| Hey,
I'm Johnny 'Big Daddy' Cooks and my story begins just like many
others who have struggled with weight all of their lives. Until
I reached my late 20's in age, I was never concerned about my overall
health. I belonged to a health club and exercised occassionally.
In 1989, I had an annual physical. The doctor warned me that I was
at risk of having high blood pressure and that I should change my
life style to avoid any risk of a heart attack. I continued my sporadic
exercise routine and continued to eat whatever I desired. This was
the beginning sign of things to come. In 1990, my doctor put me
on high blood pressure medication and a medication to protect my
kidneys because of protein. He became more vocal about me changing
my lifestyle. This scare tactic did not influence me to change my
lifestyle. In 1991 he put me on medication for diabetes. In 1992,
I was put on medication for gout. Throughout the mid - late 1990's,
I continued to workout sporadically and eat the same. I hired a
personal trainer and took step aerobic classes, but my health conditions
got progressively worse. By the year 2000, I was taking 9 pills
a day! 2-high blood pressure, l-cholesterol, 3-diabetes (2 pills
twice a day) and 1for gout.
At this time in my life, I was also
dealing with some personal issues. My sister (Gloria) and I were
taking care of our sick parents who have since deceased. During
the time that we were caring for them, I realized that I was taking
just as much medication as they were and I was ½ their
age. At that moment, a light went off in my head telling me that
if I do not do something about my health immediately, I would
be in a worse situation then them if I made it to their age. This
was the moment that I began to take control of my life by setting
attainable goals. I also got a new doctor (Dr. Cynthia Hom) and
shared with her my health goals. She encouraged me to take it
one step at time. This was a refreshing change from the scare
tactics of my prior physician.
I turned 40 on April 1st of this
year and decided that I had enough of food controlling my life.
I weighed 300lbs. For fitness, I started off slowly by using,
the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator at work. Once
I built up some momentum, I begin working out at the gym again.
This time I made a commitment to workout with some consistency
and I also began to change me eating habits for the first time.
I'm a "LOVER OF THE BURGER", so I decided not have a
burger until I reach my goal weight of 225lbs or a year without
the burger. My main goal is to rid myself of all medications!
To incentives and challenge myself, I had planned to go on a cruise
and I did not want to worry about carrying any medications or
worry about taking them at schedule times. I began immediately
to eat healthier and become more conscience of what I ate and
when I ate it.
On April 23, 2001, I had my Annual
Physical and my doctor couldn't believe my numbers: BP-115/80,
BS-77, and weight 286lbs! I had lost 29lbs from the last time
I had seen my doctor on November 3, 2000. Because my blood sugar
number was so low, my doctor wanted me to keep track of my sugar
levels every week and fax her the numbers.
Each week my sugar numbers were getting
lower, so she began to take me off the medication for diabetes
one at a time, until in 6 weeks I was off all the medication for
diabetes, and cholesterol. Praise the Lord!
My numbers right before the cruise:
BP- 120/80 usually 150/100, BS-AVG. 90 before breakfast, 99 before
dinner, usually 160-170, Cholesterol 161 from 261 back in November
of 2000, and Weight 265lbs. Currently, I am taking only 3 medications.
Upon my return, I saw my doctor on Monday July 23, 2001. She said
I looked GREAT! My blood pressure was 130/80, blood sugar was
138, and thanks to you, I had LOST 2lbs while on the cruise.
Every day is a battle, and it is
easy to stop once you have reached half of your goals. Especially
when individuals and friends compliment you on the way you look.
The truth is, we all still have a chance to improve his/her life
if we set your mind to it….. This has inspired me to help
others who have struggled with weight throughout their lives.
PS. The cruise was truly a blessing
from the Lord, because of all the information I learned from the
two of you (Becky and Rick), and your genuine concern for black
folks to eat healthier and exercise. I'm more than halfway to
my goal. The glass is half full not half-empty. I'm developing
a new attitude, and "I WILL BE SET FREE FROM THIS PRISON
OF FAT" JUST IN TIME FOR FRIENDS OF FESTIVAL AT SEA, SOUTH
AMERICAN VOYAGE TO BRAZIL MARCH 2003!
I just want to thank-you again for
the week of funk aerobic classes on the Festival at Sea cruise.
Much Love,
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