NASH: Dying to live a long life

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February 5, 2010

By MATTHEW NASH The News and Tribune Fri Feb 05, 2010, 12:32 AM EST

This week marks the anniversary of what has been called “The day the music died.”

Feb. 3, 1959, a small plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa, cutting short the lives of three very talented musicians who had barely scratched the surface of their potential. They died at the ages of 17, 22, and 28 respectively. With a milestone birthday quickly approaching I am scrutinizing my own mortality.

Others who have died young from plane crashes include musicians Otis Redding (26), Patsy Cline (30) and Jim Croce (30). John F. Kennedy Jr. (38) died when the plane he was piloting to his cousin’s wedding was caught in a thunderstorm. These people were flying around the country pretty regularly as part of their careers and lifestyles. I have managed to avoid spending very much time on airplanes which severely limits my chances of dying this way. I do plan on a trip out west later this year to visit my brother but I won’t dwell on my chances of survival, flying is still the safest way to travel.

Many famous people have died from the effects of drugs or alcohol. John Belushi and Chris Farley both lived larger than life and died in nearly parallel deaths at the age of 33. There is an endless list of others who died from an overdose of drugs whether illegal or prescribed. Actors River Phoenix (23), Dana Plato (34) and classic rockers Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix (27) all died as the result of drug overdose. Many others have died from the results of accidents that were related to their use of drugs.

I have avoided the “allure” of drugs and try to limit my consumption of alcoholic beverages so as to avoid the lifestyle that comes along with it.

Some otherwise healthy people have died early as a result of illness. Lou Gehrig (37), the Yankee great, died of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) after 17 record setting seasons. His streak of 2,130 consecutive games played earned him the nickname “Iron Horse” and stood as a major league record for 56 years. He still holds the record for grand slams at 23.

Florence Griffith Joyner (38), the Olympic sprinter, died from asphyxiation during an epileptic seizure. Bruce Lee (32) the martial arts expert and a specimen for clean living died mysteriously of a possible allergic reaction.

These world class athletes spent their relatively short lives in peak physical condition before succumbing to their illnesses. I am not close to living the active lifestyle that these people did but am trying to improve daily.

Two people that have died young while living less than desirable lifestyles are singers Karen Carpenter and “Mama” Cass Elliot. These two, who both died at age 32, lived lives at both ends of the spectrum. One died from cardiac arrest brought on from anorexia nervosa and the other had a heart attack brought on by obesity.

I don’t have the healthiest diet in the world but think my heart is in pretty good shape. My blood pressure is slightly elevated but I relate this to having kids.

Car crashes have cut short the lives of actor James Dean (24) comedian Sam Kinison (38) and Diana, Princess of Wales (36). All three of these accidents were the result of someone else’s negligence and two of them involved alcohol in some capacity. I drive quite a bit from going to work to hauling around the children.

I try to avoid accidents by driving defensively and using good judgment while on the road. Driving the speed limit and staying out of situations that cause accidents has helped me avoid any serious injuries. Drinking and driving is a serious offense that could lose you more than just your license. Always use a designated driver or call a cab if one is not available. James Dean once made a pubic service announcement that said “… the life you save might be mine.”

I will probably never be as famous as the people in this column. They all lived extraordinary lives and died way too young. They all have left behind a legacy that has endured the test of time. As I prepare to enter another decade of my life I try not to think too much about death.

I try to live life to the fullest and experience things day to day. I also find solace in the fact that I have outlived every one of these famous people.

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