PassItOnSports.ca Golf Day

Golf season is upon us.

I would like to invite you to join myself and The PassItOnSports.ca team for a day of golf.

While we are at it, why don't we help out a great charity? Right To Play. Let me explain.

Here is the deal. 

On Saturday, July 6th, 2013 I am going to go golfing at the beautiful Indian Wells Golf course in Burlington. I would love for you to join me. But hurry.....spots are limited.

Place: Indian Wells Golf Club 5377 Walkers Line, Burlington

 

Time: Saturday July 6, 2013. First group tees off at 12:30pm

 

Cost: $95 (tax included)

 

You Get:

• 18 holes of Golf  
•  Power Cart 
• PIOS Golf Hat 
•  $5 from each player goes directly to Right to Play.

This is not a tournament...it is simply a day of golf....but there will be some prizes and surprises.

Let's get out there...and play some golf with great friends...it will be a blast.

Simply click on the link below, and follow the instructions on the page. Sign up as a single, or a foursome.

See you on the course.

Right To Play is committed to every child’s right to play. We give children a chance to become constructive participants in society, regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, social background or religion. Through games and sports, we help create social change in communities affected by war, poverty and disease.

 

 

 

Now, don't forget, I am at somewhat of an advantage. My game is moving to the next level. Last year I had a golf club fitting done by my good friend Ollie Cavers of Ollie Golf in Ajax.

 Remember this?

You have time before July 6th to get fixed up. Tell Ollie....Mike sent you.

 

 It is worth the drive to Ajax.

Ollie Golf

NOW IT IS TIME TO SIGN UP!          Sign up to PIOS Golf Day now.

A Proud Father

There are so many things I am grateful for.

Today it the start of the May long weekend, the weather is beautiful, and I am feeling great.
But it is a different reason today that makes me smile.

25 years ago today my son was born. Wow!! Michael Stuart McMillan is 25 years old.

He was born in beautiful Owen Sound, Ontario....and to think of all what has happened in my life...in my families life since then is absolutely amazing.

Where does the time go? - Don't answer that...that is a different blog altogether.

Stu is quite a guy. He is living in Thunder Bay, Ontario working for Zimmer Inc. He has always been a hard working guy and has always walked around with an incredibly positive outlook on life. Always a smile, always a good thing to say about people.

There are so many ways that we judge people. We judge them on what they do for a living....where they live, how much money they make.....what kind of car do they drive. We all have our own way of determining what we "think" of someone.

With Stuart it is very simple. He is one of those people that makes you feel important when you are around him. He never looks past you....he looks at you. He makes you feel special, like you are the only person in the room. It is that type of quality that is rare...and when you are a part of it, it is flat out infectious.

I could not be prouder to call Stuart my son, and one of my best friends.

Oh, and btw...if you are feeling a bit down, Stu gives probably the best hugs on the planet.

Happy Birthday Stu. I love you. See you next week.

  

Me and Stu in TBay.

 

 

 

Passion for Lacrosse

One thing I have discovered since beginning this website, is that every single day, there are hundreds of “feel good” sports stories. They are all around you. You watch them or you are part of them.

Today’s story is no different and is particularly special to me…because, it involves lacrosse.

Justin Donnelly is a young athlete living in Owen Sound, Ontario. He is like most 20 year olds: works hard, plays hockey and likes the occasional cold one with friends.

                                                             Justin Donnelly

Over a year ago, a few of his friends that play lacrosse told Justin he should try the game. He decided to give it a try, and went to the Owen Sound North Star Intermediate tryouts - and made the team.  A  19 year old and playing lacrosse for the first time. (never too old to start anything).

He quickly took to the game…especially the toughness of the game. Keep in mind that Justin’s sports idol is Doug Glatt, the fictitious star of the movie Goon.  It is a hockey movie about a guy that, well, likes to fight.

