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Could Entitlements Be On The Budget Table?

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On more than one occasion, I have written about how our entitlement programs are going down an unsustainable path. As early as last week I wrote how President Trump’s first budget proposal would not call for any cuts to Medicare and Social Security.

And while this might sound nice, simply put this is impossible to sustain.

As I wrote then…

“If ANYONE has been paying attention, they understand that both Social Security and Medicare are living on borrowed time. Depending upon the estimate you find, both programs are in the hole from $50,000,000,000,000 – $100,000,000,000,000 dollars. By the way, that’s 50 TRILLION to 100 TRILLION dollars in unfunded liabilities. It is fundamentally impossible to shore up these programs with additional taxes alone. The quicker we come to that realization that better.”

Now comes an article from The Hill, Budget chief: Trump could review entitlement reform after first budget. 

On the surface, it sounds like Trump being a typical politician, going back on a campaign promise.   After all, Trump repeatedly said on the campaign trail that he wasn’t cutting Social Security.  Take a look at the video below.  60 seconds in is where the statement is made…

This is in contrast to what the first paragraph of the article states…

“Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said Monday that President Trump could soon review potential reforms to Social Security and Medicare — but he stressed that the reforms under consideration wouldn’t touch payments for current beneficiaries.”

In all sincerity, this is an inevitable result.  There is no way that, as 10,000 baby boomers retire EVERY DAY over the next 20 years we will be able to pay the Medicare and Social Security obligations that this nation has promised.

This is just a fact,

The quicker we deal with this the better.

I do like what he said about not cutting benefits to current beneficiaries…

“Mulvaney, a fiscal hawk, said he’s trying to garner support for entitlement reform that follows Trump’s campaign promise not to touch Social Security and Medicare payments for current recipients.”

That should be the cornerstone of any reform bill, but the real issue is with the massive amount of those who will be entering the Social Security and Medicare system in the late 2020’s and beyond,

I am going to keep tabs on this but unfortunately this is a case of pure math.  There are too many promises made by government, not enough money to pay for this and no way that taxes can be raised to the point to pay for it all.

My advice to those who are expecting any form of Social Security and Medicare (and any pension by the way) in the future is to listen to what the government promises you and divide by 2.  That’s what you will probably end up with.

Challenges of Aging: Understanding the Issues Facing Seniors

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Growing old may be a gift, but it can get frustrating. Isolation and inactivity feed off one another until you’re stiff, sore and lonely. Push back!

Physical Limitations

Loss of mobility shows up in several ways. Foot, knee and hip pain can make walking difficult, so you start avoiding public events that include a sidewalk stroll or public venues with large parking lots. Back trouble can make it hard to drive for long distances or comfortably occupy an airplane seat for hours, so you skip the annual family gathering in another state or limit your vacation options.

Staying physically mobile requires you to stay flexible. There are several yoga classes and programs specific to seniors that can keep your joints limber and your spine supple. Additionally, these programs can aid you in maintaining balance.

Visual and Hearing Problems

Sometimes the greatest barrier to getting help with visual issues and hearing loss is the elderly person themselves. It can be very hard to accept that you don’t see as well as you used to, or can’t hear well in regular conversation. Talk to your doctor about corrective lenses for specific situations including driving before you’re involved in a car accident. Get your hearing tested before you miss critical conversations or are facing an irate neighbor or housemate, irritated at the volume of the television.

Being tough and maybe a bit stubborn may have helped you become a senior citizen, but it can also shrink your life if you’re not willing to adjust to the changes in your body and brain. Talk to a professional and get the assistance devices you need before they become critical.

Cognitive Challenges

For many of us in the post-fifty demographic, dementia is a terrifying specter. The idea of losing cognitive functioning and/or memory building capabilities is horrifying. If we need or want to work past 60, it’s also critical to our future financial security. So how do we keep our aging brains agile?

Building neuroplasticity is more than physical exercise and puzzles, though those activities can help. Staying optimistic and building empathic behaviors can do wonders to keep your brain both sharp and stretchy. Every life contains pain and hardship, and every emotional connection contains the risk of loss. However, if your outlook has become negative or bitter, seeking counseling to help you develop a brighter outlook can not only raise your spirit. It can protect and expand your brain power.

