Just Walk
Walk with a Doc Newsletter August 13th, 2010
Breaking News
Angry SpongeBob
Good morning friend. We love to start the newsletters with uplifting information, that is a little challenging for us this this morning.   I was on call at the hospital last night and we have some difficult news to share.  But first, as you read today's communication, please consider the silver lining. This brave, unfortunate subject of our story is helping us all become a little more knowledgeable about heart disease.
 
Many of you will find in this morning's papers that SpongeBob, lead actor from the hit series, SpongeBob SquarePants, was admitted late last night/early this morning with chest discomfort.   This is of course concerning and somewhat shocking to those of us who have followed the weekly show on the Nickelodeon network.  Many would have pegged Patrick (the starfish sidekick) as the more likely candidate for cardiac disease.
 
When a celebrity develops cardiac disease, it is natural to see widespread concern for the patient and their family as well as anxiety towards one's own health.

With SpongeBob's universality, we expect many questions will surface regarding SpongeBob's risk factors for atherosclerosis. 

The forthcoming thoughts are strictly those of Walk with a Doc and not meant to represent the position of any of other medical associations. Many of which I was proud to be member of, prior to their reading of this newsletter. We do expect the medical community will have other prepared statements by the end of the day.
 
*While in every other circumstance we cannot disclose detailed patient information; this is a unique situation, HIPAA does not apply to sponges.
 
We anticipate that some media broadcasts will be centered on SpongeBob's lack of risk factors, and admittedly, there are a few. He is a (1) non-smoker, (2) relatively young (we have no idea how old, there is just speculation at this point), (3) No family history, (4) non-sedentary, (5) normotensive (blood pressure has been running 120/80 or less), and (6) he is a cartoon character.
 
That understood; while Bob is not "sedentary", he rarely exercises.  Although we have all seen him cover hundreds of yards in a split second, the heart likes continuous activity over the course of at least 10 minutes, preferably 30-60 - with a target of 150 minutes a week.  SpongeBob is aware of that and we anticipate a change for the better. 
 
SpongeBob's total cholesterol was 874 (LDL 621, HDL 13, triglycerides 960).  Food from the Krusty Krab, his place of employment, has constituted the majority of his diet (he is single and rarely spends time cooking for himself).  In addition, his salary at the Krab also does not allow him the adequate means to routinely purchase fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products.  With SpongeBob we will be targeting an LDL of 70 or less, an HDL greater than 40 (preferably>60), and a massive drop in his triglycerides as well (<150)
 
He is diabetic, but wears an insulin pump (well hidden under his square pants during filming). This has helped keep his blood sugars under great, actually meticulous control (his hemoglobin A1C was 5.6%). 

Regular viewers are also well aware that SpongeBob had difficulty, at times, handling stress (please see above photograph). This is something that we will be addressing at Cardiac Rehab, an essential part of Sponge's recovery process.
 
On a personal note, we have been terribly impressed by the support shown from his co-stars as well as the non-SBSQP cartoon community.  Our team has already spoken with and updated Squidward, Mr. Krabs, Patrick, and Sandy (the squirrel).   Security will be tight as we anticipate his close friend Swiper (Swiper - No swiping! Swiper - No swiping!), Dora, and Aquaman will be stopping by the hospital this afternoon.
 
SpongeBob has made only one request.  He would like for you to attend a Walk with a Doc near you this weekend (please see www.walkwithadoc.org for all sites and times).  If you have any questions regarding this weekend's walks, please send them to david@walkwithadoc.org, as I will be at Sponge's bedside with access to my Blackberry but not office phone.
 
Keep your spirits high. Something is telling me SpongeBob is going to pull through this just fine.

Have a fantastic weekend!
David
 
About Just Walk - A Walk with a Doc Program

"Just Walk" is a free, non-profit program for anyone interested in taking steps for their health. Bring friends and loved ones or come alone, and enjoy a refreshing, rejuvenating walk in the park. Physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals from your community will provide support and answer questions. Come out and see what is happening in your community.