My name is Ted and I deem myself a very lucky man. Why? because I'm still above ground and now able to write this article. Had it not been for a charming but nagging female employee some four years back, a cunning swift acting doctor and, an efficient hospital team I might now have been conversing with my ancestors somewhere in the great hereafter?

I'm an Idiot. Why listen to an idiot? Because, I'm an experienced idiot. I have, like so many others, undergone an experience that you do not possibly want in your lifetime. Not when you can possibly avoid it.

I know that I am far from unique in ignoring the publicised health advice that prevention is better than cure. So, having been such a silly old fool myself I sincerely hope this writing provides a reader with the inspiration to act now. Especially if there is a spouse and/or children involved. If not yourself, then you certainly owe it to them to keep your head above ground.

Some 2500 years ago, a Chinese general named Sun Tzu wrote on the arts of war A reference work utilised my military forces throughout the world to this day.He highlighted the importance of intelligence (knowledge) - To know your enemy - forewarned is to be forearmed - thereby providing for far greater chance of victory.

A heart attack could well be your future enemy. Why not get to know your future enemy now. Learn all about him so that you can defeat him prior to his attack. An attack that could restrict, damage and affect your whole future plus that of your loved ones. An attack that might even cost you your life.

Your only 25 years of age, sporty and fit? In my hospital ward there were six other males, the youngest 23, the oldest 42 plus one oldie of my age in the 60's. A lovely young wife and two of the cutest little daughters one could wish for visited one chap nightly, a 31-year-old dad. He DIED.

There is indication that where there is a family history of heart problems then there is a very strong possibility that siblings (children) will inherit the condition. So, as one very simple guideline take a look at your parents. If they have had any form of heart or stroke suffrage then adopt a program of future medical check ups because in the main, where caught early many heat conditions can be treated and the extreme effects avoided.

In my case a series of attacks left irreparable damage to the heart itself. As with any vehicle when the pump (heart) become faulty then however good your oil/fuel lines (arteries) you aint-gonna get the performance you need either physically or mentally. Add a few strokes to this and I can assure you that your lifestyle becomes far from satisfactory. I have taken just under four years to mentally recover to a stage of being able to write this. And I was lucky, so many other are not and are far worse off than me.

So, take some advice from this old experienced idiot. Avoid joining one of the most popular clubs in this world today. The heart attack/stroke club - it might be the socially 'in thing' but it's certainly not the type of club membership that you need. Look upon money spent on your health as an investment in your principal asset in life.

If you use this article, please send a brief message to let me know where it appeared: ted@assetsoflife.com