Social Isolation

For many of us, our kids force us to socialize. After school programs, sports clubs and scouting groups keep us connected to other adults we wouldn’t ordinarily see. As our kids leave the house, our spouses and our jobs keep us socially expensive, requiring us to spend time with people we might not otherwise connect to. However, retirement can leave us sitting alone in an empty house, wondering what to do with ourselves from day to day.

Loneliness is bad for your brain and your heart. How can you step out of your shell and make new social connections?
1) Volunteer. One of the many needs in our public school system is for adults to sit with a child while they practice reading. Contact your local school district and get assigned to a child that needs a reading buddy. All you have to do is listen.
2) Learn a new language or skill. Many post-high school educational institutions offer free or reduced tuition to take classes for the fun of it. Try an anthropology or sociology class. Check out a 20th-century history class.
3) Kick something off your bucket list. Learn to decorate cakes. Take a painting class. Look at the world from a brand new angle and stretch your brain!

Conclusion

Illness and accidents have taken many people far too early. If you’re lucky enough to have grown old, celebrate it. Update your outlook, keep your brain and your body limber, and stay connected!

3 Surprising Reasons Your Back Pain Isn’t Going Away

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Chronic back pain can bring every facet of your life to a grinding halt, and it is one medical condition that should never be taken lightly. When left untreated, back pain can result in many secondary complications such as limited mobility, weakened muscles, and depression. If you or a loved one has been struggling with ongoing discomfort in the upper or lower back, then take a look at a few of the most surprising causes of back pain and what you can do about them.

Tobacco Products

Most of us know that cigarettes are bad for one’s respiratory health, but very few realize that these products impact the spine as well. Studies have revealed that smoking cigarettes can hamper blood flow to the back, and that prematurely ages the discs. Tobacco has also been associated with chronic inflammation of the muscles that support and stabilize the spine. These products have been linked to many other health conditions that can make back pain worse such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Those who are having a difficult time quitting should speak with a doctor about anti-smoking medications that will reduce their cravings.

You Haven’t Treated the Root Cause of the Pain

It is all too easy to assume that one particular action has caused your back pain, but this type of discomfort is generally caused by a myriad of underlying issues. A sudden action such as lifting up a heavy item can strain a muscle, but you could be dealing with other underlying musculoskeletal problems as well. Instead of attempting to diagnose yourself, you should consider scheduling an appointment with a local chiropractor, like the professionals at Fulk Chiropractic, who can carry out a series of tests to determine where the pain is coming from.

Your Diet

The foods that you eat throughout the day will impact every aspect of your health and comfort. Obesity is one of the most common causes of back pain, and every extra pound that your frame must support will put an incredible amount of strain on your spine. Your diet will also affect how your body is able to deal with pain and inflammation from a herniated disc or strained muscle. Healthy adults should try to keep their BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 to reduce their risk of back pain and many other medical issues.

Even if you are still able to carry out everyday tasks, you should never take back pain lightly. Those who are struggling with persistent back pain must immediately contact a doctor or chiropractor to discuss long-term treatment options. Ignoring this type of pain or attempting to mask it with over-the-counter medication can lead to many additional problems including torn ligaments, spinal stenosis, and arthritis.

The World’s Oldest Female Bodybuilder

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Last week I wrote about how one of the things should look forward to in 2017 is the prospects of taking control of their health.

And then I find this article, about the “World’s Fittest Grandma“.

And this woman could probably kick the crap out of me.

Her name is Ernestine Shepherd.

shepherd1

And below is a video that you have to check out to actually believe…

Simply put, this woman is an absolute inspiration who didn’t start exercising until she was 56 years old!

But that sure didn’t stop her.

