Mad Men

March 13th, 2012

Fans of Mad Men would love this fun article I read in New York Magazine titled “When Will Don Draper Die?

The article talks about the health and social habits of the fictional ad agency executive, Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm), and his estimated date of demise.  The actuary consulted by the writer said Don would die at age 59, which obviously is far younger than the norm.  A couple of points to note.  His BMI(body mass index) puts him at normal weight.  While obesity is an important factor for heart disease and stroke, smoking and uncontrolled high blood pressure do far greater damage.  By appearance, no one would doubt Don Draper looks like the model of perfect health in the show but his internal organ systems were being destroyed which would most certainly lead to a catastrophic health event.

I think there are a few lessons we can take away from this article.  First, while the news media is focused on obesity we are losing sight that there are still many people who smoke and do not get regular blood pressure checks.  What if Don Draper was able to see a physician and get his blood pressure under control with lifestyle modifications and/or medications?  That would certainly add years back on to his life.  Next, there are many resources to help quit smoking.  In addition to medications, many workplaces offer one on one health coaching.

Finally, the last learning point is that health is not something you should take for granted.  In medical school, I was taught the most common symptom of elevated blood pressure is no symptom.   So get your blood pressure checked, drink less, quit smoking, learn some relaxation techniques and be less like Don Draper!