Sickness does not care whether you are a Christian or not.
Many Christians are battling Diabetes, Hypertension, obesity, cancer, and many
other illnesses. This requires us to seriously take better care of our health.
We all know many Christians who are battling with chronic
illnesses. We need to be proactive in
taking better care of our health. This
can be accomplished through a combination of education, prayer, diet, fitness,
and lifestyle choices.
We All Age
Let us recognize that aging is a natural process that
affects all living organisms. It is characterized by a gradual decline in the
function and structure of various biological systems, such as the immune
system, the cardiovascular system, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal
system. Aging can also increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, such
as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and osteoporosis.
This means as we age, we must adjust how we approach our
health. Our habits need to change, this requires commitment and discipline. We
have the habit of overeating, eating a lot of fast food, not eating a balanced
diet, consuming a lot of sugary drinks, and not getting enough exercise and
rest.
Knowledge is Power
When we age there are Cellular and Molecular Changes that
can lead to cellular aging and an increased risk of DNA damage. We experience Decreased
Immune Function, the immune system tends to weaken with age, making older
individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Chronic inflammation tends to increase with
age, and this low-grade inflammation is associated with various age-related
diseases such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and neurodegenerative
disorders.
There is Hormonal Changes, often involving changes in
hormone levels. For example, menopause in women and andropause in men are
associated with hormonal fluctuations that can impact bone density, muscle
mass, and overall well-being. There are Metabolic Changes, including a decrease
in metabolic rate and changes in body composition. This can contribute to
weight gain and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes.
Over time, the body accumulates damage from various
sources, including exposure to environmental toxins, UV radiation, and
oxidative stress. This damage can affect organs and tissues, contributing to
age-related diseases. Many organs and tissues undergo age-related changes in
structure and function. For example, the heart may become less efficient, the
kidneys may experience reduced filtration capacity, and the lungs may lose some
elasticity.
Poor lifestyle choices such as a sedentary lifestyle,
unhealthy diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the
aging process and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The aging brain
undergoes structural and functional changes, leading to cognitive decline and
an increased risk of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
While aging is a natural and unavoidable process, adopting
a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding
harmful habits, can help mitigate some of the negative effects and promote
better overall health as individuals age. Additionally, advances in medical
research and healthcare can contribute to improved management of age-related
conditions.
Let's Explore How Faith and Fitness Can Work Together to Promote a Healthier Lifestyle.
For our health to improve we should ensure that we maintain
a daily prayer life, we should ask the Lord to strengthen us and give us the discipline
to eat a balanced diet and exercise daily. Then schedule the time to exercise
and commit to reducing fast food and eating a balanced diet.
I have been battling hypertension, diabetes, and obesity
for years. I have been praying for healing for years while taking a lot of
medication. The truth is my greatest challenge has been discipline. I was not
disciplined enough so my eating habits were poor, and I was not getting
sufficient exercise.
In August of 2023, I finally decided to make some serious
changes in my lifestyle. I decided that I wanted to live healthier and since
nothing changes until I change. I decided to change. I decided to reduce the
quantity of food I eat daily, drink at least 8 glasses of fluid daily, and
exercise at least 3 times for 1 hour weekly. I started by eating my first meal
at 11 am and eating my last meal no later than 8 pm daily. I eliminated one
meal daily and for my meals, I am now eating a better portion size, I have
reduced my carbohydrates and increased my vegetables.
I go to the gym a minimum of 3 times weekly for 1 hour each
time. Where I ride the bike for 30 minutes and then lift some weights to build
muscle. My ideal body weight should be a maximum of 160 lbs. I have been
weighing 250 lbs. for years. Since I started in August 2023 my weight went down
to 224 lb. I lost 26 lbs. I am striving to attain 160 lbs. and hopefully reduce
the amount of medication I am taking.
I have basically stopped consuming sugary drinks. I now
drink mostly fruit fusion water, by blending fruits such as strawberries,
blueberries, or apples. This is a good way of changing the taste of just plain
water. Adjusting to these changes takes time, determination, and patience,
especially with yourself is required. Prayer is crucial, please keep praying,
Continue to ask the Lord Jesus to heal, strengthen, and
keep you doing the things beneficial for your health. as we have committed
ourselves to live a holistic life that includes a balanced diet, prayer,
meditation, and exercise. Consistency is the key, we will mess up sometimes but
do not stop, doing it is for your health and your benefit.
"Imagine a lifestyle where prayer and fitness feed off
each other, promoting overall well-being." This is the holistic approach
we're talking about. Imagine starting your day with a prayer - a moment of
solitude to connect with your faith and set the tone for the day. It's a serene
experience that calms your mind and prepares you for what lies ahead.
You schedule your time for exercise, based on your daily
activities, I go to the gym after work around 7.30 pm. Find time to walk, run,
ride, garden go to the gym, do something to incorporate exercise in your daily
activity, just do it. This is where you challenge your body, push your limits,
and feel the rush of endorphins that follow a good workout. Now, here's the
magic. The peace from your prayer session and the energy from your workout
don't exist in isolation. They complement each other. Your prayer sessions
could give you the mental strength to push through your workouts, and your
fitness routine could enhance your focus during prayer.
"So, what are the key takeaways?" Let's recap. Dedication
and consistency are vital in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating
prayer and fitness into your daily routine can promote balance and overall
well-being. "Remember, a healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a
destination."