And this is one committed lady…

  • She gets up at 2:30 am every day, that’s right…2:30 am!
  • Has 10 egg whites every day, 16 ounces of water and a handful of walnuts
  • Then starts her run
  • And is in the Guinness’ Book of World Records as the Oldest Female Bodybuilder

One of the best takeaways I came across is that Ernestine does not vary her diet. She eats the same thing, day in and day out.

She found healthy stuff, and eats that, starting with her egg whites and water.

In the time she has been lifting, she has come off gher high blood pressure medication, acid reflux medication and panic attack medication…and no longer suffers from depression.

But the best part of Ernestine is that she pays it forward, teaching classes to others her age in an effort to spread her message of health and fitness.

How To Protect Your Loved Ones from Elder Financial Abuse

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This article is provided by Michael Deamicis. A Chartered Advisor for Senior Living® can provide guidance and assistance on a broad range of financial and senior lifestyle topics including: Saving for retirement; Structuring distributions from pensions, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs, and Social Security; Planning for health & long-term care needs; Developing effective estate planning strategies; Managing life course transitions and living arrangements.

If you wish to contact Michael his information is provided below…

The original reprint of this article can be found here.  It is reprinted with permission.

Could someone you love be a victim of elder financial abuse?

Each year, seniors lose over $36 billion to elder financial abuse and more than a third of seniors are affected by financial abuse in any five year period, according to one recent study. This total includes criminal fraud, caregiver abuse, and financial exploitation, where seniors are subjected to high-pressure sales tactics and misleading marketing.

Lawmakers are paying attention. Federal and state governments have begun to pass laws to protect seniors from financial abuse. This is good news. However, these laws often protect a senior only after someone realizes that an elderly person is being exploited. An elderly person can lose a significant amount of their savings before someone close to the senior realizes what has happened.

Red Flags

In order to stop elder financial abuse, is critical that those closest to seniors be on the lookout for possible red flags. As a family member or close friend of an elderly person, you may be in the best position to detect early signs of elderly financial abuse.

Would you know the signs of elder financial abuse and exploitation? Here are some:

  • The elderly person becomes dazed, nervous or fearful when discussing financial matters
  • He or she does not remember having requested certain transactions
  • The elderly person provides contradictory or questionable explanations for financial transactions
  • You observe a significant change in the senior’s financial habits (such as more frequent or larger withdrawals)
  • There is the appearance of a new “friend” who is insistently requesting information about the elderly person’s accounts, or who tries to make changes without the senior’s permission. This new “friend” could be an acquaintance, a family member, a health care provider, or even someone the elderly person met on-line.
  • The new “friend” or family member refuses to let you speak to the elderly person, or insists on being present when you talk with the elderly individual.
  • You may see questionable signatures on documents, or it may appear that numbers on financial documents have been forged or changed.
  • You may learn of sudden or unexplained changes in beneficiaries on life insurance policies, or see that there have been unexplained changes of address on an elderly person’s financial statements.

What To Do?

If you see any of these signs, it is critical to act quickly.

There are a number of steps that you can take:

  • Contact the bank or financial professional who manages the elderly person’s accounts. The bank or financial professional can freeze accounts or take other action. (MassMutual has resources to help its clients with these situations. You can email ElderAbuse@massmutual.com with questions).
  • Contact the Adult Protective Services agency in your state. Like Child Protective Services agencies, Adult Protective Services agencies are created to protect elderly and vulnerable adults. You can find an office near you here.
  • Contact your local police department if you believe that the elderly person has been a victim of fraud.
  • Finally, if the elderly person has another trusted contact such as an attorney or accountant, he or she may be able to help.

Seniors lose approximately $17 billion annually to elder financial exploitation alone. Criminal fraud accounts for $13 billion and caregiver abuse is estimated at $7 billion. Keeping an eye out for red flags of elder abuse can help protect the ones you love.

 

 

Michael J. DeAmicis ChFC ® CASL®

Financial Planner
Financial Advisor
Investment Advisor Representative
Registered Representative

MassMutual Long Island-Suffolk
2929 Express Drive North Suite 200
Hauppauge, N.Y. 11749
631-851-5746 – office
631-851-5801 – fax

 

A Few Tips for Buying ID Bracelets for the Elderly

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If you’re concerned about an aging parent, relative, friend or neighbor, you might want to think about investing in ID bracelets for the elderly.

