I have never been a paragon of physical health. I am overweight, I do not exercise at any pace approaching regularity, and my diet ranges from poor to downright shitty. I’ve only made two significant changes in my health in the past year – I followed Atkins for about three months and lost thirty pounds (some of which I’ve regained) and I completely dropped caffeine – though I occasionally imbibe from time to time.
On Tuesday, I followed my normal routine. I got up, took a long hot shower, dressed, and left home around 5:45am for my office and then for some store visits to follow. I’m usually in the office only on Mondays, but had some training to attend this Monday and wasn’t able to make it then.
When I arrived at the office around 6:45am – I got out of my car and opened the rear door to get my backpack out when I felt an immense popping feeling in my chest.
For the next two minutes, I thought I was suffering a heart attack. The pain was intense, but not localized. And I could hardly move.
After a moment or two, when the pain subsided, I realized that I had pulled something in my lower back or left side of my chest — as I write this now, two days later, I know that I had somehow yanked a muscle hard on the left side of my chest – as I now have some pain there when I bend over.
It was the single scariest health issue I’ve had in the last decade – it was certainly something that makes you think.. and wonder.. about what your future holds for you if you don’t start taking your health more seriously.
It certainly made me think – and I resolve to change my approach in the future.