Editor's Note: Thank you to Dr. Russ L'HommeDieu for sharing this on Patch. If you have an announcement, feel free to post it by clicking here.
12 years ago Dr. Russ L'HommeDieu, DPT limped into his doctor’s office at over 400 pounds and was told he was “Pre-Diabetic.” Within 2 years he had lost over 200 pounds and become incredibly fit. While he is quite proud of losing the weight he is even more proud that he has kept it off for a decade.
In an effort to do something a little outrageous and perhaps a little crazy to commemorate this anniversary, he planning a 270 mile paddle around Long Island, alone in his kayak. This venture will begin on September 7, 2012 from Montauk Point ending back at Montauk Point about 10 days later on September 17, 2012.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), obesity is second only to smoking as a leading cause of preventable death in the United States. The key word in that sentence is “preventable.” Research shows that small weight losses of less than 10 percent of a person’s body weight can improve all the heath complications that go along with being chubby.
Dr. Russ is doing this paddle to show that ordinary people like him can lose weight and dramatically improve their life.
One of the most common and dangerous of the complications of being overweight is type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that diabetes contributes to more than 40% of all deaths in this country each year.
It is important that word gets out that, for most overweight people, type 2 diabetes can be controlled, cured, and prevented through weight loss and physical activity. One study showed that a mere 2.2-pound weight loss in a person who is diabetic could add three to four months to his life! A 22-pound weight loss reduced the risk of premature death from diabetes by an amazing 35 percent.
This is why Dr. Russ has teamed up with the American Diabetes Association to help raise funds and awareness that ordinary people can take control of their health and change their future.
By engaging in this epic journey Dr. Russ hopes to show that
- It is possible for ordinary people to lose extraordinary amounts of weight.
- It is possible for ordinary people to take control of the diseases that currently control them.
- Losing weight is not about the weight you lose it is about gaining a remarkable life
- Living BIG is the key to staying healthy and fulfilled
- It is possible for ordinary people to live an EXTRAORDINARY life.
For more information on this paddle or to make a donation to the American Diabetes Association please visit Dr. Russ’ blog at www.longislandpaddle.com
Contact: Dr. Russ L’HommeDieu, DPT (212) 365-4438
