But I suspect I am a lot less surprised by it than most. I am, after all, a Preventive Medicine specialist--it's my job to see vulnerability BEFORE the calamity. And like all too many adults in this country, Mr. Russert was clearly vulnerable to heart disease.
We are learning more about just how vulnerable: Apparently he had some significant cardiac risk factors, including diabetes. But even without the medical details, vulnerability was on display.
For one thing, Mr. Russert was a male living in the U.S., and in his late 50's. That is a profile that all by itself makes heart disease the #1 threat.
But in addition, he was clearly overweight, and that excess weight was at the belly. Abdominal obesity is a potent risk factor for both heart disease and diabetes .
And, of course, Mr. Russert had a high-stress job. It probably involved a good deal of sleep deprivation, and eating in a catch-as-catch-can style. Most news anchors I've met have diets that make the typical American diet look healthy--and we know it's not.
I don't know how diligently Mr. Russert and his doctors were working to mitigate his cardiac risk. We all know now it wasn't hard enough.
This tragedy is a reminder to us all to take heart disease seriously. Too many women think it's a man's disease, and too many men think they are just too tough to give it any mind. The first sign of just how wrong they are can be fatal, as in Mr. Russert's case.
As a health expert for Prevention Magazine, suppose I may be preaching to the choir with my message of prevention. But preach I will nonetheless! Good healthcare, whether it's care from a doctor or the care you take of yourself, occurs before a calamity. It treats vulnerability, so it does not become necessary to treat a disease.
We say "our hearts go out" to Mr. Russert's family at a time like this, and well they should. But those hearts deserve some attention themselves.
Assess your risk. See your doctor. And take good care of yourself, before the window of opportunity to do so slams shut, untimely. Pay your respects to Mr. Russert, but do all you can to avoid following in his footsteps.
More Ways to Live Well and Protect Your Heart
Calculate Your Heart Disease Risk
Fill Up On Heart-Smart Foods
Know Your Cardiac Risk Factors
[photo credit: Peter Kramer/Getty Images Entertainment]
