Cardiologist Appointment Yesterday

Above, at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant at Grants. 

Yesterday, I went to Grants (about 45 miles east) for my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

The drive wasn't bad. It did rain (a downpour) near Thoreau, but that only lasted a couple of minutes. 

At the doctors, I was weighed (149 lbs.) and had a cardiogram done. I also had my blood pressure checked (111/71). So far, so good. The doctor told me that he reviewed all the tests (lexiscan, stress test, etc.) I took last year and I came out better than expected and for my age. 

We decided that rather than coming in once every year, I would come in six months. This is nothing bad, but since I am getting older, it is best that I get examined so that if anything develops, we catch it earlier rather than later. He asked if this is a problem, I told him that since I am retired, it is fine with me. So, my next appointment will be in December. 

He noted that since I gave up cigarette smoking ten years ago, I am still alive and kicking. He said if I still smoked cigarettes, I would likely not be here. He wasn't concerned about the cigars. I told him I came down with bronchitis back then and used that as an opportunity to quit. 

Above, the chile relleno plate at El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We discussed my activities and showed him photos of the Jeep. I told him we have OHV roads in nearby Six Mile Canyon and I enjoy driving them. This is a lot better than sitting in a rocking chair.

After the exam and everything was done, I headed out to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in town. It was a bit of an effort getting there as there was roadwork being done and I had to take numerous detours. 

One I got there, I had the chile relleno plate. Following dinner, I headed back to Jamestown. 

After getting home, we had a good downpour, which gave my trees a good soaking. We needed this. Monsoon season is definitely here. 

Rate Your Health Considering Your Age

Above, Fort Massac State Park near Metropolis, Illinois. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As the following RV Travel article states, aging is a funny thing.

Funny, in the sense that is varies among individuals. One may be in excellent health, while another person of the same age may be a wreck. Or, one may be somewhere in-between.

RV Travel has posted a poll on how one rates their health considering their age. 

It begins with:

Aging is a funny thing. One day you’re bouncing back from anything, and the next day you make a strange noise just standing up from your camp chair. But here’s the thing: Age and health don’t always go hand in hand the way people assume they do.

Some RVers in their 70s are hiking trails, climbing into truck campers, and exploring the country like they’re decades younger. Others feel every mile in their joints by the end of a travel day. And, honestly, most of us probably fall somewhere in between.

Health can mean a lot of different things, too. Maybe you deal with aches and pains, but still feel strong overall. Maybe you take medications or have limitations, but consider yourself healthy for your age. Or maybe you feel better now than you did 10 years ago because you finally have less stress and more time to enjoy life.

To read more and participate in the poll, go here. 

New Injection Could Help Reverse Damage

Above, yours truly in a Twin Falls, Idaho hospital after two stents were installed.

Eight years ago, when I had my heart attack (or something very close to it) in Wells, Nevada. It was due to fast action by a friend that got paramedics to me that prevented any heart muscle damage. All I needed were two stents to remedy a coronary artery blockage in Twin Falls, Idaho.

I recovered so well that I was able to go on a cruise to Cuba and do some river rafting in Jackson, Wyoming the following year. I also shed some weight as well.

Above, river rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming in 2019. Photo by Floatographs

My Lexiscan (and other exams) last summer showed no new blockages. Whew!

Meantime, Fox News posted a story on a new therapy that may repair cardiac muscle damage following a heart attack. I was sent the article by my "honorary sister" Diane.

The article starts with:

Scientists have developed a new therapy designed to repair cardiac damage after a heart attack.

The study, led by researchers at Columbia University and published in the journal Nature Biomedical Engineering, explored a two-step strategy that uses skeletal muscle to produce a healing molecule that activates when it reaches an injured heart.

Unlike many organs, the adult human heart has a limited ability to repair itself after a heart attack, the researchers noted.

 To read more, go here.

Yesterday In Gallup

Above, yesterday at Gallup Coffee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday afternoon was spent in Gallup.

I drove friend Larry Lucier to his doctor appointment in his bus. After dropping him off at the clinic, I headed into downtown Gallup to go to the Gallup Coffee shop. 

While there, I enjoyed a hot mocha latte and a blueberry muffin. Both were good. 

I recently read an article on wild blueberries on their health benefits. I've always known that they contain great cancer fighting antioxidants, but there are other health benefits as well. Plus, I just happen to like them.