These bracelets can keep that person safe in the event of an emergency, as first responders can use the information on the bracelet to determine that person’s condition and the best treatment for them.

ID bracelets for seniors can also be very useful for those who have Alzheimer’s or any other dementia disorder, as this person may appear to be physically fine but, because of their diminished mental capacity, they could not assist in telling someone their own name, their address, and the like.

When you are ready to buy some ID bracelets for the elderly and seniors, note a few tips to keep in mind. This will ensure you get pieces that work with their needs in particular, and that you know they will wear these bracelets and be happy with them for years to come.

1. Start with information

The first thing to consider when it comes to ID bracelets for the elderly is the information the bracelet should display. For some conditions, a simple word is sufficient, such as “DIABETES.” First responders will then know how to assess a person’s symptoms and to administer medication if needed.

However, for other wearers of ID bracelets for seniors, you may need more crucial information. For an Alzheimer’s patient, their name, the emergency contact of a caregiver, their doctor’s name, and other such info can be very important. A person with an allergy to common medications such as penicillin may also need that noted on their bracelet.

Your family doctor is the best source of information about what should be included on ID bracelets for the elderly. He or she can note if there are any important symbols that should be on the front, as well as any other details to include.

2. Consider weight and comfort

When buying ID bracelets for the elderly and seniors, you need to consider the weight of the bracelet as well as its overall comfort, perhaps more so than one you would buy for a child or yourself. Seniors often have a lack of muscle tone in their arms, so that a very heavy chain link bracelet can actually cause muscle fatigue by the end of the day. This can be especially true if the wearer uses their hands and arms often throughout the day, such as someone who works a cash register, tinkers with the car, knits, or who still loves to garden.

Note, too, that an elderly person’s skin might be very sensitive. A wire material for ID bracelets for the elderly might be uncomfortable and even painful, as it may chafe the skin and cause irritation. That heavy metal link bracelet might also cause some skin irritation. A soft silicone rubber can be the best choice for seniors, as it’s very lightweight and very soft. You might also opt for leather or a canvas material, or a soft and lightweight set of beads for the band of ID bracelets for the elderly. Braided parachute material is also very soft and lightweight, and also very durable.

3. Can they manage it on their own?

Another consideration when it comes to choosing ID bracelets for the elderly is if they can manage the bracelet on their own. Arthritic fingers may struggle to open and close a tiny lobster claw clasp, or to hold a chain bracelet in place when trying to open or close it. Many ID bracelets for seniors are purposely made with oversized clasps that are located on either side of the face, so they’re easier to open and close.

A clasp that has two ends that actually twist together might also be an easier choice for a senior, as they can simply hold one end and twist the other to get the bracelet in place. For someone with very limited dexterity and even failing eyesight, oversized silicone rubber ID bracelets for the elderly that simply slide on and that work without any clasp can be even better. A cuff design is also good; this simply slips over the wrist sideways, and then moved into position. Whatever your choice for ID bracelets for the elderly, be sure the wearer can manage it easily and won’t be tempted to leave it at home because they can’t get the clasp to work.

Where To Buy ID Bracelets for the Elderly

There are several dedicated websites that sell such bracelets, like American Medical ID, but by far the biggest collection will be found at Amazon, which has found a way to sell virtually everything.

They have ID bracelets for the elderly based around…

The material they are made of, whether that is rubber, stainless steel or sterling silver
Disease-specific bracelets, like those for epilepsy, allergies or diabetes

My Favorite

My personal favorite is the engraved option, which you can see the sample of below…

It is engravable with your choice of content on the item.  I personally love the “See Med Card” you can put on the bottom so that EMS workers can then go to your wallet or purse to look for the emergency medical card, which will have more in depth information that you cannot fit on the ID bracelet.

This is definitely the type of item that would provide peace of mind for everyone involved so if you are a senior of a caregiver this is something that needs to be a priority in my opinion.

