Staying Healthy Through Gardening

It's that time of year to get everything ready to plant a garden. This activity may not occur to you as a health benefit, however, there are studies showing that people engaging in even a "leisure time" physical activity for an average of 50 minutes a day were healthier than those who did little or nothing at all. Not only are there physical benefits to gardening, there are a few mental benefits as well:
A garden shows us the miracle of birth and rebirth.
A garden reminds us the value of intention-plan, prepare, nurture.
A garden gives the courage to take a leap of faith, trusting each seed we sow will sprout, grow and flourish.
A garden reminds us that process can be everything.
A garden teaches us patience.
A garden lets us work the soil, teaching us that everything is interrelated and interdependent.
Why not enjoy the company? It's never too late to plant a garden!

 

Be An Organ Donor

There was a recent presentation at my son's high school regarding organ and tissue donation. It brought up lots of conversation at the dinner table. Here are some facts: A new name is added to the natural transplant waiting list every 14 minutes. About 16 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant. One organ donor can save the life of at least eight people. Donation and transplantation can save lives, yet the need for organs far exceeds the supply.  There were over 23,000 transplants last year and over 12,000 donors. Thousands of more critically ill patients could been helped if more organs were available. How can you become a donor? Tell your family your decision. It's that simple. Those who want to become donors may also indicate their decision on their driver's license or carry a donor card. Regardless of previous medical conditions, most people can become organ donors. Organ donation is a gift that proves hope can come out of a tragedy...out of death, new life.


My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13).


If you are not a donor, why not consider it?

Health Hearts for Valentines

On February 14th, we will be celebrating Valentines Day, so it seems appropriate to talk about heart health. The heart needs more than a healthy diet and regular exercise to heal. It also needs intimacy. There has been a radical shift in our culture over the past 50 years. We've seen a breakdown in the family. Spending time with friends and loved ones is a basic human need, as basic as eating, breathing, and sleeping. That need often goes unfulfilled in our culture and it threatens our survival. Six ways to heal your heart include: 1) Sharing your feelings with a family or friend, joining a support group, or keeping a personal journal. 2) Learning how to forgive. Forgiving others doesn't excuse their behavior, but it frees you from the negative effects of anger on yourself. 3) Helping others. Doing volunteer work or just lending a helping hand is a powerful tonic for isolation and lonliness.4) Strengthen your spiritual life by attending church or taking time for daily prayer. 5) Touching others with respect, whether a hug or a handshake is heart healthy. 6) Making a committment. Committement to another gives you a safe zone in which you can be vulnerable. As we celebrate Valentine's Day, find a new way to reach out and love someone! There is a great reward-your own heart health.

Next Blood Pressure Check will be Sunday, February 13 between the 8:45 and 11:00 services in the back of Leatherbury Hall.