Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center - (Page 51)

Andre Martinez and his wife, Kim, warm up for their indoor cycling class at Parrish Health & Fitness Center. The couple enjoys regular cardiovascular and endurance training four or five times per week. Martinez says his main goal is weight loss, beginning with lifestyle behavior changes that include consistent exercise. The Martinezes work out together and encourage each other—one day at a time. Big Heart, Giant Steps While learning to be a better caregiver for his mother, Andre Martinez was cultivating a genuine nature for nurturing people in need. In honor of his mother, who had breast cancer, Martinez has walked the Relay For Life for the past nine years. But, unlike other relay participants, Martinez walks on stilts. “It started as a novelty because I enjoyed walking on stilts,” he says. “I’ve worn holes in my legs more than once—a few blisters and raw spots. But, I figure, I’m suffering a little bit for the people [who have cancer] who live with it every day.” Martinez has been invited to take giant steps at several special events throughout Brevard County. In all, he estimates he has spent 448 hours on stilts—“all in the name of fun,” he says. “The coolest part is seeing the smiles on the faces of the people who watch me,” Martinez adds. “That’s all I’ve ever done it for anyway. They just forget about their troubles for a moment and smile. That makes it all worthwhile.” Following his first attack in 2003, Martinez tried to focus on losing weight and exercising at Parrish Health & Fitness Center. “I’ve always been the heavy eater in my family,” he says. “Losing weight is hard for me. It’s not a matter of lack of exercise. I just have a large appetite. I took the challenge to eat The Big Mamma Jamma because I knew I could do it—no problem. You know, you brag on it when you’re doing it, but—” “It really is just a heart attack on a plate,” Martinez’s wife, Kim, says, finishing his sentence. The night before his second heart attack, Martinez and his wife attended a party. “It was the first time in a long time where we ate and drank the wrong things,” Kim explains. Two hours after going to bed, Martinez knew something was wrong. “It was similar to the first time, but not as bad,” Martinez says. “I took a couple of aspirin and waited to see if that achy feeling would subside. It didn’t. I called 911, let Kim know what was going on, and I reclined with my feet elevated until [the ambulance] got there.” The Second Time Around Martinez admits that he may have taken the first warning a little too lightly. Now, however, he is determined not to make the same mistake. “I know that I feel better when I’m lighter, and I’m more active,” he says. “I was searching [for a diet that would work for me] for a long time, and my weight would go up and down,” Martinez continues. “Everybody looks for a quick fix, but that only works temporarily. I work out at Parrish Health & Fitness four to five times a week, but with the insight of knowing that it’s more important to maintain a consistent routine.” Kim adds, “We also try to eat our food in a controlled atmosphere, like at home. We eat large, satisfying portions of things like salad with grilled chicken.” And, of course, The Big Mamma Jamma is not on the menu. Vim & Vigor • SUm mer 2012 51

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Community Calendar
A Life Saved at the Fitness Center
Addressing Hidden Complications
The Breakfast Club
Arthritis Answers
A TV Guide to Radiology
Take Aim
It Might NOT Be Cancer
Colin Firth
Step Up to the Plate
Life After Cancer
Get Dad to the Doc
Virtual Health
Community Health
Third Lease on Life
Commissioned to Greatness
Foundation Focus
Ask the Expert

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2012 - Parrish Medical Center