SAMUEL L JACKSON, the acclaimed actor known for his remarkable performances, has not only captured the hearts of moviegoers but has also become an advocate for health and well-being. With a career spanning Goodfellas and Jurassic Park, Jackson, now 73, has taken on the responsibility of promoting men’s health through campaigns like One For The Boys.
In 2015, Jackson joined forces with One For The Boys to address issues surrounding men’s health, particularly cancer. He emphasized the need for men to prioritize their well-being, revealing that he has even played golf with friends who hid their skin cancer until they covered it up with a Band-Aid. Through this campaign, Jackson offered a rare glimpse into his own lifestyle choices and the changes he made to take care of his health.
A few years ago, Jackson’s significant weight loss raised concerns among his fans. However, he quickly dismissed rumors of ill health, stating, “Because I was losing weight, people thought I was dying.” The truth was that he had adopted a hardcore vegan diet. Jackson revealed that his doctor advised him that this change was his best chance of staying alive – and it worked. Not only did he shed weight, but he also managed to lower his blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index.
Jackson considers himself fortunate as he undergoes a comprehensive medical examination before every film to maintain insurance coverage. He acknowledged that the average man may not have this privilege, underscoring the importance of vigilance in managing one’s health.
The catalyst for Jackson’s lifestyle transformation was a life-threatening blood clot near his heart, which could have been fatal if he hadn’t made changes in his habits. By adopting a vegan diet, he managed to lose three stone in weight. It’s important for individuals at high risk of blood clots to consult with a medical professional who might recommend medications to control cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Failure to address blood clotting in the heart can increase the risk of stroke or heart attacks.
The National Health Service (NHS) explains that an arterial thrombosis, or blood clot in an artery, can have serious consequences if left untreated as it obstructs blood flow to vital organs. Importantly, such blood clots often don’t manifest symptoms until they cause severe issues like stroke or heart attack. Conditions such as atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate) and antiphospholipid syndrome (immune system disorder, also known as Hughes syndrome) can contribute to arterial thrombosis. Treatment options may include thrombolytic injections to dissolve blood clots, surgical clot removal (embolectomy), artery widening procedures (angioplasty), or bypass surgery to redirect blood flow (coronary artery bypass graft).
Apart from arterial thrombosis, there are other types of blood clotting disorders, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots in deep leg veins. Several factors increase the risk of developing blood clots and fatty deposits, including age, smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of atherosclerosis, and certain ethnic backgrounds like south Asian, African, or African-Caribbean.
To prevent blood clots, individuals are advised to quit smoking, maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular exercise, and manage weight properly.
Jackson’s powerful story serves as a reminder to take control of our health, regardless of age. His journey highlights the importance of making lifestyle changes and seeking medical advice to mitigate potential risks. Let this be a motivating example for us all to prioritize our well-being and live life to the fullest.