Trump and Social Security…Round One

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President Trump came into Washington as a bull in a China shop, whether you love him or hate him. As such, he literally threatens to “upset the apple-cart” on just about every establishment point of there. Needless to say, for many who are relying on these establishment points of view, they are worried.

Now, I am not here to focus on whether or not Trump is “draining the swamp” as he put it. I will let others bloviate about this.
But as an advocate for seniors, one of the things I have been watching carefully has been the effect of President Trump’s policies on seniors and most of all on the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid systems they rely on.

I have previously written in the campaign season about Trump’s policy promises as a candidate, his meeting with pharmaceutical manufacturers regarding the cost of prescription drugs and potential Social Security changes under Trump.

That last article, discussing the confirmation hearing of Mick Mulvaney as Budget Director, was probably the most worrisome of all of the news for many senior advocates. You see, Mulvaney is a budget hawk, to say the least. He has been on record in the past as saying that there have to be fundamental changes to Medicare and Social Security for both programs to survive. As I put it in the article (and this is my analysis)…

“If ANYONE has been paying attention, they understand that both Social Security and Medicare are living on borrowed time.  Depending upon the estimate you find, both programs are in the hole from $50,000,000,000,000 – $100,000,000,000,000 dollars.  By the way, that’s 50 TRILLION to 100 TRILLION dollars in unfunded liabilities.

It is fundamentally impossible to shore up these programs with additional taxes alone.  The quicker we come to that realization that better.”

That is my take as a 46-year old who knows those programs won’t be around for me. I understand that and am taking action to prepare myself. But what of all the others out there?

What this country needs is someone with political courage to point out the facts to the American people and make the changes NOW, because the sooner we fix this the less pain we will all experience. But what do we get instead?

We get Trump’s first budget proposal, which will spare these programs from any cuts now. On the surface, this sounds wonderful, but as the Yahoo! Finance article explains, Social Security and Medicare are living on borrowed time and don’t need a “kick the can down the road approach”. They need real leadership and moral courage to fix.

Instead, what will we be getting from this first budget proposal…

  • No entitlement cuts
  • Plans to cut middle class taxes
  • Simplify the tax code
  • Spend an extra $56,000,000,000 on Defense

All of these may be great talking points but they leave serious questions to address…

  • With all of the entitlement programs hurtling towards bankruptcy, what measures will be taken to fix the massive amount of unfunded liabilities in these programs (currently estimated at up to $100,000,000,000,000 [that’s trillion])
  • How are we going to cut taxes and spend more on Defense without exploding the debt even further?
  • I am all for a strong defense but an extra $56,000,000,000 (billion)? If you list all the countries by military expenditure, the United Kingdom comes in #5 in world expenditure with $55,000,000,000 TOTAL.

By contrast, Russia spends $66 billion TOTAL, Saudi Arabia $87 billion and China about $215 billion.

This is a colossal amount of money and with the current state of our economy one must wonder if that money could be better allocated.

Which brings me back to Social Security, Medicare and such. There will be no cuts this year, or likely throughout a Trump Administration. This is obviously a good thing short-term. A promise was made many years ago by the government to those retiring today and it should be kept.

What I worry about, as I have studied these programs more and more, is that they are ticking time bombs, and when they eventually turn negative, as every single government report indicates they will, the results will be devastating. But for the moment, all will continue as is.  And that’s the problem.

Senior Longevity: 4 Aspects Of Your Health You Can’t Afford To Ignore

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Taking care of your overall health becomes much more important when you are older. As you age, your body will no longer have the ability to quickly recover from everyday illnesses and ailments. Here is a look at four symptoms you should never ignore in your senior years.

Arthritic Pain

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and the CDC claims that nearly 23 percent of the adult population will develop one of these joint conditions at some point. Most forms of arthritis can be taken care of with physical therapy and over-the-counter painkillers, but seniors should never ignore ongoing joint pain. In some cases, surgery must be carried out to prevent further injuries from taking place. Avoiding chronic pain and inflammation could result in permanent damage to the ligaments and bones.

