Fran's Heart Valve Journal

Thursday, March 22, 2012 11:31 AM

Dear Fran,

Good to get your message and especially to see your picture in Adam's latest blog entry. You are looking incredibly fit. Way to go!!!

I can't find your e-mail, which I know I had, so took to the Guestbook route.

I found the Fitbit at a booth CC had set up at a Cleveland area shopping mall for Christmas. But if you Google it, you can order online. Make sure you get the latest model - Fitbit Ultra. It does inspire me to get my 10,000 steps a day. Fitbit also enables you to enter other forms of exercise and food intake but I haven't gotten into that - although I should! Between our fitness club, the local rec center and taking care of the dogs, I really strive for those 10,000 - or more every day. With our local predator supply (think bears, mountain lions and coyotes to name the largest) I am a touch of a chicken to walk on some of the more deserted roads in our sub-division! When I am feeling like a slug, I try to force myself to do Leslie Sansome's DVD's.

Sorry about those multiple entries, I expect the journal entry to work like the guestbook and appear immediately, which, of course, it doesn't. Thus I manage to bore everyone with MANY entries of my pearls of wisdom. I'm sure they are wishing I would just shut up and go away!

Keep up the good work AND keep in touch!

Anne Shannon

Monday, January 16, 2012 08:10 AM

Hi Fran,

Great to hear from you and thank you for the great advice on the walking program. I will definitely look into it because it is way too cold and icy in Maine to walk outdoors right now. Thanks again. Yes, looking at Dr. Gillinov's smiling face under valve surgeon spotlight brings a smile to my face. He's the best! Ruth Howell

Monday, January 16, 2012 07:53 AM

Darling Fran, it is so good to read your journal updates! I'm coming up to my 2nd anniversary and have never felt better. I lost 28 lbs last year (deliberately) and that brought my blood pressure down to normal - as with all other measurements since I came off ALL meds in May last year. I am starting a 12 week fitness challenge today with the aim of increasing my stamina, strength and flexibility by 30% this year and it's pretty good to start with. I'm now 63 but feel 36 and you'll regularly see me dancing on stage at Tony Robbins events! Keep the flag flying girl!

lots of love Penny (Scotland)

Monday, January 9, 2012 10:03 AM

Hi Fran,

Got your message in my guest book. Since I followed your Valve story when I was getting ready to go to CC, I was happy to hear from you. I think of Fran every time I do the Sansome Walking tapes!

I haven't been on blood pressure medicine but have recently had a couple of high readings. They seem to come and go but perhaps at 70, it is time to go on something. I was thrilled with the report from my cardiologist the other day. He sort of regards me as one of the seven wonders of the modern world. It's pretty amusing because of how his attitude has changed. I can't believe the change in his opinion on CC.

You and I know the benefits of that trip to Cleveland, Ohio!

Good to hear from you!

Anne