You're Tough As Nails, Your Heart Isn't - FIX IT!

Look, oilfield life ain't easy—long days, tough work, and constant stress. You might think your biggest risk is an accident on the rig, but your heart might be the real killer sneaking up on you.

What’s the Big Deal about Heart Disease?

• Heart disease is the #1 killer of men, especially in physically demanding jobs like oilfield work.
• More and more oilfield hands are having heart attacks in their 30s and 40s—not exactly retirement age.
• Congestive heart failure means your heart gets weak and struggles just pumping blood. You end up feeling exhausted, short of breath, and unable to do simple stuff like climb stairs.

How Oilfield Life Can Mess Up Your Heart

• Fast Food & Junk: Too many gas station burritos, fried chicken, soda, and energy drinks.
• Smoking: Lighting up cigarette or even cigars to deal with stress might seem like relief, but you're choking out your heart with every puff.
• Drinking: Cracking a few beers after work turns into too many, too often. Moderation is key.
• Stress & No Sleep: Constant worry about job safety, layoffs, and family issues adds up and beats down your heart.
• No Real Exercise: Sure, the job is tough, but lifting heavy stuff around the rig isn't the same as getting good old-fashioned cardio.

No-BS Fixes to Keep Your Heart Pumping

1. Clean Up Your Eating Habits (Just a Little)

• Skip fried stuff sometimes; choose grilled or baked instead.
• Swap chips or candy bars for nuts, beef jerky, or fruit.
• Drink water—give those energy drinks a rest now and then.

2. Stop Smoking (Or At Least Cut Back)

• Every cigarette or cigar you skip helps your heart heal a bit.
• Use gum, patches, or talk to a doc. Whatever works, just do it.

3. Cut Down on Booze

• Limit yourself to a couple of drinks, not half a case.
• Drink some water between beers.

4. Get Off Your Ass, Off the Job

• Take a brisk walk/jog around the man camp or do push-ups—30 minutes, 3 times a week is enough to help.
• You’re tough enough for the rig; be tough enough to exercise too.

5. Deal with Your Stress

• Talk to your buddies—you're all in this together.
• Call home regularly. Your family misses you too.
• Exercise, meditate, pray—just don't keep stress bottled up or turn up a bottle instead

6. Get Real Sleep

• Aim for at least 6-7 hours of sleep whenever you can.
• Skip that late-night caffeine fix. Set a time for when your last caffeinated drink of the day can be consumed

Think About Your Family

Here's the cold truth: If your heart gives out, it’s not just you who suffers—it’s your family left behind. Do you really want your kids growing up without you or your spouse carrying on alone? Your family needs you, not just your paycheck.

Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Heart disease doesn't care how tough you are—it takes down even the toughest guys if you let it. Make a few small changes today. Your heart—and your family—will thank you.

Stay strong and stay alive, brother.