Vision Problems

Macular degeneration is one of the most common age-related medical issues. When it is caught early, seniors and their eye doctors can typically delay the degeneration with medication and lifestyle changes. That is why most experts suggest that seniors schedule eye appointments at least once a year or whenever they notice any unusual problems with their vision. Scheduling regular appointments, with professionals like those at All About Eyes, to update your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts could also prevent secondary complications such as headaches and eye strain.

Toothaches

No matter how often you brush and floss, there may come a point when it feels as if you can no longer protect your natural teeth. Even with amazing advances to the field of preventative dentistry, tooth loss and tooth decay are both very common problems among the elderly. Toothaches are generally a sign that the interior of a tooth has become infected. When a tooth infection is diagnosed early, the dentist might be able to preserve the tooth. Severe tooth infections almost always require an extraction followed by a dental implant.

High Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to many serious health conditions, and this warning sign should never be taken lightly. Those who fail to bring their blood pressure down will have a much higher chance of developing medical complications such as blood clots, dementia, and heart disease. For most older patients, comprehensive lifestyle changes can bring their blood pressure down dramatically. Until it is at a safe level, the doctor might suggest blood pressure medication.

When it comes to your health and longevity, you should always err on the side of caution. In addition to keeping your eye out for these signs and symptoms, you should also schedule regular appointments with your primary doctor, optometrist, and dentist.

Home Care Solutions

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With the rising costs of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, it is becoming obvious that cost effective home care solutions will be required so our aging population can age-in-place. And it is fortunate for me that in my role with the Aging-In-Place Council I have the privilege of working with someone who I consider to be one of the best in the country in dealing with the subject.

Laura Giunta is a home care solutions expert with AMR Care Group and brings years of experience to assisting caregivers with all manner of home care solutions for their loved ones. Whether you are looking for a few hours of companion care to 24-hour live-in care, if you are Long Island Laura is the “go-to” person on the subject.

I asked her to write a little bit about the need for home care solutions and the options that caregivers have…

 

 

It is no secret that most of today’s senior population would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. Remaining at home allows them to maintain their independence. Keeping to their own routines and schedules is a comfort and allows a sense of normalcy as their bodies and minds are altered by time.

Loss of independence can cause severe emotional distress. It has been linked to depression and negative health outcomes. Moving is often done in crisis without proper thought or planning. This can be extremely traumatic. Decades of memories and meaningful items have been collected and tell the story of their life. The thought of losing these belongings can feel like a loss of who they are as an individual. Unfortunately, many aging adults have difficulty performing the tasks of daily living. It can be hard to get proper nutrition and meet care needs.

For some remaining at home is simply not an option due to financial or health constraints. Thankfully with the proper planning and guidance, a safe and even pleasurable transition is attainable. Seeking out solutions and taking a step by step approach to planning for long term care allows seniors to maintain their dignity throughout the chosen path.

Aging in place brings on its own set of challenges. Families struggle to find solutions that allow loved ones to live on their own safely and to obtain the care they need. Many seniors are unable to leave the home and venture into the community. Some are unable to ambulate while others may be isolated due to lack of transportation. This leaves seniors and their families searching for home care solutions to bridge the gap.

Care Management firms such as AMR Care Group offer the solutions and guidance that families need to successfully age in place. With such an abundance of goods and services available to seniors in today’s marketplace it can be an impossible maze to navigate. AMR takes the guesswork, anxiety and confusion away. A team of exemplary professionals with vetted resources will plan, advocate and assist in meeting all of your care goals to provide a better quality of life.

Laura Giunta
AMR Care Group
500 N. Broadway Suite 222
Jericho, NY 11753-2127
516 605-0434 office phone
516-342-7114 Direct/fax

Manhattan Office
275 Madison Ave.
6th Floor
New York, NY 10016
(646)828-7681

www.amrcaregroup.com 

Can Heart Disease Be Reversed?

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Can heart disease be reversed? As incredible as it sounds, the answer is an emphatic yes…and there has been multiple peer-reviewed scientific studies that have shown this to be the case.

