Another wake up call

I'm sitting here at UCSF with my Mom for her prepare appointments for bilateral knee replacement surgery.  Thinking about my own personal medical history and reflecting on the death of Chester McGlockton has caused me to really focus on my need to improve my life and my health.  As a friend quickly pointed out, I have no idea what caused Chester to die at such a young age.  He was in good shape, was focused on improving his health and had lost a lot of weight.  He also had a very stressful job and was recovering from significant injuries suffered while playing professional football.  What I do know is that it's caused me to think about the need to work even harder towards improving my own health.  

I can use myself as a perfect example.  I wasn't always so focused on my health.  I was working a stressful job and in a stressful marriage.  I let my weight get out of control and I stopped working out - because of that I developed high blood pressure.  I knew what I needed to be doing.  I didn't do it.  Like many people, I had a number of excuses - not enough time was my biggest one.  And, it was true.  I was busy - I worked long hours and traveled for work.  I was always on the road.  BUT, I know that these were just excuses and if it was important enough to me, I would have done something different. 

But this isn't about Chester or anyone else for that matter.  The death of others, while painful, can only teach us something about our own lives.  



How do we give ourselves the best possible opportunity for a long and healthy life?  There are so many things that we can do to improve our health.  So many things that are in our control - I have to take responsibility for my own issues - my blood pressure, my weight.  These things are in my control - I can improve my health and my life.  I know that tomorrow isn't promised but as long as tomorrow comes, I intend to be working on bettering myself.