Recently on a cable news network – either CNN or Fox News – some medical “expert” explained why some scientists now believe obesity might be attributed to a virus.
If that’s true, I propose the name of the virus should be something like “Calorius Toomuchus,” or “Couchus Potatis.”
It’s not that I’m insensitive to people struggling with obesity. Several members of my extended family have struggled with this life-altering problem, and I have lost 30-35 unwanted pounds since my heart surgery two years ago. But it seems we are always desperately looking for either quick fixes, or handy excuses, for difficult problems – including being overweight. We demand magic pills, or instant-results fad diets. Anything not requiring hard work, determination and commitment.
True, some people rightfully trace weight issues to physiological maladies, but for most of us, the problem is simple: We eat too much, eat the wrong things, and don’t exercise enough.
A positive follow-up to my surgery was cardiac rehabilitation, which included training in proper exercise and healthy eating. Not only did I learn a balanced fitness regimen including cardio machines and weight training, but also discovered what I should – and shouldn’t – be eating. I’m learned about fats – saturated, unsaturated and trans – even how to read labels on packaged foods.
Those donuts I used to reward myself with after a power-walking session? No more. McDonald’s sausage biscuits, which contain 5 grams of cholesterol-producing transfat, became a dietary taboo. Instead, fruits, vegetables and nuts became a priority, and I learned to enjoy grilled foods, rather than fried. Thankfully, my cholesterol numbers improved dramatically as a result.
More than thirty pounds lighter, I no longer fear my first heart attack. We weight-challenged individuals need proactive, preventive action plans, not excuses.
I could write more, but it’s time for my next cardiac rehab class!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Inauguration Day!
Watching Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States reminded me of how we feel when a new coach is hired to lead a beleaguered sports team, or when a difficult boss is replaced by a new one. Waves of hope and optimism wash over us, exploding with great expectations.
Levels of hope and optimism for the new President may be predicated by political leanings – higher for those leaning liberally, lower for those conservatively constrained – but without question, given recent national and global events, change was overdue.
But is Barack Obama the right change agent? He passes the look test: Impressive appearance, powerful orator, persuasive personality. Only time will reveal whether those outward traits rightly reflect inward leadership capabilities.
In the face of myriad economic, social, security and international challenges, will President Obama muster the integrity, courage, wisdom, compassion, boldness and humility required to prove being a leader worth following?
All Americans should desire to see him succeed – for the sake of the United States and the world it influences so greatly. How can we help?
There are many options –action committees, volunteer work, writing letters, calling legislators, etc. But first, according to the Bible, we should pray: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made foe everyone – for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:2).
The Scriptures also say, whether we voted for Obama or not, we should offer our support: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…. For he is God’s servant to do you good…” (Romans 13:1-5). So let’s not only hope, but also pray, that President Obama will prove to be the kind of leader our nation – and the world – need.
Levels of hope and optimism for the new President may be predicated by political leanings – higher for those leaning liberally, lower for those conservatively constrained – but without question, given recent national and global events, change was overdue.
But is Barack Obama the right change agent? He passes the look test: Impressive appearance, powerful orator, persuasive personality. Only time will reveal whether those outward traits rightly reflect inward leadership capabilities.
In the face of myriad economic, social, security and international challenges, will President Obama muster the integrity, courage, wisdom, compassion, boldness and humility required to prove being a leader worth following?
All Americans should desire to see him succeed – for the sake of the United States and the world it influences so greatly. How can we help?
There are many options –action committees, volunteer work, writing letters, calling legislators, etc. But first, according to the Bible, we should pray: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made foe everyone – for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:2).
The Scriptures also say, whether we voted for Obama or not, we should offer our support: “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…. For he is God’s servant to do you good…” (Romans 13:1-5). So let’s not only hope, but also pray, that President Obama will prove to be the kind of leader our nation – and the world – need.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Smile, You’re on Candid Traffic-Cam
Recently I watched a news story about traffic cameras installed at key intersections to capture images of people speeding or failing to stop at red lights. The police chief noted, “The law is the same as it always has been. But because people see the cameras, they are more aware of it.”