More importantly, while this article is being geared towards seniors, one of the examples I will be giving in this article is myself…as there was a time several years ago when I was very overweight, out-of-shape and was experiencing constant heart palpitations…at a time in my life when I had no health insurance and could not get myself checked out.

So I write from personal experience here, and often that is the best way to teach…

How I Answered “Can Heart Disease Be Reversed” for Myself

Let’s go back to 2007. At the time I was 60 pounds overweight and lived a sedentary life. Very little movement to begin with and no structured exercise at all.

And it was at this time, when I was at my physical worst, that I started to experience heart palpitations…chest pains. And I can tell you that at age 36, that is not a good feeling to say the least.

So if I can be that bad at age 36, I can only imagine how bad it would be for seniors.

How A Solution Presented Itself

Note: Nothing that I am writing here should be considered a recommendation for you NOT to see a doctor and get checked out. ALWAYS seek out competent medical advice IMMEDIATELY if you are experiencing similar symptoms.

I was at the library one day when just by chance I can=me across a book, a book which literally could save your life.can heart disas be reversed

The book was titled “Eat More Weigh Less“ by Dr. Dean Ornish.  And if you were overweight would that title intrigue you?

After taking it out of the library and reading it…while the book is long about 80% of the book was recipes, the science was contained to the first 90 pages or so.

In it, Doctor Ornish outlines how he has cured atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries that leads to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, etc…through lifestyle changes alone!

To me this was stunning. Here was a medical doctor saying that that the answer to “can heart disease be reversed” was an emphatic yes, but that it would be done WITHOUT surgery or medications.

And at the time I didn’t have health insurance as I said, so my philosophy was simple. What did I have to lose?

So I decided to give it a go.

Ornish’s Program

The Ornish program comes down to 3 core principles:

  • A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily (a good power walk would do it)
  • Yoga and meditation to deal with stress and the spiritual aspects of healing
  • An EXTREMELY low-fat diet, where no more than 10% of your calories come from fat

In looking at the 3 principles, it’s pretty obvious to see that the first and second are not that bad. The third is the kicker.

Obviously, the third is the key to the program and the most difficult to pull off. But I can tell you from personal experience that when you are concerned about chest pains, it is a hell of a lot easier to have the discipline to eat right than under normal circumstances.

How I Did It

Let me quickly go over the first two. I started going to the gym and got more than the recommended 30 minutes a day of exercise. And I did the yoga for a while but have to admit that it really isn’t “my thing” so I sometimes did my yoga and sometimes didn’t.

To this day I will easily do a one-hour, four-mile power walk but have difficulty keeping the concentration to do even a 30-minute yoga routine.

But when it came to eating, that is the tough part…and let me tell you how I did that.

Semi-Vegetarian

While Ornish advocates a vegetarian lifestyle, I followed what I would describe as being a “semi- vegetarian”. For most of the time, I did eat only vegetables, but the times that I ate meat I made sure it was lean meats and grass-fed varieties as opposed to grain-fed.

As Dr. Ornish said, “If you cannot be a vegetarian, at least you can eat one.”

Pre-Planning Your Meals

There was NOTHING that was more important to me than planning my meals the night before. In this respect I knew…

  • What I was eating the next day and when
  • How many calories I was consuming
  • By reading the nutrition facts label I was able to calculate how many of those calories were coming from fat

And most of all, by planning my meals in advance I was able to avoid the fast food runs that plague us all.

The Results

Well, can heart disease be reversed? I can tell you from personal experience it can. I lost 60 pounds over the course of 6 months and a few months later, had to go to the hospital to have a cyst removed.

When I started to have the preliminary blood work done, the doctors felt it wasn’t necessary to complete most of the tests.

The reason? My results were so good that those remaining tests were unnecessary. It was rare that they came across someone whose cholesterol, blood pressure, A1C levels, triglycerides…the works…were that good.

So while I am definitely suggesting that you go to the doctor and get yourself checked out, you can be rest assured that assured from my personal experience that you can successfully answer the question yourself, “Can heart disease be reversed”.