Michael Kelly:  

a dead man!” 2008 Genetic predisposition for heart attack & stroke (Berkeley Labs) 2009 Neuropsychological test results: Normal (psychologist) 2009 MS, numerous strokes one quite severe, brain atrophy, spasticity, unknown motor control center damage (various diagnoses from a specialist at Duke University) 2009 MS and Parkinson’s, strokes, brain atrophy, encephalitis (diagnosis from an MS specialist at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte MS Clinic) If I weren’t an exercise freak, I’d be dead, or in a bed or in a wheel chair long ago. Research has shown that the best way to boost memory (15% in an average adult) is weight lifting. And bike riding reverses Parkinson’s symptoms. I’ve done both almost every day for over 40 years. Statistically, every hour spent exercising adds 2 hours to your longevity. I’ve spent an estimated 20,000 hours exercising. Wish me luck! Genetic testing performed by Berkeley Labs revealed that, were I not a body builder, I would likely have died of a stroke or heart attack. Today, I walk only short distances with a cane. I fall. I cannot write (not even my signature). I cannot run, dance, brush my teeth manually, stir, use tools, slice food, take off my own shirt, draw, sing, bike a ride, or swim. I can barely smile, and my speech is soft and slurred. I am losing my voice. Everyday tasks requiring fine motor control (like eating) range from difficult to impossible. Mentally I am 100%, mostly because I still work out 3 hours a day, as anyone can see. It is fortunate that I chose body building as my “hobby.” Any other physical activity I would have lost the ability to do it years ago—like basketball, swimming, hand ball, tennis, bowling, track, soccer, golf—you name it! Remember: Use it or lose . . . everything.".