According to an article in the Penobscot Bay Pilot:

ORONO — Wild blueberries, the iconic Maine crop dotting hillsides, decorating sweatshirts and adding personality to local menus, are more than a cultural symbol. Over 20 years of preclinical and clinical studies suggest that regularly consuming wild blueberries supports gut and heart health and may reduce risk factors associated with chronic disease.

Dorothy Klimis-Zacas, professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Maine, recommends one half to one cup per day. She eats them alongside her morning oats or blends them into smoothies.

She has spent her multi-decade career researching the health benefits of wild blueberries in relation to cardiometabolic health. Her work is featured in a comprehensive review from a Cardiometabolic Health Symposium of experts hosted by the Wild Blueberry Association of North America in Bar Harbor in 2025. Twelve experts — including Klimis-Zacas — participated, their work spanning the fields of nutrition, food science, dietetics, nutrition metabolism and physiology, cardiovascular and cognitive function, gut health and microbiology.

Blueberries contain polyphenols, which are bioactive compounds found in many berries, that have particularly powerful effects on vascular health. When compared to conventional blueberries, wild blueberries have twice the antioxidant content, 72% more fiber and 33% more anthocyanins — flavonoids related to the widespread health benefits of the berries, such as improved cardiometabolic health.

Research led by Klimis-Zacas was the first to show that wild blueberries reduce inflammation and vascular dysfunction by targeting the endothelium, the thin layer of cells lining blood vessels that regulates their contraction and relaxation. In preclinical studies, her team found that animals with hypertension and obesity showed reduced inflammation and improved vascular health after consuming wild blueberries for six weeks.

Further analysis revealed that a wild blueberry diet alters vascular structure via glycoproteins — key molecules involved in endothelial signaling processes. These structural changes not only improved endothelial function, but also made the endothelium more resilient to high blood lipids and high blood pressure changes.

“If your endothelium becomes dysfunctional, then everything starts going downhill,” Klimis-Zacas said.

Her lab has also investigated how wild blueberries influence local and systemic inflammation in metabolic syndrome, as well as glucose, lipid metabolism and gut health, to have a greater understanding of blueberries’ potential role in supporting overall metabolic function.

After Larry was done at the doctor's office, we headed to Jerry's Cafe for dinner.

To read more, go here. 

10 Essential Tips For RVing With Health Issues

Above, RV parking at St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Eight years ago, I had a medical emergency while in Wells, Nevada. I had to be airlifted to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put in a coronary artery.

I was in Wells for a car show and rally with friends. We drove up to Wells in my motorhome. In the end, everything worked out fine and I was able to drive home a few days later.

RV Travel posted an article (with video) with 10 essential tips for RVing with health issues.

They begin it with:

The open road still calls to many RVers as they age or deal with ongoing health issues. The RVingWithJoe community includes plenty of folks in that season of life, and health planning matters a lot more than it once did. With some smart habits, RV life can stay safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for many miles to come.

In the video at the end of this post, Joe shares tips for those RVing with health issues.

To read more, go here.

Another Year

Above, my dad and I circa 1993.

Today, I am celebrating the 33rd anniversary of my 39th birthday (as President Ronald Reagan used to put it). 

A number of my contemporaries are no longer with us, so I have to feel lucky that I've made it this far. It occurred to me months ago that once this birthday arrives, I will have exceeded my dad's age. He passed away in 1999 at age 71 from lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. 

It is interesting that as one grows older, they tend to think of their parents more often. I find myself missing them more in each passing year. 

It is strange to think that in ten years I will be at the ripe old age of 82. That shouldn't bother me if I can maintain my generally good health and am able to stay active. I've only one major health scare and that was eight years ago. 

Staying active is a proven way to maintaining good health. I keep active and have a sizable circle of friends in the community. I also exercise the ol' noodle by blogging. The old saying, "If you don't use it, you'll lose it" rings true. I also drive a Jeep that is older than I am.

What am I going to do today? Other than getting a haircut, I have no plans. I may treat myself to a good dinner in Gallup. 

Why Do Some People Age Better Than Others?

Above, our group from Jamestown at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup.

My great uncle used to say, "Growing old isn't so bad when you consider the alternative!" 

Now that I am in my 70s, I have to agree with him. As of now, I feel pretty good. I have some aches and pains, but they are not major. I can still get around and with the exception of forgetting some minor things, I still have my marbles. 

