by Lester the Typing Horse
“Once a Sideshow Attraction, Now the Nation’s Leading Wellness Expert”Dear Mr. Horse: I was watching boxing on cable TV. How dangerous is that activity, anyway? Doesn’t it knock the brain all around the skull?
--Rick Leonard, Boise, Idaho
Dear Rick: Brain damage — severe, catastrophic brain damage — is absolutely a risk for those who partake in the manly art of pugilism. The blood vessels in the skull can rupture and create a clot that puts pressure on the brain tissue. Gradual brain damage can also occur from repeated blows to the head. Over five hundred boxers have died since the sport began keeping records. Now, compared to the many thousands of boxers there are, that's not a lot. However, studies show that chronic brain damage is frequent, even if it doesn't lead to death. One report indicates that three out of four boxers suffer from brain deterioration after just twenty or more professional fights. Add to that the risk of internal bleeding, damage to the eyes and spine and all the cuts, bruises and lacerations fighters receive, boxing is definitely an unhealthy activity. On the other hand, virtually any sport is risky: football, skydiving, hang gliding, stock car racing, surfing (no boxer ever lost his arm to a shark), and many more. Even horse racing offers dangers — and not just to the rider. Everyone has to weigh the risks versus the enjoyment (or income) before participating in any such activity.
Dear Mr. Horse: I thought I was having a heart attack the other day, but it turned out to be anxiety. What are the signs of an impending heart attack?
--Dan Ranger, Miami, Fla.
Dear Dan: There are a number of warning signs. Chest discomfort is the most obvious. You'll feel pressure, squeezing and fullness or pain in the center of the chest. It might last a few minutes or more, go away and then return. It's also likely (though not inevitable) that you will experience discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath is also common, and you may suffer cold sweats, nausea, and lightheadedness. Unfortunately many of these symptoms coincide with other maladies. (Or maybe I should say ‘fortunately,’ since indigestion is preferable to a coronary!) So whenever you’re feeling unwell, especially if it’s something you’ve never experienced before, it's wise to get checked out immediately. Keep this in mind, though: if you don't have a healthy lifestyle, if your family history is suspicious, or if you have high cholesterol, you probably already have a good idea what shape you're in. Start taking care of yourself, see your doctor at least once or twice a year and you’ll have a lot less to worry about!
Dear Mr. Horse: I wanted to thank you for all the good advice you’ve given us over the years. Do you ever see people in-person — or should that be ‘in-horse’?
--Jody Shapiro, Trenton, N.J.
Dear Jody: It’s my pleasure and privilege to have this forum to discuss wellness. Unfortunately, I don’t have time for appointments…except for equestrians. Maybe when I retire I’ll set up an office in a pasture somewhere.