As some of you know, I'm a second degree health nut. I get my 8 hours of sleep (plus a nap), I exercise aerobically by serious walking, jogging, biking and boxing. I lift weights for bone and muscle strength, and I do a thousand crunches a day. (No brag, just the facts) Nutritionally, I eat my own home grown fruits and vegetables, virtually no carbs or red meat. The only reason I'm not a first degree health nut is because I probably eat too much sugar--brown on sweet potatoes, cold cereals, a cookie or two, piece of dark chocolate, etc. (I plan to use more honey as a substitute.)
But I'm certainly not fat (130lbs). I take several "supplements", and except for a little arthritis, I feel very good.

So with positive thoughts, I went to the doctor last week for my annual physical. My EKG was good, prostate fine, dog bite wound healed, ears, eyes, and brain functional. But alas, my blood pressure was sky high (160/90). And now, the results of my blood tests indicate my cholesterol totals 244, well over the red flag 200. My triglycerides, electrolytes, and kidneys are good. And, actually, my HDL number is very high (85). It's my LDL that is cause for concern.

So I'm asking myself, how can that be? What else can I do? Probably nothing. I have inherited high b/p and cholesterol. Fortunately, longevity runs in the family--one grandmother reaching 100, father alive at near 91. Which trumps the other? I'm to return to the doctor for a follow-up in April. Between now and then, I'll tweek a few things. I've begun "meditating" as another solution. We'll see. Heck, a meteorite might strike me dead before then!