Reality Check

Ever see someone keel over from eating fast food? I did last night…

After a tiring day of rearranging furniture and cleaning I opted for a quick dinner out and I even suggested a hamburger joint [gasp!] Two reasons this is worthy of a gasp… 1. I’m trying to be heart healthy and burgers and fries are not on the heart healthy menu. 2. I’ve been talking to a friend about eating less meat – possibly even becoming a vegetarian. I used to announce I was a vegetarian at the dinner table many nights as a kid to try to get out of eating meat at dinner [big meat and potatoes dinners], but unfortunately it didn’t fly.

So back to the burger place. My husband has been traveling back East a lot lately and introduced me to a famous hamburger chain that we found had CA locations and one located not too far from where we live. We had gone once before about three weeks ago so this was our second trip and I knew that what I was going to eat was not heart healthy. I did feel some guilt in trading in my heart healthy dinner for an easy burger and fries but it was also a little family outing and I was eager to get out of the house.

Here is the reality check…

So after ordering, we sat down and waited for our number to be called. The boys sat on one side of the table and my husband and I sat across from them. Then the drama started. A man at the table behind the boys started to slump in his seat. My husband and I had a straight view of the back of him but couldn’t gather what was going on. The wife began to say: “No. no.” and was trying to hold him up. We couldn’t tell if he was choking, having a seizure or possibly a heart attack. Meanwhile a good Samaritan woman at another table took charge and got up and checked for breathing, asking the wife what was happening. They determined he wasn’t breathing and the good Samaritan woman gave orders to call 911 and  get the man on the ground so she could start CPR. It was amazing and frightening all at the same time. Meanwhile I look up to see my two boys turned fully around in their chairs with front row seats to possibly witness a man dying. So I direct my husband to grab my little one and I explain to them what was happening. I wonder what the boys were thinking as CPR is a bit intense to watch. Other than keeping my boys calm by explaining that they were helping the man, I was feeling pretty useless. Another good Samaritan who knew CPR walked in the door and came over to help give the  woman giving CPR a break from compressions. While they were switching places the once unconscious man opened his eyes and began to breath. It was exhilarating! I was so proud of the woman who performed CPR.

I spouted out ”You just saved his life!”

I was amazed. I couldn’t leave her alone. I asked “Are you a nurse?”

She replied “No. I work at a Orthodontist office and we have to be CPR certified, and that’s the first time I’ve used it”

So… “Three cheers to the Orthodontist office worker who saved a life last night!

The fireman arrived a few minutes later and after checking some vitals, determined the man was having heart issues and that the woman probably saved his life by performing CPR. They took him to the hospital for more tests and possibly admission.

The restaurant cleared out of fireman and returned to its normal atmosphere. But I was in shock. My guilt from choosing burgers over a heart healthy meal turned into a reality check. Was it ironic I was feeling guilty and then was presented with a heart attack front and center?  A definite eye opener! Too much unhealthy food can = a heart attack.

I’m off to start week 3 of the Go Red BetterU program - Maintaining Momentum. You should check out BetterU if you want to improve your heart health. Don’t wait for a reality check.

I had a good day today and feel somewhat redeemed from last weeks slip ups.  I’m seeing the benefits of filling out my fitbook, enjoying taking a little time for myself for a simple weekly reward, and stoked I followed through with my plan to go to the gym today.

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