A Concerned Letter from Your Heart

Hey Bro,

Crazy times, right? This coronavirus thing is out of hand. I just overhear the brain and I know he’s been pretty worried.

But, I’ve just been keeping myself busy with work. You know, beat all day, beat all night, no time clock, no punching in or out, just me, the lungs and vessels all working in unison. It’s a great gig man. So happy to be working here.

But hey, I gotta be honest. As you know, I try not to bother you and keep to myself. But of lately I’ve had my concerns.

My instinct is to just keep on beating that blood man, pumping oxygen to the muscles and the tissue, delivering those necessary nutrients. That’s my bread and butter. I’m good with that. But, against my better judgement, the brain has convinced me to speak up.

So, I’m just going to say it.

You see, it’s regarding your health. I think your diet and lifestyle are making my job more difficult.

Don’t get me wrong – I love to get my pump on. You know that.

But, to put it bluntly. I’m scared. That’s not easy to say.

Did you even know that last month, February, was national heart month? And, don’t pretend that you remembered.

Usually I don’t even care about things like that. I just do my job. But there I was pumping away, as you sat there watching reruns of the A-Team every night, a beer and a bag of Cheetos. But, it’s not just that. I get it, you need to unwind sometimes. That’s cool.

But, it’s the sleepless nights, the endless stress, the lack of balance in your life. I feel like you make time for everything except exercise. I rarely even go above 100 beats per minute these days, man. I want to pump! All I need is 30 minutes per day! Hell, just give me 10!

Lately, the only time I raise my heart rate is when you’re anxious and worried about work or money. And, the nasty oils I see in your veins… that Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio ain’t right.

The brain told me about your last doctor appointment. He said your LDL cholesterol was elevated and your HDL was low. Look, that effects both of us man! That’s my job security you’re playing with.

But I can help too. Did you know that exercise can reduce your lousy LDL cholesterol and help boost the good stuff, HDL? Yeah, it can. Cool, huh?

Look, I’m not trying to be hard on you. I know you have a lot on your plate. And, this coronavirus pandemic probably isn’t helping. I just care about you and our future together.

Dude, I love my job. I want to do this forever. I want to ride bikes together, and run through the wildflowers. I want to be there to pump faster with pride when your kids graduate from college. I want to keep on pumping clean into retirement, as you dance with your lady.

I hope I haven’t come off too strong. I’ve got a lot of passion inside me. All I’m asking is that you’ll hear me out.

I love my job, but some things have to change.

Your Bro,
The Heart