1 Cor. 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from GOD? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor GOD with your body.
[New International translation]
BIBLICAL COMMENTS
The celebration of the birth of JESUS is not a mere birthday celebration. Christmas is not a big birthday "party" where people decorate their homes, exchange gifts, eat at lot of food (especially sweets and deserts), have a good time and then wait twelve months until the next birthday celebration rolls around again. Christmas is not the equivalent of a global birthday bash on a grander scale. That is not the "meaning of Christmas."
Rather, the birth of JESUS marks an extraordinary event in human history. It is a divine event. It is a time when we marvel that GOD---OMNIPOTENT (all powerful), OMNISCIENT(all knowing), OMNIPRESENT(everywhere at the same time), OMNIBENEVOLENT (all loving and all good), became flesh and blood, in the form of HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST and dwelled among us, a sinful people, so that HE could show us "WHO GOD IS." GOD became flesh in the natural world. HE became "living WORD." HE epitomizes "LOVE," "SACRIFICE," "TRUTH" "TRUE FRIEND" "ELDER BROTHER," and "RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD."
Another extraordinary event in human history is the indwelling of GOD's HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 6:19 that our bodies are human "churches" or "temples." Each of us is a temple. These "temples" are of extraordinary value to GOD because JESUS sacrificed HIMSELF so that we might have life----life here on earth and everlasting spiritual life hereafter. But like any physical temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is necessary!
Physical Maintenance
Physical maintenance of our bodies is essential for good health. If we were to compare our bodies to a physical church, we could point out that maintenance of a physical church is important. This would include cleaning the pews, mopping floors, setting the right temperature, making sure there are functioning toilets, removing trash or garbage, examining carpets for tripping hazards, dusting and sanitizing tables and chairs.
Just like a car requires a certain amount of maintenance (e.g. oil changes, tire rotation, checking the brakes and tires, winterizing the car by putting in antifreeze or checking the water and oil levels), our bodies requires maintenance too.
I. For Men
According to WebMD, men should have a number of "maintenance" check-ups. These may include:
Daily:
- Dietary Checks - It is important to "fill up" on good food daily. The National Institute on Health suggests that men fill up on 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fatty foods (e.g. junk food) that can clog the arteries. Excess sugar and salt should be avoided.
- Exercise check-ups - Ideally everyone should exercise every day. Following The CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine joint recommendations, engaging in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (for example, a brisk walk that increases your heart rate and breathing) on most days of the week.
- Daily Oral Hygiene check-ups – It is important that everyone "clean their grill." Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Painful and expensive dental work may be avoided by just maintaining a daily dental program.
Monthly (at least):
- Testicular self-examination - feeling for any abnormal lumps. If you feel anything unusual, consult your physician immediately. Don't delay!
- Skin self-examination – looking for changes in moles and see if there are changes in size, color and shape. Use a mirror to examine your back.
Other:
- Dental Checkup – In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visiting a dentist every six month for cleaning and a dental examination;
- Blood Pressure Checkup – Everyone should know their blood pressure. Men over 50 or who have a family history of high blood pressure should have their blood pressure checked at least every year.
- Colon Cancer Screening – Most colon cancer screening begins at the age of 50. On a yearly basis a doctor may provide a special take home test to determine if there is blood in the stool.
- Prostate Cancer Screening – Most doctors will start prostate cancer screening at the age of 50. For those who are at higher risk, such as being African American or having a family history, screening may start earlier. Speak to your personal physician about testing.
- A Routine Yearly Examination - Doctors generally suggest that a routine yearly examination is important to provide health and preventive screenings, to update medical history and receive a thorough all-over examination. This may include a diabetes test, particularly if you have risk factors or are overweight.
- Cholesterol check - For men age 20 and older, a cholesterol test every 5 years is sufficient. If your cholesterol is borderline or you have heart disease, you may require more frequent screening. Again speak to your doctor about your risks and your results.
- Colonoscopy – At age 50 another routine cancer screening is a colonoscopy. Biopsies can be taken of polyps or they can be removed. This test may be repeated every 10 years thereafter, if normal.
- Tetanus booster – If you are the type of person who gets a lot of cuts and scrapes, you may speak to your doctor about whether a tetanus booster is recommended.
See, "Routine Maintenance for Men: A schedule for checkups and tests that will keep a man's body in good running order." By Martin F. Downs, www.webmd.com.
This is not a complete list. You may want to speak to your own doctor for a list of daily, monthly or yearly check-ups more tailored to your individual needs. This list is informational and not an attempt to provide specific medical advice.
I. For Women
Like men, women also need to follow the ADA food guidelines regarding fruits, vegetables, sugar and salt. They should also engage in routine daily exercise and practice good routine daily oral hygiene. See above.
In addition, some of the other routine medical tests for women that Melanie Haiken lists and that women may want to consider discussing with their doctors include the following:
- Cholesterol Screening – women need to monitor their cholesterol starting at age 20. Women should be mindful that cholesterol may rise with menopause.
- Blood Pressure Check – Checking blood pressure regularly (doctors often perform these examinations with each visit) is important to health. This can start at any age and it is best to begin during childhood. Generally a once a year reading if your blood pressure is normal is sufficient; however if you are at high risk, your readings are high or you are taking medication, more frequent readings may be necessary.
- Diabetes Screening – Some women get diabetes while pregnant. These screenings often start at the start of pregnancy or at age 45 if you have no risk factors or symptoms. If you are overweight, have high blood pressure or have other risk factors for diabetes, such as a family history, it may be a good idea to get tested at a younger age. Free testing may be available at major chain drugstores. Some churches also offer screening.
- Bone Density test – About 80 % of people afflicted with osteoporosis are women, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis occurs when minerals such as calcium leach from bones, thinning and weakening them. This can often occur in women after menopause as a result of low estrogen levels. If you have reached menopause, have risk factors for bone loss or have a history of fracture, you may want to speak with your doctor about screening.
- Colonoscopy- These screenings may start at age 50 for those with no risk factors and earlier with risk factors including a family history.
- Fecal Occult Blood Test – Stool samples are collected. This may start at age 50 or earlier if there is cause for concern about intestinal conditions.
- Eye Exam and Vision Screening – Women are at a slightly higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, but eye exams and vision screening is important for men and women.
- Mammogram – These screenings often start at age 40; however, if there is a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, earlier screening may be recommended.
- Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear – These are performed to attempt to detect cervical cancer, the second leading cause of death from cancer for women worldwide. This test usually starts at age 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active. This test is performed yearly.
- Physical Breast Exams - Self-examinations of your breasts for lumps, thickenings, skin changes and nipple discharge is important as an early detecting breast cancer. These exams should be performed at least once a month and best done after your period ends, when breasts are not as tender or sore. This exam is also performed along with pelvic examinations.
See, "15 Medical Tests Every Woman Should Have" by Melanie Haiken, www.caring.com. Again, this is not a complete list. Nor is it an attempt to give medical advice or treatment. You should always consult your own doctor if you have questions or concerns.
Spiritual Maintenance
Spiritual Maintenance is also important. Wednesdays, Sundays, any day or every day is an appropriate time for spiritual maintenance. Prayer, spiritual reflection, Bible study, Sunday School, fellowship, worship, communion, spiritual self-examination, practicing "right thinking" and "right attitude" are all important facets of spiritual maintenance, renewal and repair. Submission, obedience, repentance, perseverance and a willingness to be spiritually corrected, directed and maintained by THE HOLY SPIRIT are essential to spiritual maintenance. Just ask.
Honor GOD! Give yourself the gift of good maintenance and BE BLESSED!
