1 Cor. 3:16 Don’t you know that you yourselves are GOD’s temple and that GOD’s SPIRIT lives in you? If anyone destroys GOD’s temple, GOD will destroy him; for GOD temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
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
One of the most extraordinary events in human history is the indwelling of GOD’s HOLY SPIRIT within our bodies. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. 3:16 that our bodies are human “churches” or “temples.” Because it is so important that we “get it,” Paul repeats this important point again in 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
Yes, each one of us is not only a temple, but GOD’s 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. We are physical and spiritual temples.
Like any temple, a certain amount of regular and ongoing maintenance is necessary!
Physical Maintenance –FOR WOMEN
Core physicians, www.corephysician.org, The American Heart Association and other sources have a number of routine healthcare suggestions for women. Here are a few:
- Blood Pressure Measurements---All women should have their blood pressure checked at least yearly. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all adults with high blood pressure are women. Women 65 years and older are more likely than men to have high blood pressure. Although high blood pressure is not related to gender, there are episodes in a woman’s life that result in health issues (e.g., pregnancy, taking certain birth controls, menopause) that may increase a woman’s risk for high blood pressure. For example, menopausal hormonal changes can lead to weight gain and make your body more reactive to salt in your diet, which can increase high blood pressure.1
- Breast Cancer Check-Up—Some doctors recommend you should have a clinical breast exam every one to three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. A clinical breast exam may be recommended more frequently if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. Some doctors recommend you conduct a routine self-breast exam every month. Breastcancer.org suggests examining all the different “neighborhoods” of the breast, the upper and outer area, near the armpit, the lower half of the breast, under the nipple. You are looking for lumps, changes or irregularities, such as enlargement, suspicious lumps or nodes or prominence. If you have concerns about anything you feel, consult your personal physician as soon as possible.
- Mammograms ---As often as your medical provider recommends. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force mammogram guidelines recommend women begin screening at age 50. The American Cancer Society recommends women begin screening at age 45. But both of these organizations acknowledge that beginning screening at age 40 may make sense for some women after considering the benefits and limitations of the test. Again, speak with your personal physician about your risks and what you should do.
- Bone Density Test---It is recommended that women get tested for osteoporosis, which is a disease that thins and weakens the bones to the point where they easily break. At age 65 you should be tested if your risk is normal and at age 60 if you are at high risk (for example, because you smoke or do not get regular exercise).
- Pap Test---
a. It is recommended that you have your first Pap test by age 21. Then you should have a Pap test
every 2 years until you are 30. If you have an abnormal Pap test, you may need to have the test
more often.
b. If you are 30 years old or older, you should keep having a Pap test at least every 2 years.
c. At the age of 65 to 70, you can stop having Pap tests if you have had 3 normal tests within the last
10 years. However consult your personal doctor about your cancer risks and need for further
testing.
Some physicians may recommend a different screening schedule depending on your medical condition or their training. - Colorectal Cancer Screening---One of these three methods of screening if you are age 50 to 75.
a. A fecal occult blood test once a year to determine if there is blood in your stool;
b. A sigmoidoscopy exam every 5 years with fecal occult blood testing at least every 3 years between
5 year exams;
c. A colonoscopy every 10 years. - Full Physical Annual Exam- An annual exam should include checking your blood pressure, your height, weight and your body mass index, a cholesterol check, if you are at risk for heart disease or if your physician requires it, and inquiry into exercise, alcohol and tobacco use, your emotional health and any other issues you may have or your doctor may be concerned about.
Both women and men should eat right, especially sufficient fruits and vegetables, maintain good dental hygiene and see their personal physician for annual check-ups, for other routine tests, including eye exams, dental exams, hearing tests and bone density tests, since men also develop osteoporosis. Men and women who have quit smoking within the past 15 years may also require lung cancer screening.
[Note: Last week’s message focused on Physical Maintenance for Men.]
Spiritual Maintenance
Good maintenance, physical and spiritual, is not only good for you it is good for you, your family, and your community.
Honor GOD with your body. Remember, you are not your own. You belong to GOD.
Be a well-maintained Living Temple and BE BLESSED!
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1 See, “Is There A Connection Between Menopause and High Blood Pressure?” by Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, M.D., www.mayoclinic.org.
