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·     These books are dedicated to my wife Ceri and our wonderful three children Joshua, Jordan and Jenna who have given me support and love.  I cherish the time spent with them and strive to help my patients and community keep healthy to enjoy what is most important to them.

·     These writings are also dedicated to my father Bob, who has been a tremendous inspiration to me all of my life. He is a remarkable man, blessed with kindness and a sense of fair play.

·     All too often, vascular disease shortens life and steals too much precious time away from what is most important.

·     I also want to thank my patients who have shared their concerns and have given me the privilege to be involved in their care.

·     Finally, I need to thank all the LIFE volunteers who have contributed enormous amounts of hours and support. You are too numerous to name. I and your communities thank you. Each year we grow stronger. We are constantly welcoming new members to LIFE family.

Personal note from Dr Greg:

"I am an individual at risk for heart disease and stroke. In addition to treating a large patient population, I suffer from a genetic cholesterol problem, which is controlled with diet, exercise and medication. My father has already had two bypass surgeries, one stroke and three balloon dilatations to the arteries of his heart. My grandfather died from a stroke.  Half of my father’s family members have high cholesterol. We have a genetic problem called familial, combined hyperlipidemia (you will learn what this means later on). I feel confident, with lifestyle changes and the use of good medications, that I will live a long and healthy life.   I hope this series of publications, which have taken over ten years to complete can be found either in the Corner Store, or preferably you can download your copies at one third of the cost by registering and completing a 30 day health challenge. Finally, if you are a patient or a member of the LIFE family, you can earn these books at no cost provided you take the steps necessary to improve your health and or the health of your community.  Hopefully these writings, which encompass the work of so many individuals that I am grateful for their contributions, will serve to increase your knowledge, put the facts on the table, and inspire you to manage your health better.”

“Many of the mistakes of the past do not need to be repeated.”

LIFE WORKBOOK:

This tool is probably the most important:  It is clear that most individuals with blocked arteries or those at risk of having a heart attack or stroke are inadequately protected.  Health is a shared responsibility between your health care team and you.  However, most individuals do not have the proper tools, motivation, or the knowledge to truly be an active participant in real cardiovascular health.  This Workbook will help bridge that gap by allowing you to prepare for your next health visit, monitor your progress, and keep track of important health documents.  The first book is Dr Greg’s LIFE WORKBOOK, which will give you the tools to monitor your heart health and be an active partner in your own healthcare.  In addition, a series of books will help you deal with all aspects of vascular protection that are written for those serious about their health.  The medical community is now applying “evidence-based medicine” (the best that modern-day research can deliver) to medical decision-making.  I feel that it is time that people like you and I apply this information to everyday decisions about health.  While there are many health-promotion and cookbooks available, this workbook, along with books, videos, health aids, seminars and health coaches are available to help you and your family find your own High Road to Health. We will translate complex medical information into a practical and user-friendly format.  In addition, medical science is advancing at a rapid pace.  To keep up with these changes, regular updates will be added. You can register for a series of 30 day health challenges on the interactive section of the website, yet another weapon to be used in your war against blocked arteries (atherosclerosis).

DR GREG’S SERIES OF BOOKS ON VASCULAR HEALTH:

My patients asked me to write a book on vascular health, which I named “Your High Road to Health.”  It has taken over 15 years to write.  I decided to try and translate “evidence-based medicine”, a term used by all physicians looking after their patients.  This encompasses the best science can offer to improve health.  What is good for all health care practitioners is also good for individuals like you and me who are interested in their health. 

I have dedicated a great deal of effort in studying the best of science on vascular health and have been successful in translating this information to other health care practitioners, such as medical students and residents at McMaster University, giving frequent lectures as well as writing articles to inform other physicians.  What has become apparent is the information is massive and medical science is constantly being updated with newer research. We have decided to break the initial book into a series of publications and videos.  Updates will be available on the websites.  The five books available so far include:

1.      The LIFE Workbook:

2.    Dr Greg’s Facts on Blocked Arteries: What one should learn before it’s too late. This book starts with a health assessment questionnaire, followed by a description of traditional cardiac risk factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and family history).  This is followed by a discussion on cardiovascular investigations and treatment, the use of modern day medications, the management of stroke, and most importantly, how to manage the treatment gap.

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3.    Dr Greg’s Understanding Medical Research and New Approaches to Health: The book will discuss new emerging cardiac risk factors, help you understand good from bad research, and explore alternative medicine. You will learn how to fight cancer.  Finally, we will discuss things we don’t like to talk about, such as wills, insurance, and power of attorney.

4.     Dr Greg’s Your Health is in Your Hands: Facts on when heart disease begins (recognizing the signs), the power of diet, activity, and the modern approach to weight management.

5.     The LIFE Cookbook is a collection of healthy recipes put together by the LIFE group, along with scientific and practical information to help navigate through the unhealthy environment of North America.  You are what you eat!

Other Health Projects

6.      A 30 day Health Challenge (complete as many as you can, enter alone or part of a team). 

7.      Corner Store including Videos, DVDs and other Health Merchandise. All proceeds earned by LIFE Group   will be put back into patient projects. Our goal is not to make money but to improve the health of our communities.   ( under construction)

8.      Personal rewards and gifts. Earn Health points and redeem them for health prizes or donate them to the LIFE group and see them double. Dr. Greg will match dollar per dollar any contributions made and distribute your proceeds to those less fortunate.