Keith Ahrens

“5 years ago, August 23, 2007, is the day I had my open-heart surgery. I remember as if it were yesterday. More healthy, healing, positive energy from family and friends was sent my way that day than anyone ever deserved. I would imagine all survivors can relate to how I feel. I’m more alive today than I’ve ever been. So many blessings and good fortune have come my way.  Everyday, I make it my goal to give back to others. Each day presents new challenges and obstacles but I do my best. Never take life or good health for granted. Everyday is the greatest day of my life.” I love you TT.” – Keith

Alive…. because someone knew CPR

“Setting a goal for yourself is great, but don’t forget you need to start the race!” – K

“Life Changes Forever, Everyday” – Keith

Everyday our words, thoughts, actions, and situations change and ultimately chart the path to the rest of our lives. 

Make “Everyday” the greatest day of your life. – Keith Ahrens

The National Multiple Sclerosis, Society Colorado / Wyoming Chapter, held their Annual Walk for MS at the Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado.

Walkers chose an amazing 2, 5 or 10-mile hike through this breathtaking ski resort.

I was inspired by several MS survivors who in spite of the physical challenges that MS has bought upon them, hiked a rocky, sloping, wooded path that challenged even the fittest walkers.

Roughly 300 walkers dawned their walking shoes and hiking sticks to take on this amazing walk.

I was so happy that I participated with Team “Infusiasts” (get it: Infusion:)) from Neurological Consultants based here in Denver.  Several of the office staff, friends, family and one of the Doctors proudly formed this team and walked for this great cause.

I send a special “Thank You” to Suzanne Hakar for the invite.  I must say the beauty of the walk was far beyond my expectations.  Copper Mountain is about 75 miles east of Denver.

Get involved; Make a difference in someone else’s life and you may touch your own at the same time. – Keith

I’ve just relocated to Denver Colorado.  The “Mile High” City as its known.  An interesting and beautiful city I must say.  It seems everywhere I go I see walking paths and parks.  Recreation seems to abound here.  Everyone I speak to around the country just loves Denver.  I’ve only heard positive things about this great city.

Someone has taken a special place in my Heart and Soul and I’m looking forward to sharing dreams and opportunities with someone who has already given me so much without ever asking for anything in return.  To be able to love someone and more importantly accept love in return is a major milestone for me. I’m so much in Love:) I will certainly share and blog more about this as time goes by.

I still have my home in Vegas and Maryland but I’ve never been more excited about starting a new chapter in my life.  Being a Co-Chair of the Las Vegas Heart Walk will bring me back to Vegas throughout the year. I will continue my passionate advocacy work with the American Heart Association.

Colorado is ranked #1 as the least obese state with an adult obesity rate of 19.8{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}. It is currently the only state under 20{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}.  This is an interesting statistic in that 20 years ago this number would have been ranked the worst state.  What does this mean to me?  Colorado, as healthy as it projects itself, must ramp up its efforts to prevent the catastrophic numbers that await its youth and adult population that has besieged the country.  My mission of Awareness, Prevention, and Education along with Action seem to be the only way to curb the tide of what awaits this great state if nothing is done.

Cardiovascular Disease doesn’t care about statistics or some pie chart to tell individuals where it will strike.  The only force field against CVD we have as individuals is to eat heart healthy and get regular physical exercise. Regular check ups are equally important.

I’ll keep everyone posted but I’m ready to hit the ground running here. Every33Seconds.org is coming soon to Denver and the Nation:)  – Keith

I was talking with one of my best friends who coaches high school women’s lacrosse in a lacrosse league.

The subject of AED (Automated External Defibrillators) came up and I asked him if one was on the sidelines at every practice and game.  He said that one was in the building and not on the sidelines.

I asked him if everyone knew where it was and how long would it take to get it if it was needed on the field.  He said that not everyone knew and it would take approximately 2 minutes to retrieve it in an emergency.

When someone goes down from sudden cardiac arrest, every minute that an AED is not used reduces the chances of survival by 10{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}.  Think about it.  If it takes 2 minutes to get the AED in an emergency, the victim’s chances of survival are reduced by 20{1ee8873d3da54571ef77633feec9b2f18618b0dba2f28faf42edb28003d1c6f7}.

If no AED is available, and the average response time from emergency responders, EMT’s, Fireman etc is 6 – 7 minutes AFTER they’re called… Just think how the chances of survival are reduced.

