Hello

gpstrucker

Hi. I am an American long haul trucker. I'm 50 years old and until this year, being a typical male, never really gave health and diet much thought. In January I had my D.O.T. physical and failed due to high blood pressure. They gave me a 30 day certification to allow me time to get the blood pressure under control.

Well, I went to a doctor for a full physical and treatment for the blood pressure. He found I also have high cholesterol and. no surprise to me, am a bit over weight at 5'11" and 236 lbs.

Ok, short story long I decided to do something about my overall health. The doc put me on blood pressure medication and gave me three months to either get my cholesterol down or go on pills for that too. I hate taking pills. I decided to start eating better, getting a bit of exercise, and see if I can lose weight, lower my blood pressure so I can get off those pills, and get my cholesterol under control.

It was tough at first but after a friend told me about the MFP app it has become a great deal easier. I was going over my goals every day at first but slowly I have been learning to make better food and drink choices, getting out and walking when I can, and am now staying under my calorie and cholesterol goals more days than not.

I have also managed to drop three pounds in the past four weeks. My goal is a pound a week so I am close to that now. Once I start getting into a little better shape I will be consulting the doc to see if running is even possible for me as I have a bad hip from a past injury. If not I'll see about carrying a bicycle on the truck. Once I can start doing more exercise I can up the goal to 2 pounds a week (maybe).

Anyway, sorry this is so long. The whole "healthy" thing is new to me and I'm sure there will be times when I will need some encouragement to stick with it. 50 years of bad habits is a hard thing to change all at once.

_the_feniks_

Good luck! We all have to start somewhere. The important thing is you're making a choice to take better care of yourself. Who cares when you did it. Keep it up!