I love the new Hands-Only CPR advert from the British Heart Foundation!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KQ2xNS0Sg48
Hands Only CPR
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Author Archives: Paul Squire
Back in the saddle
I’ve been out of action for three days since my toe trauma*. I’ve been fighting through the pain, hobbling from place to place, putting on a brave face. Sympathy has been hard to come by. It seems that comedy toe injuries demand laughter rather than sympathy, sniggers rather than tears, giggles rather than concern. So be it!
Time to “Man Up!”.
I’ve been getting lots of sympathy from the ladies in my life!
After three days of enforced rest, today was the day to get back in the saddle…
Over the past week I’ve “connected” with people doing both the Euro City Cycle and “Ride the North” events. It’s all feeling a lot more real now. There’s less than 3 months to the start of the Euro City Cycle. Time to start getting focussed!
It’s clear from early interactions that people are at different stages of readiness and very different levels of experience. I guess that’s always going to be the case. Everyone will be starting from a different base level of fitness and stamina, Everyone’s preparation will be different. So I’m expecting a real mix of fitness levels for the event.
Personally I’m keen not to hold anyone back on any of my rides over the summer. I also want to make sure I’m fit enough to enjoy them. This will obviously require me to be able to complete the events without pushing myself too hard, or putting myself in any physical danger.
I’ll be seeing my Cardiologist on Monday. It will be our first meeting since I was discharged from hospital in June (technically it’s my 3-6 month check-up). I’m looking at this to trigger a change in focus for me from “laying the foundations” to “getting ready to ride”. I realise I need to spend more time on my bike, and get outside.
My preparation approach is:
- Start now. Don’t delay any longer.
- Build up slowly; there is no need to go nuts. It’d probably do more harm than good.
- Don’t panic!
- Make a preparation plan. Set targets. Do your best to meet them.
- Re-plan if necessary. There’s still time.
- Enjoy it!
Personally, I’m really looking forward to the switch in focus. Bring it on!
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* I could show you, but you may find it too distressing!
Things that go bump in the night
What is happening to me!? I’m beginning to feel like I’m featuring in a low budget sitcom, being exposed to life’s “amusing” twists and turns. You’ve got to laugh! (I’m not sure what the alternative would be!).
Good morning, and in case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night!
Yesterday’s tooth trauma was followed up by an even more comical middle of the night incident…
Since the Heart Attack I have been prone to dizziness when I stand up too quickly. Usually this means feeling a bit wobbly, a sensation that typically passes in a few seconds. However, on two occasions now, middle of the night bathroom visits have resulted in comedy collisions.
One of the problems is that it’s only after I have started moving that the dizziness hits – It takes a couple of seconds to kick in. During these night incidents, I’ve been able to maintain my balance, my momentum and my course. Unfortunately however I lose my bearings, my perspective and as it tends to be dark, my vision. The net effect is that I keep walking until one of the following happens:
- I regain full consciousness and control; or
- I hit something.
Unfortunately our bedroom is not that large! So, option 2 it tends to be,
The first time this happened I had a minor collision with a door frame. Nothing serious, Quickly forgotten.
Last night, however, it was a large, heavy bookshelf that interrupted my night-time stroll. From what I can piece together, I hit it with three parts of my body almost simultaneously. My head, my right hand and my left foot. I managed to dislodge something sharp and then proceed to stand on it. Quite hard.
I’m sure it would have looked hilarious on camera. By this time I was disorientated, in pain and bleeding profusely from the underside of my big toe.
On the positive side, it was a huge relief to Louise that the ruckus was not directly Heart related. The last time we had a night time “incident” the outcome was a little more traumatic. (See Father’s Day (Approx. 00:30))
To cut a slightly long story short, I ended up in A&E (Accident & Emergency) first thing this morning being checked out and patched up. Fortunately Louise’s night-time treatment using Daughter #1’s “Foot Treatment Kit” was spot on.
This little piggy went to market…
While flip flops are likely to be my preferred form of footwear for the next few days, there shouldn’t be any lasting damage.
Golden Rule #1: Stand still for 5 seconds after standing up to allow any dizziness to disperse.
Golden Rule #2: Don’t drink cups of tea within an hour of going to bed.
Falling apart (literally)
Yesterday saw my latest visit to the Doctor’s Surgery. Unless anything unexpected happens, regular visits are scheduled every three months. Recent appointments have been spectacularly uneventful, and I’m pleased to report that yesterday’s was too.
The only measure that’s regularly taken is my Blood Pressure, which was “perfect”. My medications are at the “optimal” level and I feel fine.
Happy and Healthy!
