[philmont] Autumn Adventure med checks

On December 24th 2006 Grandpa had a massive stroke and died while shaving.
   
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  I know this is preaching to the choir, but here goes anyway.
   
  I speak from the standpoint of a professionally educated biologist and former combat medic in the U S Army, not an MD.
   
  Medical science has come a long way in the past few years. However, it is still a science that looks from the outside in at a machine that has many functions, the human body. And it is nmot socially acceptable to just cut into it to take a look under the hood so to speak. Well, not yet anyway.
   
  Physical exams simply look for indicators of problems. They do not guarantee no prpblems in the absence of indicators. We simply "pass" the physical exam criteria and go on our merry way looking for a place to happen.
   
  I continue to be amazed at teh people who live for the day they can get off their medication for high cholesterol, hiogh blood pressure, etc. as though they have been fixed and don't have a problem any more. It just isn't that simple. Those are the ones flirting with trouble.
   
  There is no reason for anyone to be walking aroudn today with unchecked high blood pressure of high levele of cholesterol. There are just too many meds available to counteract both of these conditions. Of course you have to take them for them to work.
   
  Some indicators are rather subtle, for example the one where the doctor thumps and listens to your chest and abdomen.
   
  Others are quite exacting and measurable such as blood pressure and all of the various blood chemistry tests.
   
  Speaking of which, blood pressure is a clear indicator of an impending stroke or heart attack. It's just a matter of time. Just because your blood pressure is within the normal or accepted range is no guarantee you won't stroke/attack out. Many have. But we look at the "test" as though it is clear cut pass of fail. It's not.
   
  One thing for certain, since Philmont instituted the BP/Weight limitations on adults, suddenly they quit having adult advisors fall out like flies on the trail and die on the spot. Not a quality experience for any member of the crew. And if youj think a 40 pound pack is heavy in the mountains, try carrying a 200 lb sack of jello down off the mountain. That puts a lot more people at risk of injury just recovering the body. Here an ounce of prevention is clearly worth a pound of cure.
   
  It's amazing how many people work for decades getting into bad physical condition and want a pass/fail test to certify they can do Phgilmont and/or won't stroke/attack out. It just ain't gonna happen.
   
  Philmont was constructed with both types in mind. It wasn't planned that way but it turns out that way. Those that are phgysically fit can enjoy the north side of the highway while those who aren't are relegated to the south side of the highway for their Philmont experience. That is the dividing line. You can crossover from north to south, but not from south to north without meeting certain criteria.
   
  And that is just the way it is.
   
  John LeBlanc

       
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Received on Tue Nov 27 15:28:31 2007