“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
Have you noticed that when one part of your body is sick or not in good main- tenance, the whole body suf- fers? The Scripture says that a believer’s body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor- inthians 6:19-20). Since the Spirit of the Living God is residing in the heart of every believer, then believers are responsible for daily house- keeping and “temple” main- tenance. Irrefutably, Jesus is available to assist believers when they are sick or in dis- tress. In these times believers are to “call to the Lord…” (Psalm 18:6, NIV); but the primary responsibility for regular well-being lies with the individual for proper and adequate care, feeding, and maintenance of one’s “temple.” Living a healthy lifestyle takes dedication and the foundation of following through on any commitment is priority. What are the pri- orities in your life? Do you place living a healthier life- style at the bottom of your list?
This month you will be challenged to do a simple contemplation, re-evaluate and consider the significance of the overlapping influ- ence of the whole person (body, mind and soul) when it comes to maintaining the “temple” as well as including the entire family in the pur- suit to living a healthy life- style.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stress the importance of in- corporating a healthy eating and exercise routine into your daily schedule plus protect- ing oneself and the family as part of their healthy lifestyle initiative which, the CDC be- lieves, will largely reduce the risk of some chronic diseas- es. It is recommended:
Eat healthy
• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains every day.
• Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat and alcohol.
• Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.
Experts agree when the body is fueled as it should be with a proper diet, it tends to function more proficiently. The United States Department of Agriculture* indicates a healthy diet will in- clude the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, pro- tein, and calcium rich foods.
Proper exercise • Being active for at least 2½ hours a week. Include ac- tivities that raise your breath- ing and heart rate and that strengthen your muscles. • Exercise reduces the risk for osteoporosis and falls. • Exercise reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Physical activity helps to maintain one’s weight, re- duce the risk of type 2 dia- betes, heart attack, stroke and several forms of cancer. Physical activity may also reduce arthritis pain and its associated disability. Proper and regular exercise not only tones the muscles but the heart gets a good work out too. Exercises such as swim- ming, jogging, taking a brisk walk and/or gardening are all good choices for getting the heart pumping. When com- mencing any type of exer- cise regime or routine, speak to your doctor if you have a chronic health condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease and if your condition in any way limits your ability to be active.
*Source: United States Depart- ment of Agriculture at http:// www.choosemyplate.gov/foodgroups.
Next Week: Children and Obesity
The writer does not assume responsibility in any way for readers’ efforts to apply or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles, as they may not be necessarily appropriate for every situation to which they may refer. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write to her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.
