June 30, 2010
Pedaling for His Health & Yours: How One Local Man is Raising Awareness about Heart Disease
Dean Clinic Patient Michael Hammond Creates “50 To 50 for Heart"
As Michael Hammond approaches 50, he has a new outlook on life. Over the past year and a half, Hammond has dropped 75 pounds, is eating better and is making exercise part of his daily routine.
The father of two says his lifestyle changes were not optional.
“My mother died of heart disease at age 64 after a life long battle with it”, says Hammond. “My grandmother died of heart disease in her late 30’s. My family history is scary.”
When Michael Hammond first arrived in the office of Timothy Lechmaier, MD, Internal Medicine at Dean Clinic, he had serious concerns about his heart health. Together, they came up with a plan.
“I tell all my patients at-risk for heart disease that risk reduction is a marathon,” says Dr. Lechmaier. “Changes don’t happen over night. Living a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise takes commitment.”
And commit is what Hammond did. Over the past year he committed himself to 50 minutes of exercise a day and he gave himself 50 weeks to lose weight and get in shape for a 150 mile bike ride across Wisconsin to raise money for heart health education. Hammond has started a project called “50 To 50 For Heart” to help others in his situation.
“I’m collecting donations for the ride now. All the money raised goes to the American Heart Association,” says Hammond. “There can never be enough education on the subject. 50to50forheart.com is a place people can turn for information, plus support and encouragement from others with heart disease or others trying to make healthy lifestyle changes.”
Hammond will turn 50 in mid-July. The week of his birthday he plans to begin his 150 mile journey, biking from Verona to LaCrosse. He hopes his story will help inspire others. Hammond has a lot of support, including that of his doctor.
“It’s wonderful,” says Dr. Lechmaier. “As a physician, when someone takes the steps to change their life, and you can see the progress they are making, it absolutely makes your day.”