The key, for me at least, is keeping active. I still enjoy travel and drives in my 1952 Jeep in the nearby national forest. I have a good social network in our community. I actually know more people in Jamestown, New Mexico than I did when I lived in Los Angeles. I tend to be the "organizer" of activities for my circle of friends. Tomorrow, for instance, we are going to our local shooting area for some plinking. This was initiated by me. We also meet up at Denny's at the local Flying J Travel Center and at Grandpa's Grill in Gallup every week. Our age group is roughly the same.

I do this "hobby blog" for one main reason: for exercising the brain. I can write faster and better than when I first started it back in 2008. "If you don't use it, you'll lose it" rings true.

According to an article in RV Travel, some people age better than others. 

It starts with:

I learned about this study on aging from the University of Colorado and thought it would be of interest to RVtravel.com readers, many of whom are in their 60s, 70s and even 80s. —C.W.

The research

As a nurse working in an elder care facility, Isabelle Foote saw it every day: Some people age better than others.

Some eased into their 90s with mind and body intact, while others battled diabetes, Alzheimer’s or mobility issues decades earlier. Some could withstand a bad fall or bout of the flu with ease, while others never left the hospital again.

“Why was this happening to them and not the person next to them who was the same age and got to go home? We really didn’t have a lot of answers,” said Foote, who left that job to become a geneticist.

In a paper published recently in the journal Nature Genetics, Foote, now a postdoctoral associate at CU Boulder’s Institute for Behavioral Genetics, provides some clues.

She and an international team of co-authors have identified more than 400 genes associated with accelerated aging across seven different sub-types. The study reveals that different groups of genes underlie different kinds of disordered aging, aka frailty, ranging from cognitive decline to mobility issues to social isolation.

To read more, go here. 

Why All RVers Need A Picnic Table Cover

Above, Route 66 RV Resort in Albuquerque. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I rarely ever use the campsite's picnic table for eating. I just don't find them convenient to use. I generally eat inside the RV on my own dinette table. I do have a picnic table cover, but I don't like to be harassed by bugs if eating outdoors, so I don't.

Considering an article posted at RV Life, it is a good thing that I don't use the campsite's picnic table for dining. A big yuck is my reaction!

The article begins with:

If you’ve RVed for a while, you likely understand the importance of a picnic table cover.

Almost all of the campground picnic tables we’ve seen are made from wood. Wood is porous. That means whatever the last RVer placed on what is now your table has likely penetrated the surface, deposited germs, and/or holds the potential for ruining your camping experience.

If you enjoy eating your meals at your RV site’s picnic table, you need to get a table cover!

They put what on the table?!

While traveling, we’ve seen many things I wish I could unsee. Here are just a few situations where RVers used their picnic table with little consideration for the next camper:

• Mom changing her toddler’s diaper on the table

• Happy anglers cleaning their morning’s catch

• Muddy hiking boots left to dry

• A departing RVer who forgot her dog’s poop bag on the table

• DIYer cleaning his RV wheel bearings at the table

• A camper’s dog atop the table while bathed and brushed

• Nasty words carved into the table

• A smoker using the table to put out his cigarette

• And, yes, an RVer drying his sewer hose atop the picnic table

To read more, go here. 

Secretary RFK Jr.: Restore The CDC

 

The CDC once stood as the world’s most trusted guardian of public health. But bureaucracy, politicized science, and mission creep corroded its mission and destroyed public trust.

My mission is clear: restore the CDC’s focus on infectious disease, drive innovation, and rebuild… pic.twitter.com/wpqB7fO5UG

— Secretary Kennedy (@SecKennedy) September 3, 2025

Democrats Refuse To Fix NM Medical Malpractice Insurance Problem

Doctors are fleeing New Mexico due to the high cost of medical malpractice insurance or are unable to renew their existing policies. 

You can thank the Democrats for this debacle. They are refusing to fix the problem.

 

You need to listen to this New Mexico Doctor who can't renew his insurance.

Exactly what I said would happen back in 2023.

“A sad day for health care. Democrats stopped a bill, dead in its tracks, to fix a medical malpractice bill they passed years ago that will force… https://t.co/ZmnzHoTkzY

— Rep Stefani Lord (@Lord4NM) September 3, 2025

RVer's Guide To Getting Medical Help

Above, the medical center I was airlifted to in Twin Falls, Idaho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Getting sick on the road (while RVing) happened to me once.

