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 translations]
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 Medline Plus, this is especially important if your top blood pressure number (the systolic number) is between 120 to 139 or the bottom number (the diastolic number) is between 80 to 89. If your top number is above 140 or the bottom number greater than 90, schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. See, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007462.htm. 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 American Cancer Society presently recommends the following:
• Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
• Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
• Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.
Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening. Women should also know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any breast changes to a health care provider right away.
See https://www.cancer.org/healthy/find-cancer-early/cancer-screening-guidelines. 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).
- Pelvic Exam and Pap Test---Beginning at age 21, it is recommended that women have a pelvic exam and a pap smear to test for cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society has the following guidelines:
• Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test done every 3 years. HPV
testing should not be used in this age group unless it’s needed after an abnormal Pap test
result
• Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have a Pap test plus an HPV test (called “co-testing”) done every 5 years. This is the preferred approach,
but it’s OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
• Women over age 65 who have had regular cervical cancer testing in the past 10 years with normal results should not be tested for cervical cancer. Once
testing is stopped, it should not be started again. Women with a history of a serious cervical pre-cancer should continue to be tested for at least 20 years
after that diagnosis, even if testing goes past age 65.
• A woman who has had her uterus and cervix removed (a total hysterectomy) for reasons not related to cervical cancer and who has no history of
cervical cancer or serious pre-cancer should not be tested.
• All women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for their age groups.
• Some women – because of their health history (HIV infection, organ transplant, DES exposure, etc.) – may need a different screening schedule for
cervical cancer. Talk to a health care provider about your history.
Some physicians may recommend a different screening schedule depending on your medical condition or their training. - Colorectal Cancer Screening---The American Cancer Society states that for people at average risk for colorectal cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends starting regular screening at age 45. Most screening occurs by one of three methods:
a. A fecal occult blood test to determine if there is blood in your stool;
b. A sigmoidoscopy exam and/or
c. A colonoscopy.
According to the American Cancer Society:
• If you’re in good health, you should continue regular screening through age 75.
• For people ages 76 through 85, talk with your health care provider about whether continuing to get screened is right for you. When deciding, take into
account your own preferences, overall health, and past screening history.
• People over 85 should no longer get a colorectal cancer screening.
Id. As always, speak to your personal physician about what is right for you. - 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.
EVERYONE
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, and see your other healthcare providers 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. Exercise is important for everyone!
[Note: Last week’s message focused on Physical Maintenance for Men.]
COMMIT TO GOOD 2019 MAINTENANCE
Good maintenance, physical and spiritual, is not only good for you it is good for your family and your community. And, it will look good on you!
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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1See, “Is There A Connection Between Menopause and High Blood Pressure?” by Shannon K. Laughlin-Tommaso, M.D., www.mayoclinic.org.
