Want More Reasons to Care About Your Health?

By Cindy Williams, RN

Coordinator, Health Ministries

Some time ago I was visiting with a friend whose son was hospitalized for a few days. I was shocked to learn that the bill, after insurance paid, was more than $25,000. The United States spends roughly $3.8 trillion dollars each year on health care. Ninety percent of that figure is spent caring for people with chronic and mental health conditions. I doubt that most of us can relate to how much a trillion is, so I just have to say — “that’s a lot of money.” I would prefer to spend my money on something else. That gives me one good reason to take care of my health.

Here are some other reasons that I wrote down for myself:

• I can do more of the things I want to.
• I can use my resources for something other than sick care.
• I can care for my family and friends better. My health affects others.
• I can be more effective in serving God and others.
• I can communicate and develop my relationship with God better.
• God asks me to do everything to His glory. (1 Corinthians 10:31)
• I honor God by taking care of His temple. (1 Corinthians 6:19,20)
• God asks me to be a living sacrifice for Him. (Romans 12:1)

I challenge you this week to take a few minutes and jot down your own reasons for putting time and energy into your health. I find that having a purpose, a reason to make good choices, is helpful when faced with laziness or temptation. Prayer is also a powerful tool!

This article is part of a continuing series of health during these COVID times. For other articles, please see www.uccsda.org/healthministries.

Photo by Jp Valery on Unsplash