                                                                 Doug Glatt

And Justin can fight…there is no denying that fact. I have seen it. The interesting thing though, is how quickly he fell in love with this sport.  Justin loves the game. He loves playing and he loves watching. He enjoys attending the Toronto Rock Games whenever he can and watching the best in the game.
A few months ago, Justin complained of some tightness and pain in his chest.  He decided to go the hospital and was told he has had a heart defect since birth and his health - and of course his sports career - was at risk. He spent a few days in the hospital, and he is being monitored going forward. He was cleared to play though, and Justin decided to try out of the Owen Sound Jr. B North Stars. He was pumped.
Even though Justin likes the rough stuff, he is intrigued by the skill of the game. He practices whenever he can, throwing the ball around with anyone that will play. The fact that he is dating the daughter of one of the greatest stars in Owen Sound lacrosse history is added motivation.
He went out to camp ready to go, and was incredibly excited. By the time the JR. B Season began, Justin Donnelly was part of the team. I am not going out on a limb when I say the he is one of the proudest North Stars ever. He is honoured to be a part of this team, and I think they are lucky to have him.
Justin has an incredible love for this game. After seeing this I was honoured to sponsor his Jersey this year, and being a former North Star myself, I am proud to do it.

                                                    Good Luck Justin. Have a great year!!

To follow the North Stars go to www.owensoundjrblacrosse.com

To add your own “feel good” sports story got to www.passitonsports.ca

Cardio Rehab - Done!

Cardio Rehab - I passed!

 

I can't figure out if the six months in my rehab program went by fast.......or slow. Hard to say.

 

But.....it is over.  (well it is never over I guess - but this part of it has ended)

 

As my public service (and somewhat annoying) duty - I will continue my free education and pass on what I learned for those of you that are interested.

 

When I was discharged from Oakville Trafalgar Hospital, I was automatically enrolled in Cardio Rehab through The Halton Healthcare Organization. I had an input interview, they took my weight, waist size (ouch), my heart rate, blood pressure....etc. I had blood tests done, along with a stress test at the Hospital and all this info was recorded on my record.

 

I was then sent to the beautiful YMCA in Oakville to begin my program. This was in November. I went every Tuesday and Thursday evening...after work. When you arrive, they take your blood pressure and heart rate and monitor your work outs. You are given a "target" heart rate to work out at, that number was derived from my stress test. My target was in the 98 - 120 range.

 

Also, as part of the program you can take some courses, a dietitian explains reading labels at the supermarket, so that you eat the right foods. (sounds boring I know, but was actually interesting).

On another course, I learned the benefits of healthy eating. Another valuable course for sure.

 

I would run the treadmill, go on the bikes, the elliptical machines and so on.....with the purpose to get my heart back to normal.

 

I want to say the the people running the program were great....form the warmups to everything else. A great bunch of people.

 

I graduated on Tuesday May 7th. Meaning....that program is over...and now, the idea is to continue on my own at home.

 

I learned a ton. Here are some tidbits for you.

• Moderation is the key. Sounds cliche, but is true. My dietitian was great...because in my mind she was realistic. She did not prescribe some bizarre, unrealistic diet. Leaving the Vegans and Gluten Frees etc. out of the equation for a second...the message I got was this. Eat Healthy, but you don't need to be fanatic. If you slip up once in a while, don't beat yourself up. Allow yourself to "cheat" once in a while as long as you make a real effort to eat healthy most of the time. Eat smaller portions. Skip dessert. If you eat 4 chocolate bars a week  - cut it down to 2. Doing something to improve your eating, is better than doing nothing.
• Exercise - get out and walk, run, jump and play...whatever it is, get some exercise. It is the best drug in the world, and does amazing things to your body.
• Keep in touch with your Doctor - get checkups on a regular basis.
• Get copies of your blood tests (you are allowed) - and learn the numbers. Here are some examples.

Total Cholesterol - Target < 4     Oct 2012 3.38     May 2013  3.28

Cholesterol - LDL
(lousy cholesterol)  Target < 2    Oct 2012  1.79    May 2013   1.70

Exercise Test - METS    MET (Metabolic Equivalent Unit) - a measure of human energy output. 1 MET equals the amount of energy expended at rest. The higher the MET's, the fitter the individual.

I did well here. My entry test my METS were 10.1. Six month s later...14. I was told that was very good. I was pleased to here that.

Target Heart Rate (working out) - was 98 - 120.   Now is 112 - 136.


So....to sum it up. I feel great. I really do. I am playing lacrosse and going to the gym...and things are good. I wanted to write this blog to let those interested know the results....but more than that....I wanted to thank the staff at Halton Healthcare. The program was awesome....and I plan on continue with all that I have learned for years to come.

                                Amrita, Shawna, me and Brenda (got me back in the game.)
                                                    Graduation Day!!!


