“This is going to be a short visit,” I told myself, as my assistant brought Steve into my office. Retired from the NFL, Steve maintains a very active and health-conscious lifestyle. Considering the complicated cases we are accustomed to seeing, Steve’s only complaint seemed relatively straightforward. It still made sense why he came to see us, however: Conventional medicine doesn’t have good success with his condition, and his specialist has been using all the best drugs for the last four years, to no avail.

It wasn’t until we reviewed Steve’s medicine list together that I realized this wasn’t going to be a short visit. Even though his only real concern was minor compared to what we are used to seeing, a brief look “under the hood” uncovered a surprisingly long list of problems, some of which will lead to a not-so-happy ending for Steve, quite possibly sooner than later. One medicine in particular drew my attention.

“When did you have your heart attack or stroke?” I asked. “I haven’t,” he replied, bewildered. “Then why are you taking this drug?” “Because I have high cholesterol.” “Why do you have high cholesterol?” “Because it runs in my family. My father had a heart attack and my grandfather a stroke.”

Like so many Americans, Steve has fallen victim to the circular reasoning that is so prevalent in the halls of medicine. The liver makes cholesterol every day, especially at night, because it is an essential component of all cells and most of our hormones. It is also one of the body’s responses to inflammation, infections, and toxins. Using a drug to make a few numbers on a piece of paper look better does nothing to address the inflammation, infections, or toxins that are causing the liver to produce excess cholesterol in the first place.

“What investigation has been done on your heart?” I asked. “I had a coronary calcium scan done.” “What was your score?” “522.” I almost choked. It was hard to keep my composure, but it’s neither professional nor productive to freak out in front of patients. “Why is it 522, and what is being done about it?” “I don’t know. I was just told I have to take this drug.” “Did your doctor check your small LDL particles?” “What’s that?” “How about your Lp(a)? Homocysteine? Oxidized LDL? 8-OHdG? hsCRP? HRV? Insulin? HgbA1c? 3D CBCT? Toxic metals test? What about a search for hidden infections?”

Sadly, nothing has been done to find out why Steve has developed so much plaque in the arteries of his heart, which means he is a walking time bomb. If he’s extremely lucky, it may never go off. But it could go off tomorrow. This is a huge gamble I would be unwilling to take myself. And I couldn’t let Steve do it, either, at least not without letting him know he has options. He doesn’t have to rely alone on the “hope and prayer” method of avoiding a fatal heart attack.

Equally concerning, this is not Steve’s only risk. There is nothing magical about the arteries that provide life-giving nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. The same process that clogs these arteries also clogs the arteries of the neck, brain, kidneys, legs, and everything else in the body. I wasn’t surprised, therefore, to see that Steve also takes a drug for erectile dysfunction. If a man can’t get it up like he used to, this is a warning sign that he should be evaluated for heart disease. And he could just as easily have a stroke as a heart attack. In other words, Steve doesn’t just have heart disease. He has atherosclerosis, a vascular disease that can affect every part of the body.

During my residency training, I recall the excitement of assisting a vascular surgeon in removing large fatty plaques from arteries in people’s necks, as well as doing bypass surgeries. I watched cardiologists place stents in arteries narrowed by plaques that weren’t deemed bad enough to require bypass surgery. While these procedures can buy a patient time, doctors can’t stent or perform bypasses on every artery in the body. And stents and bypasses get clogged sooner or later, for the same reason the arteries got clogged in the first place.

If by now you are wondering if there isn’t a better way, you are on the right track. The most sensible approach involves the simultaneous execution of a two-fold process: 1) remove plaque that has accumulated throughout the body over a period of decades, and 2) stop new accumulation. For the former, we use technology that led to a Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1998. This is not new science, just science that is largely ignored by medicine. For the latter process, we run a variety of tests—including those mentioned above—to find out why your body is laying down plaque. This might sound like too much work, and it does require an investment in your health. It would be a lot easier to simply take that drug to lower your cholesterol. Unfortunately, studies show that the majority of Americans who show up to the emergency room having a heart attack have normal cholesterol and are already taking a statin drug. In other words, the “cholesterol causes heart disease” mantra that doctors have had drilled into our heads for the last ~50 years has been exposed for what it is: a simplistic, tempting, rational, convenient—but deadly—lie.

