Bessemer man follows advice to healthy living

BESSEMER — Louis Miskovich’s grandpa said Louis should be a barber, not only because the city of Bessemer needed a barber after the last one retired, but also because Miskovich has the gift for gab.

Miskovich listened closely and set to becoming a barber, using his GI Bill to learn the trade and opened up a shop in the Bessemer Commons.

Unfortunately, Miskovich’s dad took ill with cancer and died during this process. But before dying, and only after receiving his last half dozen hair cuts from his son, Louis Miskovich Sr. asked his son to seek therapy for post traumatic stress, as his dying wish.

Miskovich listened again, and set out to see a counselor at the V.A. Outpatient Clinic in Ironwood. The counselor suggested Miskovich take up some outdoor activity like hiking.

Early in life, Miskovich followed a set of healthy habits he learned from his parents, but when he went to the VA, he was overweight and figured, “Why should I bother watching what I eat and taking care of myself. If my dad, who eats healthy and always has, can get cancer, why should I care what I eat?”

What Miskovich is quick to tell those sitting in his barber chair is, he got fat dueling his dad’s illness and after his dad’s death. In getting fat, his health went down hill quickly and his problems were magnified. He developed diabetes and the PTSD from his tour in Iraq really kicked in.

Miskovich’s combat heavy engineer unit laid 300 miles of diesel pipeline from Kuwait to Bagdad during his tour in Iraq.

When the counselor suggested the outdoors, Mickovich listened for the third time to sound advice.

Miskovich began hiking the North Country trail. These days he tries to get out at least every other weekend during the summer, averaging around 200 miles per warm season.

In a matter of time, Miskovich lost 80 pounds and the diabetes and the PTSD melted into the background, just like the weight, ceasing to be a problem.

Miskovich listened to sage advice from different people, finding a career and foot travel to recover his physical and mental health.

This summer, Miskovich plans to invite his kids and other area youth to hike with him. He wants them to experience the beautiful country around them while enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle.