Brief medical visit led to lasting lifestyle changes

Dubois

Eddy Dubois saved his own life on Friday, Oct. 25, 2012, when he stopped in for a long-overdue health screening from his health plan.

“Contact your physician immediately,” read a form from the test administrators, who told him he had a serious arrhythmia, rapidly shifting blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dubois didn’t hesitate: He called his doctor, who scheduled a next-day appointment.

That’s the day Dubois took control of his health. As the seemingly healthy 57-year-old underwent a comprehensive blood workup, he began connecting the dots between his lifestyle choices and the consequences on his body. Sure, he was an avid bicyclist who enjoyed the daily 2-mile ride to his job at the University of Colorado Boulder’s Distribution Services office, where he’s manager of Materiel Management. But he had gotten sloppy with his diet, eating excessive amounts of cheese and meat. His stress levels were through the roof. When he also considered his genetic predisposition for cardiopulmonary problems, Dubois knew he needed to make significant changes.

Fall biometric screenings begin this monthCU Health Plan members and their spouses/partners who also are on the plan may participate in Be Colorado’s fall biometric health screenings, Sept. 24-Nov. 7, on all four CU campuses, and at system administration, 1800 Grant St., Denver. All tests — including blood, cholesterol and weight, as well as flu shots — are free and private.For the full screening schedule, and to register, visit www.BeColorado.org.

“The whole strategy I worked out with my physician was that I wanted to do anything to avoid prescription medication,” says Dubois, now 58. “And I’m not on any prescription medication — never was.”

Instead, Dubois committed to a full vegan diet, effectively cutting out animal products. He took on the new diet with passion. He became more mindful of his food purchases and the meals he prepared.

Summer arrived. His health had improved. He followed up with his doctor. His bike rides continued. And then a tragic reminder of the importance of all his efforts hit: Dubois’ 53-year-old brother, who also had recently committed to improving his health — died from a massive heart attack.

“It was yet another reminder. It reinforces that I am considering this a complete lifestyle and behavior change,” Dubois says. “If I continued after October, I may have preceded him in his demise.”

Dubois’ other strategies to combat health problems:

• Get regular health check-ups: If you’re a CU Health Plan participant, join Dubois this fall by taking advantage of the plan’s free biometric screenings. Dubois also recommends a home blood pressure monitor to track your levels and ensure you’re stable.
• Manage stress:  Take advantage of employer-provided programs, such as the CU-Boulder Faculty and Staff Employee Assistance Program.
• Engage in physical activity: Dubois exercises at least five days a week, including bike rides to work and workouts at his local gym.
• Have reasonable expectations:  “I realize I can’t become 100 percent vegan without going manic,” Dubois says. He understands the occasional slip-up, including when friends offer him food outside his regular diet. But he makes a conscious effort to favor healthy choices.

“If some animal products get into my daily life, I’ll accept them.”

• Read food labels: Salt and eggs are just two ingredients Dubois has tried to eliminate from his diet to keep his cholesterol down. He has become a voracious reader of food labels, opening his eyes to how frequently these and other undesirable ingredients appear in foods.
• Seek out healthy alternatives and supplements: Dubois recommends products such as almond cheese, almond milk and coconut milk. He also takes an Omega 3-6-9 vegetable-based supplement.