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07 02 02

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The Mackie Report

Do the Right Thing

By Mackie Shilstone

For the past several years I've gathered material for my next book, Maximum Energy for Life, with a primary intent to help the reader develop an energetic lifestyle, rekindle a passion for living, manage stress and maximize performance levels as well as reduce risks for heart disease and other preventable illnesses. Published by John Wiley and Sons in New York, my book is due in stores in mid-December or January 2003.

My message is that people must take back ownership of their health instead of just renting it.

Heart disease, which affects nearly 60 million Americans, is the No. 1 killer of adults in the United States. The American Heart Association contends that if all heart risks were eliminated, average life expectancy in this country would increase by about seven years. And physicians list chest pain as one of the most common complaints among emergency room patients in New Orleans, a city documented as one of the fattest in America.

For the sake of your personal health, you must learn what factors can put you at risk. For example, a high body mass index (BMI) in the absence of low total body fat may place you at risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. Excessive waist circumference -- more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women -- elevated triglyceride level, elevated total cholesterol, low HDL (good) or high LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, elevated fasting blood sugar and high blood pressure also can adversely impact overall health.

My new book offers a step-by-step strategic plan for adopting guidelines for proper nutrition, exercise and lifestyle modification as well as other health risk-reducing programs. However, there is no substitute for a good, thorough physical exam by a physician.

Take back ownership of your health, make a plan and follow through. For more tips, check out my current book, Lose Your Love Handles.

Mackie Shilstone is executive director of the Mackie Shilstone Center for Performance Enhancement and Lifestyle Management at Elmwood Fitness Center (a division of Ochsner Clinic). He can be reached at 842-9110 or through his Web site at www.mackieshilstone.com.