Thank you all so much!!

--

 

 

My Ride in an Ambulance (Conclusion)

August 24^th, 2012  (around 11:30pm?? Don’t know really)

I was awake, I knew that. I was rolling on a hospital bed through the hallways, I was not sure where, I was confused. I listened to what the people that were pushing me were saying. I heard them say that “the family” was in the waiting room. I figured it out. I was on the way to the cardiac care ward, and my family was in the same waiting room that I sat in February when Mom was here. Weird, I thought. I heard a nurse say that they need to get me settled before the family comes in. They wheeled me by the room, the nurse told “the family” (I still didn’t know who was there) I heard Patti say “I love you Mike”. I needed that. They wheeled me into a room, I had IV’s and tubes and every other thing you see on tv attached to me, I was not comfortable. After I was settled the nurse told me that some people wanted to see me. They told me Patti and Tristen and the Dimarcos were there. I asked them to send in Patti and Tristen. Tristen is also a fourth year of nursing and just finished a summer job at the cardiac care unit in Owen Sound. Tristen and I have a mutual respect for each other. We care about one another, and I knew she would be strong for her Mom, and Patti would need that.

 I was so happy when I saw them. I felt better just to see them walk in. Tristen immediately began doing what nurses automatically do. She started to organize my tubes and wires etc, that somehow get so twisted. I remembered seeing my sister Laura (a nurse) doing it for my Mom, I think it is what nurses do. The nurse said they would have to go now…it was getting late. I asked the nurse if Patti could stay the night, and she said yes. I knew I would be ok.

 

August 26^th, 2012.   (10am)

I am leaving Trillium Hospital (Mississauga Hospital) today by ambulance and being transferred to Oakville Trafalgar. Trillium is for Critical Care patients that have had a heart attack. After you are stable enough, they have to transfer you, they simply do not have the space. They do on average 20 angioplasties a day. (20!) – Are you kidding me? That is a staggering number. So…when you have some strength, you are – out the door. The Trillium staff was great, caring people, although my two days there were, well, scary. I was tired, uncomfortable, anxious, etc. And I was pissed off. Why did this happen to me? What is going to happen to me? Will I play sports again, will I enjoy life again? – So much going through my head. I wanted answers, I wanted to go on my vacation (which by the way was to start today).

 

August 26^th, 2012 (8pm)

My sister (the nurse) my favorite sister (and only one too) from Colorado came tonight. She is the best….and by that I mean The Very Best! Compassionate, giving, caring….ok, you get the idea. I love her, and she flew in to help out her big brother. We had a good visit, and I was excited she would be back in the morning to “take care of me”.

 

August 29, 2012

I get out of the hospital today. It is my birthday, I turned 55, and the dietitian comes into my room singing happy birthday. It was incredibly cute, and made me smile. I told her in was exactly 55 years ago today that I was born at this very same hospital…Oakville Trafalgar. My buddy Stu visited me the day before and nicknamed me “The Phoenix”.  He said, tomorrow The Phoenix will rise again, 55 years after he was born, he is reborn again. Incredibly corny, yes….but it too made me smile. The Dr. came in and checked me all out again; she grabbed the diagram of my heart and explained to me again what happened. She pointed out that all my arteries around my heart looked great, clear, no plaque buildup, nothing. She explained to me the artery that was affected. A major artery going down the front of my heart, and also a tributary from there. There was some build up here, and it sounds like there was a blood clot that somehow released into my system and could not make it through this artery, the blood flow started to get more difficult, and eventually stopped getting through all together. This was my heart attack. They did an angioplasty and put two metal stents in the big artery and one in the smaller one…..and the blood began to flow. Amazing.

Patti took me home, I was so happy. There was a “small” McMillan function at my place that night. (13 people – typical McMillan overage of people) – it was too much (for sure) – but it was all people I love, my kids – my family. They wanted to wish me happy birthday. (but more importantly – they wanted to be there to welcome me home) – I hung in there….we eventually kicked them all out, and I crawled into my own bed for the first time in 5 days. I was exhausted. I was happy.

Life just does not get any better than this.

 

....and Patti and I are getting married in less than a month. Yahoo!

Did you ever read the blog Patti wrote - right after my heart attack? It was really good.
Click here.


Thanks for reading My story. I appreciate it.

Mike