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Proof! Cycling Improves Health!

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Proof! Cycling Improves Health!

Old 04-20-07, 08:11 PM
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Proof! Cycling Improves Health!

This should probably go in the Health forum but this is the only forum I ever read.

Last August my doctor told me I was probably going to have to go on cholesterol medication. My triglycerides were so high that my HDL and LDL couldn't even be measured. At that time I decided I was going to fix it without medication. I bought my first bike in about 20 years, a Diamondback Westwood Deluxe. It's a cheap comfort bike. That was just enough of a bike to get me hooked.

I was back at the doctor in December and my cholesterol was better but still not good enough. He told me because of my improvements he would wait until my next visit to see if I continued to improve.

In February this year I bought my first real road bike, a 2007 Fuji Team. I have been loving this bike since I got it.

I went back to the doctor yesterday. My cholesterol is now well within the recommended ranges. And, I am no longer taking my blood pressure medication. I've also lost about 20 pounds.

So, the investment in a couple of bikes and a few pairs of shorts and jerseys has really paid off health wise. Plus, I really love riding.

Just thought I'd share this to encourage others who are facing similar health concerns.
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Old 04-20-07, 08:18 PM
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Great job, foomonkey. Being healthy is great. I almost started to get emional by your story don't ask why.
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Old 04-20-07, 08:31 PM
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Great job, foomonkey!

I have to ask, though, if you have made dietary changes as well. I think the low fat/high carb diet along with proper exercise will keep you off the meds a long time.

Here are my latest:
Total: 144
LDL: 60
HDL: 55
Tri: 144

...but I don't think I'm coming off the meds anytime soon
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Old 04-20-07, 08:34 PM
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Good for you! I was recently diagnosed with similar health conditions, so it's good to hear about your success.
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Old 04-20-07, 08:38 PM
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I have made a concious effort to eat healthier. To me, that doesn't mean dieting. I just try to eat things that I know are better for me and avoid those bad things. I haven't deprived myself of pizza, sweets, beer, etc. All things in moderation. I must say that it's a rare thing for me to have a burger and fries these days though.
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Old 04-20-07, 08:39 PM
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Old 04-20-07, 08:41 PM
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"Take 2 Fujis and call me in the morning."
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Old 04-20-07, 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Psimet2001
"Take 2 Fujis and call me in the morning."
Shame the Canadian government won't pay for those prescriptions - or else all you guys would move north
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Old 04-20-07, 09:33 PM
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Originally Posted by simplyred
Shame the Canadian government won't pay for those prescriptions - or else all you guys would move north

I'd be there in a second.
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Old 04-20-07, 09:52 PM
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That's great news! Keep riding it will probably improve more.

A few years ago I was eating oatmeal every day and riding a lot. My total cholesterol was 80 (eighty).
Now I eat more junk and ride less. It's now up to 160.
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Old 04-21-07, 05:35 AM
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Works for me too. Back in December I got a cholesterol reading of 240ish. Rode the trainer all winter and went on a pretty restricted vegan diet. Three months later and it's 160. In my case the diet was the big variable, because in years past I rode plenty and still had high cholesterol. Because I ate anything and everything.

Keep up the good work. It gives you the right excuse if/when you want to pig out and enjoy food.
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Old 04-21-07, 05:44 AM
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Originally Posted by foomonkey
This should probably go in the Health forum but this is the only forum I ever read.

Last August my doctor told me I was probably going to have to go on cholesterol medication. My triglycerides were so high that my HDL and LDL couldn't even be measured. At that time I decided I was going to fix it without medication. I bought my first bike in about 20 years, a Diamondback Westwood Deluxe. It's a cheap comfort bike. That was just enough of a bike to get me hooked.

I was back at the doctor in December and my cholesterol was better but still not good enough. He told me because of my improvements he would wait until my next visit to see if I continued to improve.

In February this year I bought my first real road bike, a 2007 Fuji Team. I have been loving this bike since I got it.

I went back to the doctor yesterday. My cholesterol is now well within the recommended ranges. And, I am no longer taking my blood pressure medication. I've also lost about 20 pounds.

So, the investment in a couple of bikes and a few pairs of shorts and jerseys has really paid off health wise. Plus, I really love riding.

Just thought I'd share this to encourage others who are facing similar health concerns.
Congratulations on your sucess. My fiance was in the same situation with very high cholestorol and lowered it significantly over a year by exercising and healthier eating. Keep up the good work!
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