A stroke of luck

On a cold Colorado afternoon, while on my vacation the day after my birthday, I had a massive stroke. My limbs are fine, no paralysis. My head's a little scrambled, but my body is fine. In fact, strokes are supposed to kill, at the least paralyze. But my stroke of luck allowed me to think and speak. Lucky you!

Now I'm left to get the word out. So, please listen carefully. Your life may depend on it. The only time you should smoke, is when you're on fire. Perhaps that's the purpose of the "Burning Man." Who knows? Who cares? Monitor your blood pressure. Not every day, but twice a week. Trust me, you'll thank me.

Eat right. Frozen foods are packed with sodium, which is business code for salt. Fresh foods like veggies and fruits are not sexy, just really good for you.

Cut down on the stress. Relaxing may be boring, but when you get my age, it's bliss.

Exercise. Not only will it improve your overall health, it may make you look more attractive. And God forbid we could use more of that.

Last but not least, ditch the excess alcohol. Life may be a party, but come on.

So here I am a little late on my suggestions for me. Yes, it happened and it rocked my world in the worst way. But hey, I'm alive and kicking.

Gary Lukens

Des Plaines