The Perfect Low-Stress Day
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The Perfect Low-Stress Day

Posted on 11/08/2019 by Walk with a Doc
Happy 5th Walkiversary
Dr. Pintea in New York, NY
Walk with a Doc Newsletter
Good morning!
In early October, I had a 43 y/o man come in super stressed out. I had seen him a few times over the past 5 or so years and all his echos, stress tests, CT calcium score, and Holters have returned normal. He is still wigged out.
“Larry, the way you describe your symptoms and with all the negative tests, I’m really confident this is not your heart.”
“I know, but I just can’t calm down and my PCP is out of town. I just need to talk to somebody. I’M FREAKING OUT!”
“Okay, please don’t yell. You’ll scare Holly (my nurse).”
She smirks without looking up from her computer.
I grab a napkin from the desk (because cardiology offices are usually filled with napkins).
“Alright, Larry. You didn’t hear this from me, but this is what I want you to try.”
I scribble my ideas down and send him on his way.
Hopefully, for this guy, he’ll never have to see me again.
Late last week, Holly interrupts me reviewing charts on my treadmill desk.
“Larry wants to come in and see you again.”
I almost trip off the thing. Are you freaking kidding me?
“ I told him it was non-cardiac, he says he needs to talk so I put him in at 5:15.”
Later that day…
“So Doc, I did everything you said. I’ve been feeling a little lightheaded so I checked my blood pressure. It was 34/doppler. Wondering if I can stop the amlodipine?”
I can’t help but notice his new dreads and Birkenstocks. He’s smiling.
“How do you know what ‘doppler’ means?”
“This is just another one of your stupid newsletters, right?”
“That’s fair”
“Please go ahead, Larry. How’s the stress reduction going? No marijuana, correct?”
“Won’t touch the stuff. Here’s the template of my normal day. I wrote it down”
6:00 Wake-up. I get 7-9 hours of sleep just like you said. After 2 nights, I could feel that it helped. Better cortisol levels from what I read.”
6:05-6:30 I walk or jog outside with Franz Fur-dinand (Editor’s Note: Check out this report!)
“You named your dog, Franz Fur-dinand?”
He stared at me for a few seconds then looked down at the paper again.
6:30-6:50 Shower
“You take long showers, Larry.”
He stares again.
I better just shut up and listen.
6:50-7:00 Meditate
7:00-7:20 Journal
He looks up. “Also Doc, I stopped watching CNN and my wife stopped watching Fox. I think that helps too.”
7:25-7:50 Drive to work. During my commute, I think of three things I’m grateful for.
8:00-5:00 Work. You were right. It is amazing how just some simple breathing exercises can make a big difference.
12:00-12:30 Lunch. I eat outside and it just feels good to sit in nature and chill. “If no one is out there, I do a little coloring while I eat. Don’t tell anybody, okay?”
“This is a doctor visit, Larry. I can’t share anything because of HIPAA.”
5:00-5:25 Music on the ride home. “I just listen to music, sweet music.”
5:30-6:30 Dinner with my wife and family (and maybe friends)
6:30-8:00 I have a glass of wine and I will knit with my wife as she diffuses lavender essential oils 
“Larry. You really took this seriously, didn’t you?”
He keeps staring at me. I think he thought I was questioning his masculinity.
He is taking this seriously.
8:00-9:30 We watch Bob on Netflix under our new weighted blanket. (Editor’s Note: I just ordered one of these)
That’s it. I get my 8-8.5 hours and start all over again tomorrow.
“Now that I’m superchill – look at me,” he smiles. “My BP is dropping, man.”
“Larry, yes you can stop the amlodipine. It’s good to see you so calm, my brother. I think it’s helping your blood pressure along with your anxiety”
“Oh yeah, one more thing. On Saturday’s I volunteer at a local charity, Walk with a Doc. Have you heard of it?
“Walk with a what?”
“You really should get out more, doc”
Why Walk? See 100 Reasons Here.
Visit the Walk Shop Here.
Welcome New WWAD Chapters! Find Yours Here.
Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.
David, Rachael, Bryan, Jessica, and Gina
www.walkwithadoc.org
About Walk with a Doc:
As an international non-profit organization, Walk with a Doc is committed to inspiring communities through movement and conversation with physician-led walking groups.
Started in 2005 by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, Ohio, the program now extends to over 500 communities throughout the world.
The walks are a fun, free, and safe place to get some steps, learn about health, and meet new friends.
Learn more at www.walkwithadoc.org
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