Author: tekeelab

Did you know that women are 100% more likely to go to the doctor for preventative health than men? That is an astounding 100%!  June is set aside as Men’s Health Month.  So, let’s give all of our hard working men a little push out the door and point them to the doctor’s office.  And if you are a male reading this, grab all of your relatives/friends and take them with you.

Of course, June is also the month we celebrate Father’s Day.  Why not be a little creative this year and give a gift with a health benefit?  Some examples include: a gym membership, subscription to a men’s health magazine, gift certificate to an urgent care center for a physical or even a check made payable to the doctor.

There are a few key preventative tests that all men need routinely:

Additional Men’s Health Resources (click on each):

Men’s Health Fact Sheet

Prostate Health Guide

Men’s Health Month

Free/Lost Cost Health Care

Men we need you!

Let’s Live,

Tekeela

These past few weeks have been quite interesting!  I mentioned in my last post that I had sinus surgery.  And while, I am still recovering, I am sort of disappointed with the results so far.  Going in,  I was expecting somewhat of a quick miracle.  What I have experienced so far, is a process! For those who know me, I don’t like processes! I kind of want things to be done quickly.  As you can imagine, my emotions have been all over the place!

Most of us do a pretty good job of caring for our physical health.  When we are sick, we are good about taking medication or even going to the doctor.  But, when was the last time we took a good long look at our emotional health?

We are emotional beings….some of us are a little more emotional than others (clears throat).  Emotions can be tricky. They can make us shine and draw others to us.  Emotions can also cause us to overreact or even act out of character.  Emotions play a huge part in our physical health.  For example, some people are emotional eaters and eat when they are stressed or overwhelmed.  This can pack on unwanted pounds.

From being sad…..to depressed….to happy….to angry…..emotions drive us every single day.  Therefore, we need to ‘check our emotional health’ every single day!  Sometimes, all we have to do is ‘get our minds made up’ so our emotions can follow!

Tips for Managing Emotional Health:

1. Find what triggers negative emotions (for example, if morning traffic brings out the “worst you”, leave a few minutes early or play worship music).
2. Plan ahead (this can be as simple as planning for a busy week or saving for a rainy day).
3. Get those negative emotions out (journal, pray, confide in a trusted friend or spiritual leader).
4. Be realistic (of what you can handle and even expectations of others).
5. Meditate and combat negative emotions with scripture.
6. Exercise!!  Exercise has been shown to be a great stress reliever and mood booster.

Let’s Live!

Tekeela

So for the past week or so, I have sort of been out of commission….I did something that I had put off for years…had sinus surgery! Ugh! Ugh again!  I am on day 5 post surgery and finally able to resurrect a small portion of my taste buds.  I still cannot smell, and I have a few days left before I can even blow my nose.  I cannot tell at this point if the surgery was a success.  One thing I do know- NEVER, EVER, EVER take for granted the sense of smell or taste.

I have been dealing with sinus and allergy  issues for years so one of my goals for 2018 was to just DO IT – just get it out of the way! Whether it worked or not, I can check it off my list.  The other part of that goal was to have it done before summer!

Speaking of summer….

Summer is just around the corner so why don’t we jump-start the season with some summer goals?  We all have to admit that life can be a little boring at times. Day in and day out we have our daily routines down packed.

Setting goals add excitement!  It gives us something to look forward to.  Plus, once we reach a goal, it helps us to gain confidence and makes us more aware of just how unstoppable we really are!!

I like the S.M.A.R.T. goal (George Doran, 1981) approach when working towards a goal:

S- specific    (clearly stated)

M- measurable

A- achievable

R- realistic

T- time based

For example: “I will lose 20 lbs in 1 month” is not a SMART goal.  Losing 20 lbs in a month is not realistic and probably not achievable.   A more realistic approach would be: “I will walk .5 mile (3) times per week for 1 month.”  Exercise is a great way to lose weight so that is a more specific approach to an ultimate goal of weight loss.

Below are a few tips to help you set and reach your summer goals:

1. Identify barriers.

a. What has kept you from reaching this goal in the past?

b.  What steps can you take to avoid any setbacks?

2.  Be honest with yourself.

a.  Is this the right time/season for you to accomplish your goal?

b.  Do you need a friend to keep you accountable?

3.  Know that you don’t have to rely on your own strength.  God is always with us to help.       One of the fruits of the spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:22-23) so all we need to do is           ask for help.  Plus “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength”                       (Phillipians 4:13).

4.  Write your goals down and keep them before you (Habakkuk 2:2)!

5.  Always have a fun goal!!!

Let’s live!

Tekeela