We all know people who have had heart attacks. Every 34 seconds someone in the United States has a heart attack. Many heart attacks are brought about by our diet: high in fats, high in sodium, high in calories.

My particular family does not have a history of heart disease, but we do have a history of cancer, high blood pressure and diabetes. With that in mind, I have decided to try to change my eating habits and activity level. Notice I did not use the words “diet” and “exercise.” Those two words have become so overused and underachieved that I am loathe to use them.

However, I can change what and how I eat. As I get older, I’ve noticed my desire for meat has diminished greatly. I have no objection to other people eating meat, I just don’t care for a lot of it myself. My husband desires some form of dead animal on his plate for every meal, including breakfast. I’d much prefer a dish of fruit and perhaps some oatmeal or quinoa, or a nice salad.

The unfortunate thing is, we’re addicted to Meeder’s Restaurant and the company we enjoy at breakfast time. If oatmeal really lowers cholesterol, I should have the lowest cholesterol count ever!

I recently purchased a pedometer that counts the steps I take, the calories I burn, and the miles I walk each day. Or it would, if I took it out of its package and strapped it on. It’s on my list of things to do.

After years of concern from my children, I am finally ready to get serious about my health.

I don’t have any diseases yet. I don’t take a dozen different pills to moderate my organs or their function. Other than being overweight, I suffer from no more aches and pains than are appropriate for my age. However, I don’t want to wait until I AM afflicted with diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure or heart disease. I want to work to make sure I remain healthy.

But then I read the following:

“For those of you who watch what you eat, here’s the latest word on nutrition and health. It’s a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

“The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

“The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans. The Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

“CONCLUSION: Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.”

I’m thinking of learning Spanish.

Robyn Near is a Ripley resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com