We discussed some minor “issues” that under normal circumstances I wouldn’t give a second thought to, but that take on greater significance having recently experienced a Heart Attack. Apparently they’re all “normal” too: Light, but fairly regular nose bleeds are due to the anti-clotting drugs I’m taking, occasional dizziness is due to the artificially low blood pressure, again due to the medication, and the “sensations” in my chest are likely to be a combination of aches from exercise and an overly active imagination, they certainly didn’t appear to cause alarm.
So, it’s all good!
For the past 7 months I’ve been taking care of myself and doing all the things necessary to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle… well, almost! Until this morning I had not visited a Dentist. In fact I hadn’t visited a Dentist for a while… a long while. This morning this oversight (technically more of an avoidance I guess) bit me on the behind!
Having been to the pool for an early morning swim, I was enjoying a breakfast of Muesli and All Bran when one of my teeth disintegrated. Not so good!
It could have been worse!
As it turns out, I have 29 teeth that appear to be strong and healthy, and 1 that is an absolute basket case. I wasn’t in pain, but even I could recognise I didn’t have much of an option other than to visit the Dentist. Fortunately they were able to see me immediately – I don’t know how lucky I am! (apparently)
The good news is it’s just a tooth. It’s not a hugely prominent one either; it would more naturally feature in the “big cheesy grin” line rather than the “Smile” line. I have a few days to decide what to do next but this whole “falling apart” thing does take a bit of getting used to.
At least it’s forced me to get all my teeth checked out. On the plus side, it also allowed me to complete a medical form without having to tell any white lies, in particular about the “Units of alcohol consumed per week”… a big fat zero!
Hopefully this will be the final stage of the healthy new me, and my newly formed support team: Optician. Dentist. GP. Cardiologist. Fingers crossed that will suffice… for the time being at least!
Making connections
I’ve found Sunday mornings are much more enjoyable with a warm glow of satisfaction from some early morning exercise inside me. This morning, having managed to drag myself out of my warm bed I spent a productive hour in the pool.
I may be deluded, but the pool seemed quieter and more business-like than it has done in recent weeks – perhaps the impact of New Year Resolutions is already being diluted. We can only hope! The fact that it was almost light at 8am also made a positive difference… roll on spring!
This morning my fire has also been stoked by increased levels of Social Media activity, which is always exciting…
The arrival of February saw the start of “Heart Health Month”. The Press & Journal, North of Scotland’s local quality newspaper, kindly marked the event with a feature on my Heart Health story looking forward to the Euro City Cycle in May.
(Unfortunately at time of writing the Press & Journal online “Lifestyle” section is “down”, as is the British Heart Foundation Healthy Heart Month web page. I’ll update the links when they’re up and running.)
The Press & Journal article was picked up by the “Ride the North” team and publicised on their Facebook page (which is up and running!) and has resulted in some fantastic publicity, and some sponsorship for which I’m really grateful!
“Ride the North is a two day, 170 mile cycle challenge through the beautiful scenery of the Grampian Highlands in the North of Scotland.” It’s a fantastic and highly sociable way to see the area. Given it’s held in Scotland in August, perfect weather is almost guaranteed!
The event started in 2011 with a group of 38 cyclists. Since then it’s really caught the imagination of the North East Cycling community – this year there will be over 600 cyclists taking part. The event works closely with its Charity Partners and Sponsors to raise some serious amounts of money! It’s amazing what a few good people with a common goal can achieve, and I’ve a suspicion this is only the start!
Spaces for this year’s event are sold out however there may be some Charity places available if you’re interested. If it’s the same as this year, entry for next year’s event will go on sale in November.
For me, “Ride the North” will be the third, final, and, I suspect most physically challenging cycle of the summer. I’m hoping by that stage I’ll be over the feelings of “can I do it” and be able to focus on “doing it”! Can’t wait!
It’s all up from here!
So, it seems that the Euro City Cycle will not be starting in Trafalgar Square. We will not have the privilege of rolling out of Buckingham Palace in a regal procession. We will not even be getting clipped in to our pedals in the 2012 Olympic Park in Stratford.
No, it appears that after what I can only imagine was an intense and competitive bidding war, the honour of hosting the start of our great European adventure has been awarded to… wait for it… the Holiday Inn, Brentwood, Essex.
It’s not only distance that separates Brentwood from Central London!
While being very practical, convenient even, for our Day 1 cycle to meet the ferry in Harwich, it doesn’t quite have the glamour of other possible departure locations. It’s the equivalent of starting the Tour de France somewhere random like… Leeds!
Selfishly, Brentwood is also a bit of a trek from the Station that I’ll arrive at in London, so my trip will be a little more “interesting” than I had anticipated.
Still, we need to start somewhere, and I can understand why being responsible for a group of novice cyclists in Central London isn’t an attractive (or safe) proposition.
Hopefully our rather more cycle friendly cousins on the continent will make their major cities a little more accessible. It’d be a shame to leave Amsterdam without seeing a canal, or to depart Brussels without seeing a little boy peeing!
