior to our move. It’s been tough finding the motivation to get back on track.

I’ll be 72 next week, and will use your post as the kick in the butt I needed. Thank you for sharing!

Nana -

First congratulations on your previous accomplishment- I know that is hard work, and you have proven that you have the discipline to accomplish your goals. I know it’s difficult to stay on track with your health goals here in The Villages. Difficult to find healthy meals at restaurants in the bubble. Lots of bar food, lots of alcohol, etc. I hope this encourages you to get back on track with your nutritional goals. You’ve done it before, and you can do it again! Good luck.

[Michael 61]

Thank you for so many who have posted encouraging responses to my post. My wish for all Villagers, is to have a long, happy and healthy retirement here in this great community. We’ve worked hard most of our lives, and we don’t want our retirement years marked by major health issues and inactivity.

[Birdrm]

Yes, by never getting on prescription drugs, most of what is prescribed can usually be achieved with lifestyle changes!

[Ree]

Thanks for sharing your journey. Very cool post. I learned that you can't out exercise your fork. It all begins with what we put in our mouths. Touche'

[azcindy]

Michael,

Congratulations! That is an awesome achievement. I am moving to The Villages on June 1st and one of the main reasons is to get healthier with the myriad of activities here. When I first retired a few years ago, I played Pickleball about 6 days a week, won some tournaments, and then got injured. That set me back health wise. But now I am roaring to go try new stuff here in addition to Pickleball, and I absolutely will love the hiking and biking trails and all the fun games in The Villages. My cardiologist wants me to get my cholesterol below 165!!! and I am going to try my best to do that. You are inspiring Michael, and I have enjoyed your positive posts here.

Cindy

[Cmbcab]

Need to be careful. My grandson who 38 is on high blood pressure meds. He decided to just stop taking them and ended up in the hospital for four days because of he was retaining fluids.

[JRcorvette]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Depending on what your conditions, chronic issues are, yes!

I’m in my early 60s, and have take several meds for various conditions (high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, etc) since my 30s.

Doctors have never really discussed lifestyle changes with me, but have always been quick to prescribe meds to “mask” the symptoms.

I started researching my various conditions a few years back. I began to focus on diet (get rid of sugars, seed oils, processed foods, high-carb foods), began a focused exercise routine, brought weight down to a BMI of 22.5.

Today, is a red-letter day. I was told to get off my final med, as all my numbers are in very good to excellent range. No longer pre-diabetic. Cholesterol excellent. Blood pressure in very good range. Inflammation eliminated. Lots of energy, sleeping great. How many people in their early 60s can claim this!

I’m posting this as an encouragement to many out there that feel they will be on these meds for life. There is a way off for some. I realize that everyone’s situation is different, and some need to stay on their meds. But for others, there is a way off, through being laser-focused on diet/exercise/weight.

Good Job and it’s all true!

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Depending on what your conditions, chronic issues are, yes!

I’m in my early 60s, and have take several meds for various conditions (high blood pressure, pre-diabetes, chronic inflammation, etc) since my 30s.

Doctors have never really discussed lifestyle changes with me, but have always been quick to prescribe meds to “mask” the symptoms.

I started researching my various conditions a few years back. I began to focus on diet (get rid of sugars, seed oils, processed foods, high-carb foods), began a focused exercise routine, brought weight down to a BMI of 22.5.

Today, is a red-letter day. I was told to get off my final med, as all my numbers are in very good to excellent range. No longer pre-diabetic. Cholesterol excellent. Blood pressure in very good range. Inflammation eliminated. Lots of energy, sleeping great. How many people in their early 60s can claim this!

I’m posting this as an encouragement to many out there that feel they will be on these meds for life. There is a way off for some. I realize that everyone’s situation is different, and some need to stay on their meds. But for others, there is a way off, through being laser-focused on diet/exercise/weight.

Great results! Thank you for posting.

Yes, I believe that it is possible to treat many chronic illnesses by life style changes, my father, myself and my paternal grandmother have never taken prescribed meds for more than a week - usually after surgery. I generally really don’t like the side-effects. My mother had very high blood pressure which she monitored 3 times daily for decades and kept it check with religious diet and exercise.

If you’ve been on something for a long time, you need to come off it slowly - your body gets used to it like putting a frog into cold water and increasing the heat.

I find it funny when people say, ask your doctor. Most often it was the doctor who prescribed the meds in the first place, and they are not going to be comfortable with something they have no control over. At least certainly not my physician, plus he makes no money on my exercising…

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Ptmcbriz

You are what you eat.

BBQ anything ending with "doodle".

[Nana2Teddy]

Originally Posted by Michael 61

Nana -

First congratulations on your previous accomplishment- I know that is hard work, and you have proven that you have the discipline to accomplish your goals. I know it’s difficult to stay on track with your health goals here in The Villages. Difficult to find healthy meals at restaurants in the bubble. Lots of bar food, lots of alcohol, etc. I hope this encourages you to get back on track with your nutritional goals. You’ve done it before, and you can do it again! Good luck.

Thank you, Michael! You’ve motivated me!