As many of you know, Om Malik recently had a heart attack. According to a post made on January 3, 2008, he’s giving up the lifestyle that may have caused his cardiac arrest:

Now living a healthier life isn’t just one of my New Year’s resolutions, it’s doctor’s orders. Friends and family have purged my apartment of smokes, scotch and all my favorite fatty foods — I am even going to be drinking decaf. I won’t be refashioning my avatar’s stogie with a celery stick, but I will be taking better care of my health.

The New York Times published a piece about Om Malik’s heart attack which blamed blogging, which they quoted Paul Kedrosky as “a recipe for stress through the roof.” However, I’d like to make it quite clear that blogging is not bad for your health. Rather, another common problem in the United States–which some have called an epidemic–is probably to blame:

Om Malik, by Jon Arnold, under the bastion of fair use

Obesity. According to Obesity In America, “approximately 127 million adults in the U.S. are overweight, 60 million are obese and 9 million are extremely obese.” Blogging can be stressful, but it’s just a red-herring. Being overweight is a more likely risk factor for your heart’s health.

Best wishes to Om with his recovery. Best of luck in the new year with your new, healthier lifestyle!

Note that I’m not a Medical Doctor, and this does not constitute medical advice, nor does it establish any kind of doctor / patient relationship with you readers.