Doing It For Love

Haven't we all known doctors, nurses, perhaps dentists or pharmacists who smoke?  We health professionals see the worst case scenarios, the ones that suffer terribly and then 'die!'  So why doesn't everyone quit?  That's a very complicated question!  And we are taught that smoking cigarettes is the most addictive habit there is, even more addictive than hard illegal drugs.

But those of us who are relatively well all have things we could do to improve our health.  I will admit to a poor rate of success with my patients - and I have no idea of other health professionals' successes, but I expect it's equally poor - when I tried to gently tell them that what they're doing is really, really hurting them.

One depressed patient I had years ago was recovering from a stroke and was told by the dietician she would have to eliminate salt in her diet. The woman could not handle that drastic of a change.  I advised her that she should gradually change her diet and that would help her very much. (We hardly ever know the outcome unless the patient comes back in worse condition.)

My personal biggest problem is lack of commitment to regular exercise.  I get gung-ho for a few weeks, do well, then the business of 'life' gets in the way and I slack off. This past month, on my "Winter Escape!" vacation (Please see my travel blog, www.rockingthruworld.blogspot.com to see where I went.), I've been able to walk nearly every day.  I love it!  I feel stronger physically and clearer mentally. I plan to make this a priority once I get home.

We all know what we should do to have optimal health - exercise regularly, get regular check-ups by a doctor, have a balanced diet, don't drink to excess, don't smoke at all, etc.  We just have to do what the doctor says!  But why don't we?

It is heart-wrenching to see a grieving spouse or children or friend of someone who could have lived longer if they had made healthy changes in his or her life!  At times, I have been resentful; if the patient had seen how much they were loved and missed, would it have made a difference?

I don't want my family to suffer because they have not had the benefit of my love for many more years!  This past Tuesday at dinner, we were talking about the oldest people in the world.  My 8-year-old granddaughter, Mallory, asked me how long I would live.  I told her that if my friend's grandmother could live to be 106, so could I!  She suggested, "Grandma, why don't you live to be 150!"  I have to do a lot more walking!!

Lord God, we know that it's all about love.  You showed us how to love.  Today we ask you to help us do the hard things we know to be healthier - for all those who love us!