Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we won’t always reach a difficult goal on our own. In reality, there may be times when we need to accept some help along the way. This is a lesson I am learning late in life, particularly where my health is concerned.
When I turned 56 earlier this year, I became keenly aware that on my next birthday, I will have outlived my father. Tragically, he died from a massive heart attack a week before his 57th birthday. We will never know his cholesterol levels, but I suspect they would have set off loud alarm bells. Those numbers would have been a strong indicator of his declining heart health.
A Wake-Up Call
The Lord has blessed me with good health, but I am always listening for subtle cues to alert me when something is amiss.
My annual blood work results this year showed that something is different. I brought the report to my cardiologist, and he is seeing a trend in my cholesterol numbers. I now have 12 months to bring my LDL number down on my own, or a prescription will do the job my body is unable to do. The alarm bells are ringing, and I am paying attention. This may be the warning sound that my dad never heard.
No big deal, right? Well, anyone who knows me will tell you that I hate taking prescription medications. I have tried to avoid them my whole life. So, if a doctor offers me an alternative, I will take it every time.
Challenge accepted.
First Steps, Bigger Strides
I have already changed my eating habits significantly, and I am loving the Mediterranean diet. But I will need limit those “cheat” snacks and treats that have become more than occasional. I am exercising 4-5 days each week, but I need to be more consistent. I’ve found several supplements that are recommended for lowering my LDL, so I will add those too.
Will all these changes be enough? Only the Lord knows, and I will pray for His help.
What I am learning as I age, and what I want to share with you, is that I am willing to fight for my health. Of course I don’t enjoy having all kinds of tests, exams and lipid panels done over and over again, but knowing those numbers may save my life.
Trust me when I say that there are people who love you, and they want you to be around for many years to come! So, please don’t wait.
✅ Schedule your physical..
✅ Do the bloodwork.
✅ Get the mammogram, Dexa-scan, PSA test, etc.
It all matters.
For my part, I am trusting that God — and my physicians — will lay out a plan to get my health back on track. Yes, even if it means taking a life-saving medication. But I have to be willing to take that first step, be consistent with my follow-ups, and finish the journey strong.
❤️❤️❤️