With the challenge laid out in front of us, I’m sure the Holiday Inn Car Park will take on new significance, and be etched on our memories as the starting point for our trip of a lifetime.
I can’t wait!
Hopefully thing are only metaphorically “all up from here”!
I’m a Swimmer not a Fighter
… actually I’m not much of a swimmer either, but I’m doing my best!
This morning saw a new low in my battle against all that is frustrating about January. When I arrived at the pool at around 7 a.m. it was busier than ever.
So it could have been worse!
The Swimming Club were using 4 lanes leaving just 2 for Public use. Each was packed with people trying desperately to mind their own business and enjoy their morning exercise. I hesitated before heading into the Changing Room to get ready, but decided that I’d come this far so I may as well make the most of it.
I’m still very much at the “confidence building” stage of learning to swim. I can make it up and down the pool, but I know I’m not relaxed and recognise that is a major reason why I find each length so exhausting. I think just spending time in the pool will help, but under the right conditions. Having other people in close proximity does not help create the right environment.
I’m not sure whether it’s purely the fact of avoiding people that makes me uncomfortable. I certainly don’t find it easy to time my lengths to prevent me catching up with people in front of me, or holding up people behind me. I also find it off-putting watching out for people coming in the opposite direction. All too often I end up snagging on the lane ropes as I try to take up as little space as possible.
Maybe this is the way forward!
I sometimes think it would be easier if I was a fighter. I could swim over the top of, or around, other people without a care. As it is, I spend a lot of energy avoiding the worst scenario of all… touching someone!!!
Let’s face it, human kind was not designed to be in such close proximity to so many other “strange” human beings wearing so little.
Perhaps I would benefit from seeing a sports psychologist to get help relaxing under such circumstances? Maybe my issues are more deeply seated! For the time being I’ll continue with the good old fashioned British approach… stiff upper lip, look ahead and pretend it’s not happening!
E-minus 100 (days) and counting…
in exactly 100 days time I will be setting off on my Euro City Cycle ride to Brussels. I’ve been trying not to get too caught up in all the details as it’s seemed such a long way off, but I guess now it’s time to get myself organised.
By my reckoning, there are four things that I need to arrange:
Logistics: I need to get from Aberdeen to London (and back). My preferred travel option is by train. Although this will take about 7 hours, it seems to be the simplest option, not least because it avoids the need to take my bike apart (and more critically re-build it at the other end!).
One of my current challenges, however, is that I don’t know where the cycle starts. I therefore don’t know where exactly I need to be. This issue is countered by the fact that I can’t book the train tickets until 3 months in advance, so I just need to be patient for a few days.
I will also need to stay in London overnight both before and after the cycle. I’ll select a cheap hotel that’s close to where I need to be. Again, a problem not knowing the cycle departure point!
So, not much I can do right now on Logistics other than try to get some more details… I guess knowing where you need to be, and when, are always key elements of good logistics!
Kit: This should be the easiest of to address. I can hear the advice now… “Throw a Credit Card at it!”.
Although I have a “Kit List”, the range of cycling clothes, accessories, dietary supplements, etc. to choose from is huge. Being a relative novice to cycling and a complete novice to cycling longer distances, there is quite a high probability that I’ll select poorly (non-functional, impractical, over-priced, superfluous, etc.).
Green Flash were not cool when I was at school!
I’d like to avoid the schoolboy nightmare of turning up in the wrong gym kit (for example, wearing Green Flash when everyone else has Adidas). Until I arrive on that first morning, there will always be that niggling concern that I’ll spend four days with people giggling at me behind my back! Of course I’ll be grown up about it, but these are feelings that I don’t think ever completely go away, no matter how confident you are!
I’d also like to avoid the situation where everyone else turns up with the one essential, secret item that is the difference between having a safe, comfortable, enjoyable trip… and not.
As things stand, I’ll just have to rely on luck however some advice would be helpful. Any suggestions?
My kit (and luggage) obviously has to work with the logistics. Once I’ve worked out where I need to get to in London, I need to be able to get there safely with bike, bags, etc. I suspect this is a situation in which less is more!
Sponsorship: When is the right time to start fund raising? There is an argument for “as soon as possible”, but if people are like me they will recognise they have plenty of time and do nothing. I could wait until the last minute, but that doesn’t leave much scope for reminding people.
Having pondered this for a while, I’ve reached the conclusion that right about now is a good time to start. 100 days before the event, Christmas is out of the way, everyone’s in need of the feel good factor that giving a little money to charity will provide… the timing couldn’t be better!
Sponsorship will be a feature of the run-in to the cycle, but I’m not going to obsess about it. I am paying for the trip myself so every penny raised will go to the British Heart Foundation. I’ve set myself a target of raising £3,000 but that’s just a target… it’s all good!
