Weekend Plans?

My weekends have been crazy for as far back as I can remember!  There may have been just one weekend ALL SUMMER that I spent in my house.  Weekends away.  Penn State games.  Sailing.  Whatever.

After working hard all week, a good weekend is a QUIET weekend!  The fewer things on the agenda the better.

On the other hand, after working hard all weekend, it’s nice to have a little fun, too.  In fact, this weekend in Central Jersey is the annual African American Arts & Heritage Festival (thanks for the link, Alanna).  I’ve gone in previous years, and have always enjoyed the music, food, vendors and family atmosphere.

Here’s the problem…there is ALWAYS something to do!  I’m trying to get better at making the choice to do nothing.  That type of thinking is really not a part of my nature.  However, as I continue my efforts to be a healthy person, I’m learning that rest is as much a part of a healthy lifestyle as is diet and exercise.

So, I’m not sure what you have planned for the weekend, but make sure it includes a little rest and relaxation.

Enjoy!

Big Poppa Keeps Getting Bigger

MSN provides the impetus for today’s blog again.  In the Ask Lynn Advice column, one wife mentions that her husband keeps gaining weight and she doesn’t know how to handle it.  (check it out)

Between today’s entry and yesterday’s blog, She’s a Brick House, it’s clear that health and body image are key factors in relationships. 

I know a little bit about this subject.  Let’s just say I’m not exactly in the same shape I was in while roaming the secondary, seeking whom I may devour.  (yeah, that’s me in the photo)

And here’s what I’ve learned…Nobody can make you change your lifestyle (eating habits, exercise, and sleeping habits) until YOU are absolutely ready.  At the same time, having a supportive partner who makes it known that your health is important to him/her is essential!

Are there any testimonials out there on the best way to handle things when a spouse, or significant other, is getting further out of shape and won’t make the necessary adjustments?

How do you handle that situation?

On the Right Track

I’m on a mission!  I don’t just want to lose weight.  I want to be healthy.  And BEing healthy is a result of DOing healthy things.  Unfortunately, I have a number of unhealthy eating habits.  One such habit has been my tendency to eat big meals late at night.

Two weeks ago, I started the “After 7 Club“–a group of individuals committed to passing up those late night binges.  And honestly, I’ve been thrilled with the strength and discipline I’ve been able to demonstrate.  (I really believe a lot of it is a result of the accountability that comes from making a public commitment to something and having others join in on the effort.)

Well, something special happened on Saturday night.  I took my wife out on a dinner date to a Hibachi restaurant so there was another couple at our table.  Long story short…the gentleman seated near us, out of the nowhere, shared with us his testimony about how he lost 70 pounds.  His wife then began to tell us about how his snoring and sleep apnea impacted her sleeping, and consequently, their relationship.

He knew nothing about me, nor my efforts, before sharing that information.

I’m just amazed at the way God knows exactly when to send people and messages to let you know that you’re on the right track.

And here’s what I’m learning…those special “messengers” show up AFTER you’ve made a decision, and begun moving forward.

Take Care of the Little Things…

(First, I want to thank the doctors (Dr. Breus and Michael Rack, MD) for sharing comments on the blog over the last couple days.  Sleep Apnea is a serious condition that needs to be properly addressed.  I strongly urge everyone that suffers from it to take care of it as soon as possible.) 

My former coach, Joe Paterno, used to say, “Take care of the little things, and the big things will take care of themselves.”

Well, over the last few days, I’ve tried to put that advice into practice. 

I confessed on Tuesday that I suffer from sleep apnea.  I believe that this condition is a largely impacted by me being overweight. 

Well, instead of a major crash diet, or liposuction, I decided to approach this BIG problem by taking care of one LITTLE thing at a time.  It’s hard trying to attack a problem that seems huge and insurmountable.  So, for the last few days, I’ve cut out the late-night snacks that I’ve grown so accustomed (and addicted) to.  Since Tuesday, I haven’t eaten anything after 7pm.

And you know what….I feel better about myself already.

What “little thing” can you address in your life that may lead to big results in the long run?

If I Should Die, Before I Wake

Now I lay me down to sleep.  I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Do you remember that prayer as a child?

I need to take our discussion a little deeper today.

In just the last 2 days, I’ve heard the sad news of at least 3 individuals dying at very young ages–two of them in their sleep.  Early 40s.  Early 50s.  People with families…leaving children behind.  I realize that death is an inevitable part of life, but I don’t want it coming any sooner than it has to for me and mine. 

When I heard that one of the individuals that passed dealt with sleep apnea (learn more), my heart dropped!  Why?  Because that same morning, my wife got on my case about my poor sleeping. 

I work hard.  I do my best to provide for my family.  I’ll get up early and stay up late, if necessary.  And, I’m sad to say that I will often do this at the expense of my own health.  I’m sure I’m not the only one that refuses to get something checked out, or follow through with the procedure, or do the necessary exercises.  But here’s what I’m learning…

Failing to take care of your health is irresponsible!

Please engage in the necessary prevention, detection, and correction activities as it relates to your health.  You are going to die at some point, but don’t speed the process along by being irresponsible with your health.

Breast Cancer

In case you didn’t know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

Hopefully, you haven’t ignored all the campaigns, walks, fund-raisers, e tc. that have been going on. 

According to the American Cancer Society, 19,000 will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. 

Unfortunately, breast cancer impacts Black women at an earlier age, and carries a higher mortality rate than for White women (see article).  That means it is essential that all women get examined regularly.

Early detection and proper treatment can help save lives–the lives of our mothers, sisters, wives, and friends.

How has Breast Cancer impacted you and your family?