Health Care

Recently I’ve been battling a health concern. At a glance, I thought my health was not so bad, but shortly after these thoughts of disregard, I made myself set an appointment with my primary care physician. My anxiety levels were low because I expected to receive a great report from my doctor. In addition, I was confident since I had lost at least some weight.

One week passed and I kept my appointment. Dr. Thacker greeted me with her friendly demeanor, and welcomed me back to her office. She checked my weight and proceeded to check my blood pressure. Dr. Thacker compared my stats against my last visit, which I would later find were not all good.

I could sense her relief by the smile that she candidly displayed. Dr. Thacker said to me that I had lost 19 lbs since my last visit. She reached over for the blood pressure instrument and said with assurance, Darrin I am sure you are going to be ok. I was anticipating hearing a positive result from my blood pressure test, but then Dr. Thacker said we need to retest you Darrin. The results from the first test were pretty high. She readjusted the reader on my wrist and we waited for the second result. To both of our surprise, my blood pressure had not gone down at all since my last visit. Could this mean Hypertension? Out of concern, Dr. Thacker ordered a complete blood count and prescribed medication for my high blood pressure.

I now take one tablet daily as a trial for the next 30 days. Dr. Thacker prearranged for me to have 3 refills of this medicine. I was thinking all along, why she would prescribe refills if this were just a trial. Sometimes I worry about my health, but most times I meditate on what I can continue to do to regain control. Nevertheless, I decided that I should continue healthy habits. If you are struggling with a health concern, you should first see a doctor; I am not speaking about Dr. Jesus. Then you need to do what you know can effect change concerning your health.

For Instance, I read my bible or pray everyday. The scripture says that physical exercise is not the chief thing, but rather spiritual. 1Timothy 4:7-9.

Furthermore, my health routine involves eating correctly and exercising. My meal includes large amounts of fruit and veggies. By eating the fruit or vegetables first, I hope to have very little room for unhealthy foods.

I refuse to eat any meal after 6:00 PM. I realize that I can load up a salad to make it feel like a steak. I shop at organic foods stores to buy the best foods available for my body. Even though these foods are expensive that’s the price for healthy living : ( I purchase nondairy milk substitutes such as Almond Breeze. I enjoy the vanilla, chocolate, and the regular flavors.

I jog on a regular basis at different times every other day. I try to keep my body confused so that the same tasks don’t become mundane. Of all the exercises I do, I enjoy running the most. Every other day I jog 3 miles. When I am not running I usually lift weights and do sit-ups. When I feel good I run and lift weights.

Another tip I can offer is from Steve Harvey. I heard Steve say that one should eat for what they are about to do, not what they have done. For instance, if you are about to do a task, based on the task one should consider how much energy is needed. Once this is determined use food for fuel not for pleasure.

God knows I love popcorn. But the truth is, when I go to a cinema I really don’t need food for this task; after all I am mainly sitting. I tend to want food because I see it, not because I need it.

I like this simple tip, because it makes sense. You need gasoline in your car for the distance you are about to travel; we never fill our car after a trip usually we place gas in our vehicles before we travel. By overeating we tend to not burn the fuel/food in our bodies and of course it becomes fat.

I would love to have an exercise partner to join me, but I only have my Ipod. I like my Ipod because it only does what it is designed to do; strict instructions to only play my favorite music…LOL.

It’s good that I exercise alone because I can pray and meditate. I can also be my miserable self physically. Being alone keeps pressure off of me from having to impress anyone. Working out alone I can freely be weak and get strong.

I hope this helps you enough to know that health care is not a government policy issue alone. Each of us is required to take care of our lives.

Carter with a ‘K’

Are You Growing Up or Down?

"Don't give up..... One day I decided to quit... I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life. I went to the woods to have one last talk with God. 'God', I asked, 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit? 'His answer surprised me... 'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the Fern and the Bamboo?' 'Yes', I replied. 'When I planted the Fern and the Bamboo seeds, I took very goodcare of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The Fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the Bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the Bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the Bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the Bamboo. He said. 'In year three there was still nothing from the Bamboo seed. But I would not quit. In year four, again, there was nothing from the Bamboo seed. I would not quit.' He said. 'Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the Fern it was seemingly small and insignificant...But just 6 months later the Bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots.

Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.' He asked me. 'Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots'. 'I would not quit on the Bamboo. I will never quit on you.'

'Don't compare yourself to others.' He said. 'The Bamboo had a different
Purpose than the Fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful.' 'Your time will come', God said to me. 'You will rise high' 'How high should I rise?' I asked. 'How high will the Bamboo rise?' He asked in return.'As high as it can?' I questioned. 'Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you. Never, Never, Never Give up. For the Christian Prayer is not an option but an opportunity. Don't tell the Lord how big the problem is, tell the problem how Great the Lord is!

Heavens door open this morning, God asked me... My CHILD... what can I do
for you?' and I said 'Daddy please protect and bless the one reading this
message. God smiled and answered ... 'request granted ............"

Author Unknown~