You could make a similar observation about commandments we find in the Bible. Many people regard the laws and commands in the Scriptures as merely a collection of do’s and don’ts, established by a cosmic killjoy intent on restricting our freedom. But if God is indeed our Creator, as the Bible declares, He knows how we function most effectively.
Take the everyday example of a heavily traveled street in a medium-sized town. If there were no posted speed limits, one could assume it’s permissible to drive down the street at any speed. Intuitively, however, we understand that’s foolishness.
With other vehicles also on the road, not to mention pedestrians and intersections where oncoming vehicles might suddenly appear, we recognize even without a speed limit sign that we should drive carefully and wisely. However, once a speed limit is posted, we know authorities have determined what speed is safe for that street – assuming other conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, are not added to the equation.
In the same way, the Bible says that the law was given for our instruction. Proverbs 4:13 says, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
We don’t resent the manufacturer of a car, an appliance, even a video game, for providing a manual that tells us how to properly operate the equipment. In the same way, the Bible simply teaches us how we can best conduct our lives as our Maker intended.
You could make a similar observation about commandments we find in the Bible. Many people regard the laws and commands in the Scriptures as merely a collection of do’s and don’ts, established by a cosmic killjoy intent on restricting our freedom. But if God is indeed our Creator, as the Bible declares, He knows how we function most effectively.
Take the everyday example of a heavily traveled street in a medium-sized town. If there were no posted speed limits, one could assume it’s permissible to drive down the street at any speed. Intuitively, however, we understand that’s foolishness.
With other vehicles also on the road, not to mention pedestrians and intersections where oncoming vehicles might suddenly appear, we recognize even without a speed limit sign that we should drive carefully and wisely. However, once a speed limit is posted, we know authorities have determined what speed is safe for that street – assuming other conditions, such as rain, snow or ice, are not added to the equation.
In the same way, the Bible says that the law was given for our instruction. Proverbs 4:13 says, “Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.”
We don’t resent the manufacturer of a car, an appliance, even a video game, for providing a manual that tells us how to properly operate the equipment. In the same way, the Bible simply teaches us how we can best conduct our lives as our Maker intended.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Don’t Quit Shopping!
Reports about the just-ended Christmas shopping season have ranged from poor to downright dismal. Seems Americans failed to perform their patriotic duty.
What does shopping have to do with patriotism? You may recall during the last Presidential debate Barack Obama hearkened to the day after 9/11 attacks, when President Bush promised to avenge the heinous acts. Then the President issued a curious exhortation, admonishing all Americans not to stop shopping.
What a revelatory statement! While on one hand offering assurance that it was safe to go out in public, he also was acknowledging our economy’s hopeless entanglement with consumerism and materialism. Essentially he was admitting if most Americans – for whatever reason – suddenly decided they didn't have to buy the latest and the greatest, the economy would suffer greatly. (So I was a bit surprised that as the Christmas season began, the President didn’t go on national TV to remind us again about the importance of shopping; especially given current economic woes.)
The Bible warns against greed and covetousness, even citing them in the Ten Commandments. I believe these admonitions are there for good reason. It’s hard to put others first when we are busy “looking out for No. 1.” Unfortunately, these vices have undergirded our so-called "Christian nation," especially since World War II. Greed and the lust for "stuff" have become essential to the fabric of our national lifestyle.
Years ago, I asked an old friend how he and his family were doing. I will never forget his reply. He said, "We have a lot of wants - but we don't have any needs." Consumerism, unfortunately, blurs the lines between wants and needs. The materialism treadmill apparently never stops turning. Maybe the slowed economy will enable (if not force) many of us to get off and take a much-needed rest
What does shopping have to do with patriotism? You may recall during the last Presidential debate Barack Obama hearkened to the day after 9/11 attacks, when President Bush promised to avenge the heinous acts. Then the President issued a curious exhortation, admonishing all Americans not to stop shopping.
What a revelatory statement! While on one hand offering assurance that it was safe to go out in public, he also was acknowledging our economy’s hopeless entanglement with consumerism and materialism. Essentially he was admitting if most Americans – for whatever reason – suddenly decided they didn't have to buy the latest and the greatest, the economy would suffer greatly. (So I was a bit surprised that as the Christmas season began, the President didn’t go on national TV to remind us again about the importance of shopping; especially given current economic woes.)