We discussed getting the parents to do fundraisers at their place of employment to purchase an AED for the team.  AED typically cost between $800 and $2000 depending on the model.  Most AED’s perform the same regardless of cost.  The best part is that AED’s are VERY easy to use.

Some things to think about:

Does your child play sports?

Is there an AED on the sidelines at EVERY Practice and Game?

If not, what are YOU going to do about it?

AED’s SAVE LIVES. – Keith

Do You Know Your Numbers? Mine are below.

A look back at 4 years of lab results.

I’m still working on the HDL.  It’s been as high as 49.

The ratio is very important.  The lower the better.  The ratio is your total cholesterol divided by your HDL.

Always room for improvement for sure.  It just goes to show you that we can change our numbers.

The only prescription medication that I’m on is Lipitor.

Stay focused on the prize.  The prize is YOUR HEALTH.

Random Numbers For Keith     April 2007             April 2011

Total Cholesterol –                            300                          128

LDL Bad Cholesterol –                     245                            76

HDL Good Cholesterol –                  33                             40

Ratio –                                                9.09                           3.2

Triglycerides –                                  250                           54

Blood Pressure –                            146/96                     110/72

Pulse –                                                 88                              64

Today was a blast… of Water.

The Jump For Joy Foundation had another camp today.  I love these camps.

Fighting the rising Childhood Obesity Epidemic by getting kids physically active is “Camp Jumps” primary mission.  Arming the parents with the knowledge they need to help their children eat healthier and stay active is another mission.

Bill gave another outstanding nutrition class to the parents.  Anthony and Branden worked tirelessly to keep the kids moving.  The many volunteers tried to keep up with the kids and always had a smile on their face.

Today’s theme: Firefighters Boot Camp.

Firefighters from The Clark County Fire Department came to the camp today in full gear.  They used fire hoses, relays, and fitness drills to get all the kids involved in fitness.   To have these Hero’s come and work with the kids was Amazing and Inspiring.

The firefighters explained the importance of staying fit and eating healthier foods to stay in shape with the kids.

The highlight came at the end of camp when everyone went outside and saw a Paramedic Ambulance, a Huge Fire Truck and an even Bigger Ladder Truck.
The firemen repositioned the Ladder truck, raised the ladder, had a very brave firefighter scale 6 stories in the air and turn on the fire hose cannon.  At 800 gallons per minute this site was awesome.

They also let the kids grab hold and discharge a fire hose and spray the parking lot.

All I could say was “WOW”.

The Jump For Joy Foundation is doing excellent work.

Visit their website and learn more.  Click Here “JumpForJoyFoundation.org”

Have a Heart Healthy Day and Keep Moving America. – Keith

On Friday, April 1, I was invited to tour the Children’s Heart Center of Nevada.

This place was pretty incredible to say the least. The Children’s Heart Center is Nevada’s largest pediatric cardiology practice. The surgeons and cardiologists of this practice have outstanding reputations.

To say this was a compassionate and outstanding medical practice that gave back to the community far more than they received would be an understatement.

I knew this was a special place when I entered the waiting room where patients sign in to see the doctor. There were 3 cubicles with a receptionist behind each counter.  Every child patient and parent was greeted with a warm smile.  Each time the nurse came out to call on a patient, they smiled when calling the persons name. I’ve spoken and written a lot about customer service in a medical environment and ways medical staff can make a patient feel better.  This experience was at the top of my list for good examples.

Steve Eisen, the Chief Executive Officer showed me the practice with a personal tour and we focused on the work the Heart Center is doing for at-risk obese children.  They have a continuing 12-week program that children up to 18 can enroll in and learn and participate in healthy lifestyle choices and fitness programs.

When the children enter the program they meet with a Registered Dietician, an Exercise Physiologist, and a Clinical Psychologist. The center keeps the parents involved as well. This type of intervention cannot only save lives but help children live their lives.

In the Heart Disease and Cardiovascular area, children without the ability to pay are taken care of by the practice.  Their policy is to never turn away a child that needs cardiac care because of financial issues, thus A Childs Heart is Never Left Behind.

They work closely with the Children’s Heart Foundation  of Nevada as well.

I was able to spend time with their lead Exercise Physiologist, Lorie.  She’s an exercise program and cardiac rehabilitation specialist for children. The passion and enthusiasm for what she does was so evident.

What a great way to have spent an afternoon.  I learned so much.

My Heartfelt Thanks go out to the entire friendly staff of The Children’s Heart Center.

The Children’s Heart Center in Nevada is a very, very special place. – Keith