Nooooooooovember

[El Gordo]

Let me add my voice to the condolences. The shock factor makes a real difference, doesn't it?

I've had 2 close family members expire in the last couple of years but we had plenty of warning, which really helps. As some of you know, my wife's father died this week, again very suddenly after a fall, and the suddenness of it really does add to the sense of loss -- which is exactly what you are expressing.

Your reminders about monitoring the things we can easily measure are very sensible. And well done on achieving just about the perfect blood pressure. Interesting how easy it is to improve these figures too. I've mentioned this before but I've been reminded yet again just what a difference a healthier lifestyle makes. My systolic average has gone from roughly 135 (classified as pre-hypertension) to roughly 115 today -- and dropping -- in the course of just the last 6 (healthy) weeks. Quite an eye-opener.

I take readings every couple of days, first thing in the morning. I've also noticed just how high my BP has spiked on a couple of occasions when I've slept very badly or gone to bed too late. The layman's conclusion I've drawn is that lack of a good night's sleep is a health risk.