That took place in Wells, Nevada in 2018 where I was with friends at the Wells Fun Run car show. I had a heart attack (or something quite close to it) that had me airlifted to a hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho to have two stents put into a coronary artery. Luckily, I had insurance coverage that covered everything, including the medical helicopter ride.

Getting sick while RVing is something most of us don't plan for. That's where an article in RV Travel comes in handy. It is a guide to getting medical help while on the road.

They begin with:

One thing many RVers don’t plan for is getting sick while traveling and/or needing medical help on the road. So, what happens if you or a travel buddy need medical care while on the road? How can you find a good doctor or get the quality medical help you need?

Plan healthcare—just in case

RVers plan their travel routes, secure RV camp reservations, plan what to pack, and schedule trip activities. That’s a lot of advanced planning. We don’t usually plan on getting sick. If you are in good health and have kept up to date with annual health visits, getting sick while on vacation probably doesn’t even enter your mind. Maybe it should.

To read more, go here. 

General Mills Removing Artificial Colors From Products

🚨 JUST IN: General Mills announces they will be removing artificial colors from their ENTIRE U.S. product line, following RFK Jr’s directives

This comes just HOURS after Kraft Heinz announced they’d also be removing theirs.

MAHA is spreading QUICKLY! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0ePARuBLw1

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 18, 2025

Test Results Received

I finally got me results from the Lexiscan that I took last week. It looks like everyone will be stuck with me for the next few years.

FINAL IMPRESSION:  Negative study for ischemia by EKG and nuclear imaging. 

They also said there were no wall abnormalities. Meaning, no developing blockages.

A friend, who missed his appointment for his Lexiscan last week, did his yesterday. He will likely get his results next week. 

Norovirus Is Making Waves On Cruises

Of the three cruise trips I had taken, I got a bug of some sort during two of them.

In 2001, during a cruise to Alaska, I got a 24-hour flu. In 2019, during a cruise to Cuba, I got a minor cold. Those illnesses were respiratory in nature. I came through last year's Bahamas cruise unscathed.

But currently, gastrointestinal bugs, norovirus in particular, have gotten cruise passengers sick.

USA Today has posted an article on how norovirus is "making waves" with outbreaks.

Here's a snippet:

Gastrointestinal illness has continued to plague cruise ships in recent months. Less than five months into the year, a steady string of norovirus cases has sickened guests and crew members on cruise ships.

There have been 16 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness on those vessels that met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s threshold for public notification so far in 2025. Most recently, there was an outbreak aboard Holland America Line's Eurodam, where more than 60 guests reported abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Twelve of those 16 outbreaks were caused by norovirus.

For comparison, there were 18 in all of 2024 and 14 the year prior, with norovirus listed as the causative agent in 15 and 13 of those, respectively.

To read more, go here. 

Stress Testing

A friend is heading to the hospital for a cardiac stress test. This is all new to him and he's a bit uneasy.

I told him not to worry about it as it is only a test. I am doing a stress test in Albuquerque next week (a lexiscan) so I know what he's facing. 

It is better to find out what one's heart and artery condition is in during a test than to find out during a heart attack or any other cardiac episode. 

I have to go to Albuquerque for mine. So I'll be camping in the motorhome the night before. I may also stay the night after the test, depending upon how I am feeling. 

The worst part is no food, especially anything with caffeine, for 12 hours before the test. I will probably pig out 15 hours before so I won't be as hungry during the 12 hours before and during. Being a little underweight does have its advantages.

I'll have to take my regular meds with water only. 

Annual Cardiologist Check-up

Above, at the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant on Thursday.

A couple of days ago, I had my annual check-up with my cardiologist.

He was pleased that I lost weight and am keeping active (I told him about last year's travels, including jet skiing in the Bahamas) and recreational Jeep drives.

Everything came out okay for the most part, but his only concern was the rise in my blood pressure. He said most of the time higher blood pressure comes with age.

So now, in addition to the medications that I have been taking for the past seven years, I also now have to take a blood pressure medication. He wants to see me in six months to see how that's working out. I picked up the medication yesterday and will start it this morning.

It was a longer doctor visit than I expected, so I didn't head over to Loeffler's Guns Etc. I went directly to the El Cafecito Mexican Restaurant in Grants. 