The Bible warns against greed and covetousness, even citing them in the Ten Commandments. I believe these admonitions are there for good reason. It’s hard to put others first when we are busy “looking out for No. 1.” Unfortunately, these vices have undergirded our so-called "Christian nation," especially since World War II. Greed and the lust for "stuff" have become essential to the fabric of our national lifestyle.
Years ago, I asked an old friend how he and his family were doing. I will never forget his reply. He said, "We have a lot of wants - but we don't have any needs." Consumerism, unfortunately, blurs the lines between wants and needs. The materialism treadmill apparently never stops turning. Maybe the slowed economy will enable (if not force) many of us to get off and take a much-needed rest
Monday, December 29, 2008
Not Making Resolutions
As the year draws to a close, many people pause to make resolutions: stop smoking; lose 30 pounds in two months; read more and watch TV less; be kinder to family and friends. But when they fall flat on their resolve, good intentions are quickly abandoned and former ways restored. That’s why I never make resolutions – I set goals.
The problem with resolutions is they’re all-or-nothing. Once you break them, it’s over. “I knew you couldn’t do it!” Unlike resolutions, goals chart a course, pointing the way toward desired results, and are achieved over time. Like training for a marathon, goals are not instantly accomplished. Progress is what matters, regardless of how small or incremental.
Of course, how do you know if you’re making “progress”? That’s why goals should be measurable and attainable. For instance, “I want to become a nicer person” sounds good, but it’s not a goal – it’s a good intention. However, determining to perform at least one act of kindness on a daily basis is something you can both measure and attain.
If getting physically fit is your goal, you might define that in terms of frequency of exercise, weight loss and other tangible measurements. Over the past two years I have established a very effective exercise regimen and learned about healthier eating. So in 2009 my goal will be to continue my fitness routine and maintain my goal weight. Since this is a goal and not a resolution, if I overindulge on fat grams one or two days, or miss a day of exercise, all is not lost. I just discipline myself to get back on track and refocus on my goals.
Instead of dwelling on failure, anticipate future success. As the Bible says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
The problem with resolutions is they’re all-or-nothing. Once you break them, it’s over. “I knew you couldn’t do it!” Unlike resolutions, goals chart a course, pointing the way toward desired results, and are achieved over time. Like training for a marathon, goals are not instantly accomplished. Progress is what matters, regardless of how small or incremental.
Of course, how do you know if you’re making “progress”? That’s why goals should be measurable and attainable. For instance, “I want to become a nicer person” sounds good, but it’s not a goal – it’s a good intention. However, determining to perform at least one act of kindness on a daily basis is something you can both measure and attain.
If getting physically fit is your goal, you might define that in terms of frequency of exercise, weight loss and other tangible measurements. Over the past two years I have established a very effective exercise regimen and learned about healthier eating. So in 2009 my goal will be to continue my fitness routine and maintain my goal weight. Since this is a goal and not a resolution, if I overindulge on fat grams one or two days, or miss a day of exercise, all is not lost. I just discipline myself to get back on track and refocus on my goals.
Instead of dwelling on failure, anticipate future success. As the Bible says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Have you seen the remake of the classic science-fiction film, “The Day the Earth Stood Still”? It’s about an alien called Klaatu, who travels across the universe to warn people on Earth of an impending global crisis.
This being Christmas week, I see interesting contrasts between this film and the story of the Christ child. Like Klaatu, Jesus was from out of this world, the Son of God. But when He arrived more than 2,000 years ago, Jesus made no dramatic entrance. Rather than a flying saucer, his mother’s mode of transportation was a donkey.
Jesus’ arrival was not splashed on newspaper front pages, or the lead item on the evening news. Born in a remote village, His birth was largely ignored except for a handful of curious shepherds and, about two years later, some wise men from distant lands who knew biblical prophecy.
These facts are one reason I am convinced the Christmas story – and accounts of Jesus’ life – are true. If they were fabricated, why would He appear in obscurity and live in such humble surroundings? Fables and myths are comprised of the fantastic; incredible exploits performed by superheroes. Jesus’ story is one of humility and self-sacrifice, compassion and mercy.