Incidentally, my fundraising site is up and running, you can access it by clicking here.
Thanks again to everyone who’s already sponsored me!
Training: So that just leaves training (which I also equate to Health and Fitness). So far so good I’d say. I’m cycling over 40 miles on a regular basis, and around 120 miles a week. I need to ramp it up as we get close to the event, and do more outside on the open road, but I have time. The key thing is that I look after myself.
I also have the small matter of a check-up with the Cardiologist in a couple of weeks. It’ll be the first time I’ve seen him since I left hospital in June so it’s a reasonably significant event. I’m not exactly sure what the check-up will entail. Hopefully it’ll be a formality. Fingers crossed!
***
So, that’s it. I always feel better when I’ve made a list. Now all I need to do is start crossing things off it!
The longest month
Is it just me, or is this January the longest month ever? It feels like it’s been going on forever, and there’s still over a week left! If it were possible to have a double Blue Moon, this is the month in which it would fall*.
What colour would a second Blue Moon in a month be?
Part of the reason has to be that it’s a genuinely long month, excruciatingly extended by the way the calendar has fallen… New Year seems like a lifetime ago. There was almost a full week before we returned to the routine. Then there were four full working weeks. It feels like we’ve had five Fridays already… and two still to go!
I think part of the reason is that I’ve got lots to look forward to. Unfortunately none of it is scheduled to happen this month. Patience isn’t my best quality. At times I feel like a schoolboy again. I’m excited!
Incidentally. most of the excitement is dull, grown-up stuff. I’ll keep you informed of the interesting and / or childish activities! Many of the things I’m looking forward to may be an anti-climax or a downright disappointment – you’ll probably hear about them too!
Perhaps the exercise and healthy living are contributing. Maybe it’s the endorphins kicking in. Is it possible to wind back the body clock? Perhaps a little?
Anyway, I won’t wish my time away. There are still 8 sleeps till February (For me that means, 5 rides, 3 swims and who knows what opportunities). Let’s make the most of them!
***
* I am not referring to two take outs from our favourite Indian Restaurant. Most are double Blue Moon months by that measure. For the record, I continue to be good though (Mixed Tandoori, Boiled Rice, Lentils and Spinach).
September; A good month to join a gym
Today I did my first early morning, pre-work swim of 2014.
I haven’t been too hard on myself up to this point. The dark, cold mornings are difficult enough to deal at the best of times. Having thoroughly enjoyed the long relaxing Christmas break, getting up for work has been enough of a shock to the system without trying to get to the pool. I therefore gave myself a little time to ease back into the routine. Given most of December was spent trying to fight off colds and sniffles, it’s been a while since an early morning swim was part of the routine.
The pool was very busy. Some say it’s a myth that January is the busiest month at gyms, but I put the new faces down to New Year Resolutions that are yet to fall by the wayside.
If you are planning a “get fit” campaign, I would strongly recommend you do not start in January. No wonder people find it difficult to stick with their Resolutions… everywhere is crowded, it’s really not pleasant!
Now, if you could just find yourself a space…
Apparently Gyms rely on over-subscription and a significant drop off in attendance as the month / year goes on, If people only experience a gym or swimming pool in January, I can completely understand why they don’t enjoy it.
Wouldn’t it be great if, rather than doing New Year Membership Promotions, your gym focused on its existing members. They could re-open admissions in February. I know New Memberships are 50% higher in January, but it would send a good message.
To existing members it would say: “We care about you. We want you to have access to the facilities you have paid for,”
To Prospective members it would say: “We want you to take your membership seriously. We know that if you join in January, chances are that we won’t see you again. Wait a bit. Think about it. If you’re serious then we’ll welcome you with open arms… Oh, and when you are a Member, we will look after you too!” *
Of course, (in the Northern Hemisphere, and particularly in Scotland) the issue is exacerbated by the winter weather… heading outside isn’t exactly the most appealing of propositions. The weather is made for a onesie, a roaring fire, a box-set and a glass / mug of something to warm the insides.
Instead of January, I’d suggest you start your fitness campaign in September. Get the Summer holiday out the way and then get yourself fit. The gyms will be quiet, the weather temperate, the days long. You’ll have a natural head start, you’ll feel great and you should be in the swing of things by the time January and the winter blues come around.
Anyway, I managed to fight my way through the crowds for a reasonable swim. With a Turbo Trainer session this evening I’m feeling tired but satisfied. Time to kick back in my onesie!
How can a man look so cool and so cosy at the same time?!
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* I recognise this is selfish and elitist. It is also largely irrelevant for me and the many thousands people that use Public Facilities. We just have to suck it up and make the most of it.
Heart attack waiting to happen 