“Just when you think it is safe to go back in the water”, Stephen Spielberg’s JAWS movie in 1975 with a great white shark being the main character. This reminds me of my recent medical set backs for the past few years. Allow me to bore you briefly with the time line. Ready? Deep Vein Thrombosis (removal of massive blood clot)—-ablation ( irregular heart rhythms)—-two stents (clogged artery)—AFIB ( rapid heart rate that causes poor blood flow). To my point, my thinking was my only problem was the blood clot, silly me.
After the afore mentioned procedures and numerous medications my cardiologist instructed me to sign up for twelve weeks of rehab. This program is one hour a day three times a week and is overseen by Novant’s Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness Center on Randolph Road. My first session was April 2023′.
With my head in a whirlwind I walked into the exercise facility taken back by the activity and interacting of staff and patents. I was immediately met by some of the finest professionals you could ask for. After brief introductions one of the staff greeted me with a stethoscope in hand. “Welcome Joe, I need your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, weight and have you hydrated today”?
Three little suction cups later and a monitor down loading my every move, my list of exercises and the goals for each was discussed. When I felt like the little steam engine going up the mountain I kept saying, ” yes I can, yes I can”. And the caring staff was saying, ” yes you can, yes you can”. An “Atta Boy” never felt better.
Fast forward, April 2025′ will be my second year in the program. After my twelve week graduation I was able to sign up for a membership, “best money ever spent”. The sessions are more of a celebration than a workout. It is a melting pot of personalities that have become friends. Psychologically the peace of mind the sessions bring is as important as the physicality it offers. I am reminded of Toby Keith’s hit record, ” I Love This Place”.
One wonders, ” I know they are there, but why can’t I see their angel wings”. They truly are the Miracles on Randolph.
Be safe.
Joe's Bakers Dozen 