Concerning Jesus, the Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He arrived with no press kit, no publicists, no marketing strategy. Yet our modern calendar is built around His birth date.
Countless millions celebrate His coming. Lives beyond number have been changed by His life. Jesus also warned of doom – but provided the solution. For that reason, this Christmas again we commemorate the real Day the Earth Stood Still.
This being Christmas week, I see interesting contrasts between this film and the story of the Christ child. Like Klaatu, Jesus was from out of this world, the Son of God. But when He arrived more than 2,000 years ago, Jesus made no dramatic entrance. Rather than a flying saucer, his mother’s mode of transportation was a donkey.
Jesus’ arrival was not splashed on newspaper front pages, or the lead item on the evening news. Born in a remote village, His birth was largely ignored except for a handful of curious shepherds and, about two years later, some wise men from distant lands who knew biblical prophecy.
These facts are one reason I am convinced the Christmas story – and accounts of Jesus’ life – are true. If they were fabricated, why would He appear in obscurity and live in such humble surroundings? Fables and myths are comprised of the fantastic; incredible exploits performed by superheroes. Jesus’ story is one of humility and self-sacrifice, compassion and mercy.
Concerning Jesus, the Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He arrived with no press kit, no publicists, no marketing strategy. Yet our modern calendar is built around His birth date.
Countless millions celebrate His coming. Lives beyond number have been changed by His life. Jesus also warned of doom – but provided the solution. For that reason, this Christmas again we commemorate the real Day the Earth Stood Still.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A Heartfelt Celebration
This week I celebrate an unusual anniversary: Two years ago I underwent open heart surgery to replace my ascending aorta, along with several arterial bypasses. An experience like that you never forget.
Unaccustomed pressure in my chest while power walking one morning had led to a stress test, followed by an arteriogram. I had anticipated needing stents to correct some blockages, but was surprised to discover my aorta was enlarged, twice normal size. Suddenly major surgery loomed.
An hour later I met my cardiothoracic surgeon, who assured me that given my age and overall physical condition, my chances of successful surgery were “about 95 percent.” My initial thought, however, was this meant 5 percent chance of it being unsuccessful.
Where do you turn when unexpected adversity presents itself? Years of experience had taught me to turn to God through prayer and the Scriptures. And when they learned of my situation, friends around the world began praying as well.
Admittedly, the first couple of days awaiting surgery were difficult. It was not the specter of death, but the strong sense that I had many good reasons to continue living, including my family. The second morning I came across this Bible passage that I embraced as God’s assurance: “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness” (Psalm 41:3).
He did bring me through the surgery, and today – through exercise, healthier eating and medication – I’m recovered and doing well. I now greet each new day as a gift. I realize more than ever the incredible privilege and responsibility of stewarding the abilities and opportunities God provides for me daily.
One day I will die, but until then my hope is to live in a way that makes a positive difference in the lives of others
Unaccustomed pressure in my chest while power walking one morning had led to a stress test, followed by an arteriogram. I had anticipated needing stents to correct some blockages, but was surprised to discover my aorta was enlarged, twice normal size. Suddenly major surgery loomed.
An hour later I met my cardiothoracic surgeon, who assured me that given my age and overall physical condition, my chances of successful surgery were “about 95 percent.” My initial thought, however, was this meant 5 percent chance of it being unsuccessful.
Where do you turn when unexpected adversity presents itself? Years of experience had taught me to turn to God through prayer and the Scriptures. And when they learned of my situation, friends around the world began praying as well.
Admittedly, the first couple of days awaiting surgery were difficult. It was not the specter of death, but the strong sense that I had many good reasons to continue living, including my family. The second morning I came across this Bible passage that I embraced as God’s assurance: “The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness” (Psalm 41:3).
He did bring me through the surgery, and today – through exercise, healthier eating and medication – I’m recovered and doing well. I now greet each new day as a gift. I realize more than ever the incredible privilege and responsibility of stewarding the abilities and opportunities God provides for me daily.
One day I will die, but until then my hope is to live in a way that makes a positive difference in the lives of others
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