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    At the risk of sounding like the old guys discussing their colonoscopies in loud voices at Tim Hortons, I thought I would tell you about my doctor’s appointment this morning.  I had to walk uphill – both ways! Oh wait, wrong old guys.

    Anyway, I went for my annual tune-up and 75-point inspection, and as always, we discussed my diet and level of physical activity.  While I am not due for much blood work this year, she told me that due to my level of physical activity, she was sending me for tests* for haemoglobin, thyroid, kidney function, IQ, midichlorians, some other stuff I can’t remember, and an EKG.  “EKG?” I wondered aloud.

    She told me that the current recommendation for anyone who is very active (there’s that term again! I love it when medical professionals say that!) is to have an EKG, both to ensure there’s nothing abnormal going on (at least not with your heart!) and to have a base line for the future.

    It was a really simple and completely painless** test – the lab technician spent more time sticking stickers on me than actually recording information – I was in and out in less than five minutes. I just thought I would throw that out there in case anyone happens to be chatting with their GP and thinks this might be a good idea.  After all, on those rare occasions where you hear of someone dropping dead in a sporting event, most times the story contains the phrase “pre-existing, undiagnosed heart condition.”

    *list may not accurately describe prescribed tests.
    **for me anyway; anyone with a hairy chest or ankles may disagree.

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    A runner for just over four years, Karen has already completed a marathon, two half marathons and a variety of 5k and 10k races. She describes her first marathon - the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon last September - as "a nightmare." However, she met a very interesting person in the process - a man named Sydney who was running his 152nd marathon! Although the race didn't go as well as planned for Karen or Sydney, he showed her that no matter how experienced a runner you are, you can still have a bad day. "Does that mean we shouldn't bother to prepare, or maybe just shouldn't bother at all? Of course not!" says Karen. "In the end, it is what we make it." We like her optimism!

    1 COMMENT

    1. Being at the cusp of “old guy” status…and having had the blood tests…including an EKG and an ECHO …both are very painless…however…it is a bit humbling to see your heart beating in your chest on a LCD screen. Be thankful that you are in the “very active” population and that your Dr. is so prudent to get you tested. 🙂 On a personal note, my midichlorian count is off the scale…my Padawan apprentice.

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