How not to die

I'm watching this show on Discovery Health called How not to Die. It's usually a show about a doctor in the morgue and how she discovers how someone died. Only this time she did a special on the top 5 things that have lead to death - all things that we can change. So nothing like heart disease or cancer - more the actions behind those labels.

#5 - Toxic poison.
Apparently a lot of people die of carbon monoxide poisoning along with all kinds of toxins that we take in every day. This also includes incorrect dosing with drugs.

Prevent this by simply reading the directions and listening to the rules.

#4 - Microbacterial infections.
Deaths caused by microbacterial infections are on the rise. Something like MRSA which was usually just confined to the ER is now on the rise in many major cities. Schools have been shut down because it spreads so fast. MRSA is killing more people than AIDS in the United States. You get MRSA when the bacteria enters the body through a cut or wound.

Prevent this by keeping clean, wash your hands, brush your teeth, etc.

#3 - Alcohol Abuse
This includes the usual, drinking too much, drinking and driving, and being struck by a drunk driver. But did you know that people also die by giving up alcohol? If you are a serious alcoholic and try to give up cold turkey, your body might not be able to handle it.

Prevent this by seeking professional help if you have an addiction, if you don't have an addiction then DON'T DRINK TOO MUCH and DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!

#2 - Obesity
This leads to so much including heart attacks, high blood pressure, heart disease, etc. Apparently just an extra 20 pounds can make a huge difference.

Prevent this by getting out there and getting active. Don't rule out surgery.

#1 - Smoking
We've been hearing since the sixties why you shouldn't do this and yet people do! Does feeling better while you smoke really balance out all the damage it causes you?

Prevent this by NOT SMOKING!

So everyone, please don't be stupid and try to live healthy. Too many people are dying young because they made stupid decisions. Don't be one of them - it will make me sad.

Switchfoot

I just spoke for the first time this morning and apparently my cold has given me a sexy smokers voice.

This weekend I went and saw Switchfoot in concert with Elizabeth and her sister, Emily. I had a lot of fun! It has been a long time since I have even listened to Switchfoot so it was a great reminder of why I like them so much. You can't help but get pumped up and excited about life when you listen to them.

There was also a band there called Robert Randolph & the Family Band. They were amazing! They had a R&B sound but with a lot of rock added on. They almost had a Led Zeppelin sound to them. Especially since they jammed pretty much the entire time. I like it when bands jam at a concert. If I wanted to hear them play all the same stuff I would just buy an album.

Saturday my mom took me to the Galleria, which is always an interesting experience. For those who don't know, the Galleria is where are the rich snobby people shop in Edina. Needless to say, I got a lot of funny looks walking around in a band t-shirt, plaid pants and Northern Hospitality hat. We stopped at Williams Sonoma where I fell in love with an espresso machine. It is a semi-automatic that lets you grind, measure and tamp your beans and steam your own milk. Who could ask for more!? It could be mine for only $2,000.