Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site trwrba.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!ittvax!dcdwest!sdcsvax!bmcg!cepu!trwrba!suhre From: suhre@trwrba.UUCP Newsgroups: net.med Subject: Jim Fixx and Poor Statistics Message-ID: <877@trwrba.UUCP> Date: Thu, 2-Aug-84 09:52:33 EDT Article-I.D.: trwrba.877 Posted: Thu Aug 2 09:52:33 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 3-Aug-84 05:24:02 EDT Organization: TRW EDS, Redondo Beach, CA Lines: 23 I had an EKG in 1970 and received the diagnosis abnormal. My doctor said "I don't want to scare anyone into a heart attack, I would have classified it as borderline normal". We had some discussion about whether I could/should keep running (I was doint 1 1/2 miles 3 days a week). The answer was yes. In 1972 I began running a lot (15 miles a week, but not at first). In 1974 I had a treadmill EKG and passed with flying colors. I believe that the additional running had strengthened the heart and cardio-vascular system in general. With respect to Mr Fixx, remember that a sample of *one* isn't much for statistical purposes. My grandfather smoked cigars all his life and lived to be 90 (or so). This doesn't prove that smoking is not hazardous to your health. Finally, I have found that the exercise has left me feeling better in general. Remember that the *quality* of life is important just as is the *quantity* of life. Maurice {decvax,sdcrdcf,hplabs,ucbvax}!trwrb!suhre