Mark S. Blackburn,  Veteran,  USA

Deed,

I am really sorry, Honey, that I have not responded as yet. I've been very busy lately. Then, to further frustrate the issue, I did make a response, but somehow I've lost it. Dang!

Honey, sadly, I don't even have your letter in front of me now. Several things I want you to know....I am not now losing weight, nor have I lost any weight for some time. My height & weight are right in the middle of the range, and my waist size is the most common size for men my height...how do I know this? Try shopping for 34x32 trousers. I think in fact I've gained a few pounds in the last year. You are always free to share your concerns & fears. Your doing so is just one small way I know you love your Dad.

I am aware that many people have gotten into trouble with diets which sound like mine. In fact, I would admit that most who have tried low-fat or vegetarian or even raw food diets have. (Of course most people who eat American get into trouble, too). But, I think, Sweetheart, that I have had the benefit of reading of many others' mistakes, and have taken concerted effort to avoid trouble.

When I was Chris's age my Father who was some 26 years older than I told me he was dying. This was a shocking thing to me. As you know at that point (and because I was afraid your Mom might poison me) I embarked upon a two-fold quest: 1. to learn how to feed myself (something for which I had never borne full responsibility due to marrying so insanely young) and 2. to accomplish #1 with the healthiest food possible so I would not join my Dad in an early grave. So, my motivation in how I eat is my health. This is a very good thing, Dedie, and should largely mitigate your fears! Why? Because if I notice any health problem at all, I would immediately re-visit the primary issue: How do I eat for maximum/better health?

You may have forgotten that when I lived in Seattle, I was like most people in Seattle: constantly sick. Honey, I had every kind of ailment...stomach trouble, ulcers (maybe influenced by a bad marriage & bad church), chronic sinus infections, frequent colds, headaches, gas, constipation, fatigue, B.O., athlete's feet (fungus) and dandruff. (I had more than that, but that's all that comes to mind presently).

As I paid more and more attention to my diet, Honey, all these ailments began to disappear. Shortly after I moved to Roseville, I was following the natural hygiene diet. I had cut out huge amounts of sugar and junk. I really started to feel better, and notice how much better I felt and how rarely I felt sick, tired, run down, etc. It amazed me that all those doctors could only prescribe pills which although they would eliminate some symptoms for awhile, in general I would feel worse due to side effects. There was nothing they could really do to help me. But, somehow, I healed myself by eliminating all the junk food from my diet.

When I lived in Monterey, I decided to give the raw diet a try. Why? Much of what I was continuing to research indicated that eating 100% raw foods was an extremely healthy way to go (if done right). When I made the change, I immediately felt more energetic. It was noticeably different. And, Dedie, I would say that when compared to other men my same age, I have far more energy, stamina, agility, and strength. In fact, I literally think I feel better now than at any prior time in my life. I think I am in the best shape and health I've ever been in.

So, I really think that so far, it has been a boon to my health. I am more effective. I can do more. I can concentrate better. And, yes, at times it's not so good on my social life. But, you can't have everything. (My social life is really pretty good right now).

Now, consider your two parents--the two people whose DNA is closest to your own. One eats a conventional American diet. She has been in and out of hospitals and doctors offices nearly constantly for the last 10 years. She remains vulnerable to additional health problems, and (I believe) is taking medications. Your other parent eats a seemingly strange diet, but has not gone to see a doctor in at least 6 years. He has designed his diet for maximum health. If he knew of a healthier way to eat, he would gladly change. He has not in the last 2.5 years since he began his raw food diet had a headache. He has not had a stomach ache. He has not had a sinus infection. He has not had any major discomfort of any kind, nor has he felt that he should consult a physician. I'm not opposed to seeing a doctor. But, on my last health exam furnished by NEC, I was the healthiest employee out of 2400 at the plant (cholesterol, body fat, flexibility, agility, stamina, lung capacity, blood analysis).

Am I a paragon of health? By no means. But, I've made amazing headway. I'm not so much too slender as I am under muscled. We can all handle only so many priorities at one time. I think I've been handling about all I can for now. But, the exercise thing will be a priority in the near future. That is about the only area (maybe along with sleep) where I'm not quite caring for myself as I should. Suzan has been a motivation for me to exercise more. She loves to swim. And, she uses her trampoline...an excellent form of exercise. I know I'd exercise a lot more if I lived where the weather was warmer, and I suspect that such a change may lie in the future for me. Sacramento is a great town, but the air quality is terrible, and I want to live where I can swim in the ocean daily if possible.

My diet is not a religion. It is science, personal experience, observation of how I feel and perform, and a strong desire to perform at my best and to not feel like 'shit.' I may take another occasion to respond to your letter and address some specific concerns you shared. But, overall, I wanted to give you my take on how I perceive my health and diet, and how I think you might view some of my health history and some family health history. I hope in light of what I have written many of your concerns will be relieved.

I love you, Dedie. I'm very grateful for a Daughter who shows so much concern for her Dad! (Many Daughters don't). I'm very lucky.

Love,

Dad

Mark Blackburn

Mark S. Blackburn, MBA

1310  E  Street Victorian

Sacramento, CA 95814
916.444.6500

Write to Mark:   Mark_Blackburn@Yahoo.com