This is not just an academic concern, mind you. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, claiming more lives than any other condition. Yet, it receives only a fraction of the attention, fear, and urgency that have been placed on various health scares over the years—whether it’s COVID-19, new viral outbreaks, or other sensationalized health threats. Even at the height of the pandemic, heart disease deaths far exceeded those attributed to the virus. If the same level of alarm and public outcry had been directed toward heart disease, it would have been treated as the true national health crisis that it is.

In light of this reality, wouldn’t it make sense to find out whether you have heart disease? Whether you currently have it or not, wouldn’t it make sense to find out if you are on your way to vascular disease? It can be difficult to convince ourselves to take action when we feel great, like Steve does. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” right? But all we have to do is look around us to see why we can’t afford to ignore what’s going on beneath the hood: Epidemic numbers of Americans are dying of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and dementia, all of them preventable diseases. And they often have no symptoms until it’s too late. You don’t have to become one of these casualties. You can enjoy good health and vitality to continue doing the things you love until you’re at least 100. If you can’t find a doctor who is willing and able to run the correct tests so you have the information you need, call (435) 259-4466 in Moab, or (435) 210-0184 in Utah County, to schedule a consultation at Prestige Wellness Institute.

Colon cancer is becoming more common, especially among younger people. According to the American Cancer Society, in the last 25 years, the percentage of colorectal cancer cases occurring in people under 55 has risen from 11% (1 in 10) to 20% (1 in 5). This trend has made colon cancer the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.

This concerning trend has led experts to recommend that most adults start regular colon cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, at age 45. For those with a family history of colon cancer or other risk factors, screenings may need to begin even earlier.

Know the Symptoms
Colon cancer can often develop silently, but some warning signs include:
• Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool
• Blood in the stool or rectal •bleeding
• Persistent abdominal pain or cramping
• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling unusually tired or weak

Dr. Flanagan, a trusted surgeon at Moab Regional Hospital, emphasizes:
“A colonoscopy can catch issues early, often before they become life-threatening. It’s a simple step that can save lives. Common concerning signs are blood in the stool, abdominal pain, or changes in bowel habits. If you have any of these—no matter your age—tell your doctor right away.”

Ways to Lower Your Risk
While colon cancer isn’t always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
• Eat a healthy diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit processed and red meats, which have been linked to colon cancer.
• Stay physically active. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces inflammation.
• Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol. Both habits increase your risk of colon and other cancers.
• Know your family history. If close relatives have had colon cancer, you may need earlier or more frequent screenings.
• Screenings Save Lives

Screening colonoscopies can detect colon cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Even better, they can prevent cancer by allowing doctors to remove polyps before they become cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, colonoscopies can reduce the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by up to 68%.

Moab Regional Hospital is here to help. Our Family Medicine providers and general surgeons offer screening colonoscopies right here in Moab. If you’re unsure when to schedule your first screening, talk to your primary care provider about your risk factors.

Don’t wait—early detection can save your life.

Scott Brockmeier, a dedicated nurse at Moab Regional Hospital, has an impressive background in endurance sports, having completed approximately 150 ultramarathons, including more than 60 races of 100 miles or more. In addition to his accomplishments as a runner, Brockmeier has been a Registered Nurse since 2009, serving as both a floor nurse and a hospice nurse. His passion for both the running community and medical care has led him to volunteer at many events, often providing critical support at remote aid stations deep in the mountains.

Although Brockmeier retired from competitive running in 2019 due to back issues, his commitment to the sport remains strong. He continues giving back by offering his medical expertise at races, ensuring athletes can push their limits safely.

On April 5, Brockmeier will be stationed at the base of the Moab Rim Trail, providing medical support for the Running Up For Air race. This endurance challenge takes participants up the grueling Stairmaster Trail before descending the Moab Rim Jeep Trail—repeating the loop as many times as possible within their chosen race duration. Participants can opt for 3-, 6-, or 12-hour race windows, beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Moab’s Youth Garden Project and Clean Air Utah, supporting environmental and youth initiatives.

“Come on out and challenge yourself along the Colorado River,” Brockmeier encourages. “The scenery is breathtaking, the climb is tough, and the cause is well worth it. Whether you’re a sprinter or an endurance athlete, this is your chance to see how many times you can tackle the Stairmaster’s 890 feet of ascent!”

For more information, visit Running Up For Air – Moab.
To volunteer, contact Race Director Melissa Beaury at 928-853-3640 (call or text)
or email Melbeejoi@yahoo.com.