Why You Should Travel While You're Young

Go

Travel has always been a part of my life since I was a kid. I visited national parks throughout the western states with my parents. I also visited other U.S. cities such as Kansas City (Missouri), Detroit and Dallas as a delegates to Republican National Conventions.

I have also visited Japan eight times and took three cruises: Alaska, Cuba and the Bahamas. 

Now that I have reached 70, I am glad I traveled when I did when I was younger. 

It is recommended that people should travel while they are young as they will get more out of the experience. Traveling while one is old and retired is great, provided one is in good physical condition to do so.

Go Abroad has posted an article on why one should travel while young.

It begins with:

When it comes to traveling the world, it’s easy to tell yourself you’ll have time to do it…later. And yes, waiting until you’re older to travel can mean you have time to save money for broader experiences, but it also means finding time amongst more responsibility, making it more difficult to get away and explore the world on your own terms.

There are plenty of reasons why you should travel while you’re young instead of waiting for the “perfect” time. The reality is there will always be an excuse not to travel. When you travel while you’re young, you can throw yourself in head first and learn more about yourself and what you want out of life—while you still have your whole life ahead of you.

Plus, life is short and unpredictable, and sometimes you really do just have to say “YOLO” and go for it.

Why you should travel while you’re young

Travel is truly one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. No matter how old you are and what parts of the world you decide to explore, there are always lessons to be learned and opportunities to shift your perspective and grow more deeply into who you are. Why not travel young and get a head start?

Traveling is life-changing at any age, but when young people travel, they discover more about who they want to be and how they want to show up in the world. What could be better than that? Here are the top reasons why traveling is important for youth. 

To read more, go here. 

RV Travel: What’s The Most Important RV Trip Prep?

Above, the "Gathering of the Geezers" in Quartzsite, Arizona.

What is the most important prep one should do before heading out on the road in the RV?

The answer may be a surprise (or maybe not). It's your health.

That is the subject of an article in RV Travel.

It begins with:

Getting ready for an extended RV trip usually involves making reservations, packing the RV, checking RV systems, and making arrangements for your stix-n-brix home while you plan to be away. You probably have preparation checklists (like this one). Don’t forget to include the most important part of RV trip prep—you and your health! Face it! If you get sick or feel tired as your trip begins, you may compromise your entire adventure. That’s why you need to consider some personal health prep before your RV travels begin. Here are some tips to help you do just that!

To read more, go here. 

Mayor Tim Keller and Co. Turning Albuquerque Into San Francisco

Above, Mick Rich as a U.S. Senate candidate in 2018. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Company are turning Albuquerque into another San Francisco (i.e., Feceland). Well, stupid people voted for them so I suppose they are getting what they deserve. Too bad innocent people who didn’t vote for them are victimized.

Mick Rich has an opinion article at the Piñon Post on the problems the Democrats in the city are causing. It should be read multiple times by Albuquerque and New Mexico residents. Pass this on!

It begins with:

Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and City Council applaud themselves for fighting “environmental racism” by stopping business development in the Albuquerque South Valley. While they look away from the pollution their policies have created, the pollution flows to South Valley residents via the Rio Grande.

Homeless people are urinating and defecating on our sidewalks and city streets, just as this person is doing. Our firm was renovating a restaurant in downtown Albuquerque. As I was walking to the building, I witnessed a homeless person urinating on the sidewalk while APD just looked away. This is not just about decency. It is about our public health.

Besides that, it is a major quality-of-life issue.

To read the full article, go here.

Managing Chronic Conditions On The Go

When one reaches "geezerhood" and is dependent on prescription medications and medical devices, having access to them when one is on the road in the RV is, to say the least, very important.

RV Life has some tips on managing chronic conditions while traveling in an RV.

They begin with:

The RV lifestyle is popular among many different demographics, and it’s more accessible than ever in modern times. Thanks to digital devices and more people working remotely, it’s common for people to travel all year long. But if you need to manage chronic conditions or other health issues during your travels, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your plans.

Anybody can be diagnosed with medical complications, but it’s particularly common among seniors. If you’re dealing with consistent health issues, there’s a good chance that you need prescription medication, assistive devices, and other lifestyle supplements. Fortunately, you can access all of these things on the road, as long as you plan ahead.

Everybody can enjoy the RV lifestyle, but it’s always important to take the proper precautions for your health. Below, we have some tips and resources that can help you manage chronic conditions on the go.

To read more, go here.