Patient of the Month: Edward Howard

Meet October’s Patient of the Month  Edward Howard!

Edward Howard

Ed at this year’s Bike to Beat Cancer

Ed recently lost 70 pounds by working out! We asked him to share what motivated him to become more physically active as well as what other lifestyle changes he made to reach this goal:

“Honestly, after turning fifty I wanted people to look at me and say “you’re fifty!” versus “oh, you’re fifty.”  In the former it’s you look younger than that. In the latter it’s older and I just couldn’t take it anymore so I wanted to do something about it. Diet and exercise are the key changes I’ve made. I really watch what I eat. I’m now at the weight I want to be at so it’s more about maintaining than anything else, but I still have be careful and exercise nearly every day.”

What exercises do you enjoy the most and why?

“I’m in the gym at least four to five days a week.  Even when I’m traveling, I can find a gym somewhere to get a workout in or go for a run. It’s the feeling that I’ve done something to better myself and the accomplishment of that I enjoy the most. Nothing quite like a workout where the sweat rolls off you and your clothes are soaked….that’s a good workout!!  Aside from the mental enjoyment, strength training (weights), and cycling have become my favorites. Earlier this year I ran in my first ever 5K. It was cool because I was able to run it with my son. I couldn’t keep up with him but I finished and that was all that mattered to me. I really like the physical exertion running gives you but it’s hard on the knees and lower back so I’ve turned to cycling. I’m just a beginner at it but have found that I really enjoy it equally as much as running.”

Ed has had multiple knee injuries and issues dating back to high school. In an effort to avoid another surgery, Dr. Grossfeld recently suggested treatment by injection.

“While I wasn’t sure about it at first, I am really glad that I did it. The pain I was having is virtually gone and I truly believe it is one of the reasons I have been able to do as much as I have since having the injection.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself! What are your favorite past times?

“When I’m not spending time with my family (Christina, Ashleigh, Austin, and Audrey) and or friends, I love sitting in a tree stand watching nature or being on the golf course. Pretty much anything outdoors and I am in. I was blessed/fortunate enough to play football through college and had a nice run playing rugby for nearly fifteen years with a few very competitive teams. I was even able to play in an alumni game this spring at the age of 51, and that was great fun!! I’ve been in the energy business for thirty plus years working with some of North America’s and the world’s largest energy consumers providing energy management and procurement advice. I also enjoy mowing lawns and building decks when I’m not in the woods or at the office. It’s the physical and mental challenge these activities give me that I really like.”