Wow! All this time I thought you had pain down your arm, in your chest, some sort of weird headache, you know all the common symptoms we've been taught. Not so, isn't that scary? No warning…just heart attack, drop and you are dead. No second chance, nothing.
The latest report…Tom, 14 years later, has a clean bill of health, no blocked arteries and thanks to those supplements is living a life full of adventure and solid, good health.
Now that is one happy ending and a good decision to mending a broken heart.
Friend number 2, we'll call him Sam.
Sam has never believed in vitamins or nutritional supplements. He has pretty much been skeptical his whole life. He doesn't like change and he especially doesn't like to change things that he likes and has known for all of his adult life.
Sam is also a hard working man, providing for his family and living a full life, too. Now, in Sams case he had surgery and the doctors implanted a stint to help his heart.
They cleaned out the arteries, implanted the stint and sent him home. This episode scared Sam enough that he decided to add some nutritional supplements to his daily regimen. He started to feel better, had more energy and even lost a little weight.
As the years progressed though, Sam did not change his eating habits or the foods that he was used to eating all those years. In spite of exercising, taking vitamins and getting plenty of rest, now Sam is facing yet another surgery and another implant.
Sometimes the foods we eat can affect our health regardless of what we do in the way of taking vitamins or supplements. At the suggestion of once again changing his diet…getting away from breaded, fried foods and eating baked or broiled meats…the response was the same. No, his decision was not a positive one. Not wanting to make a change was the final answer.
Mending a broken heart that doesn't want to be mended has been the hardest part for me to deal with emotionally.
Then there's my #3 friend, Pete!
Pete is a quite a bit younger than my other two friends being in his mid 20's. Pete is choosing to take the approach I prefer…prevention.
You see, Pete has been watching his relatives. Seeing what has happened to his aunts, uncles, grandparents and parents…just like me. He has seen a pattern in their lives, health and deaths.
Pete has chosen to eliminate and make changes to his diet before something happens to him that he can't reverse, change or control. He only made one small change…well, for some it is big, not so much for me though. Pete gave up beef.
Now, he is not vegan…but, he only occasionally has a small portion of beef and never on a regular basis. He eats plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, watches his cheese and dairy intake and drinks plenty of fresh water.
He has rid his body of processed sugar and corn syrups, yes, including any Starbucks. Can you believe it?
Something I noticed about Pete that is very different from other people, both men and women is his skin….it is perfect. Without the extra sugar, fat and chemical laden processed foods, our skin can be gorgeous too!
The only thing I can not convince Pete of is to use nutritional supplements. He is convinced that the foods he eats are rich in vitamins, minerals and all the nutrients he needs for vibrant, good health.
Sadly, in today's world this simply isn't true. But, at least he is choosing to watch his diet. Maybe one day he will learn that he needs to use nutritional supplements, too.
Three friends, all different…
One friend waited too long, but then corrected his direction, improved his health, lifestyle and is enjoying that lifestyle to this day. He is doing all that he can do for his heart's health…diet, supplements and rest.
One friend waited too long and did not want to change his direction, this makes me very sad…but, it's his choice. He is making an attempt, but shorting himself the benefit of helping his body by eliminating a fatty diet.
My third friend chose a totally different path, but one that suits his lifestyle, family history and he's okay with it. He has chosen two out of three…a great diet, exercise and rest…but lacking a good vitamin and nutritional supplement program.
As for me…
I've combined all three approaches when it comes to my health. In the beginning I was simply sick and tired of being sick and tired. I just wanted to feel better, have more energy, and be able to play with the kids.
As time went on, I gained more energy and knowledge. As I felt better I wanted to start learning more about nutrition, I wanted to feel even better.
Change for me was a slow process, but today my portions are smaller. I do my best to balance each meal with fruit, vegetables and less meat, dairy and starch. Snacks and treats are fewer and further between. I've learned to eat to live instead of living to eat!
Exercise is working it's way into my life, one fun game at a time…it's addicting…the better you feel, the better you want to feel.
Like my friends, I don't want to go down the path of my family…cancer, heart disease and stroke. What about you?
Stop the family traditions of unhealthy eating and living. Join me today, start mending your broken heart or that of a loved one.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."