Friday, May 25, 2007

No Worries

Medical researchers are constantly learning new things about our bodies, disease, and what is good or not good for us. However, as I’m sure you’ve noticed, much of the information that we hear about how to maintain good health is contradictory. For instance, foods like chocolate, coffee, and wine have both benefits and drawbacks. How do we know how much we can have and receive the benefits without the harmful effects? We’re constantly told that we need to keep our cholesterol low, but this morning I heard that people who have low cholesterol are at higher risk for Parkinson’s disease. So now all those people who were afraid of heart disease and did all they could to lower their cholesterol are now afraid that they’ll get Parkinson’s because their cholesterol is too low.

It’s really frustrating to constantly hear all this changing information. It’s confusing. The media purport to give us all this information so that we’ll stay informed, but the real result is that we’re just confused. We’re afraid and confused. We’re afraid of the bad things that might happen to us, and we’re confused about how to prevent those bad things. This causes us to worry which, in turn, has a negative impact on our health. We’d be much better off if we stopped listening to the media reports about what may or may not be good for us and quit worrying about the diseases that may or may not afflict us.

Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble (Matt. 6.31-4).

4 comments:

Tony Arnold said...

I really hate all the scare tactics and sensationalism done by the media which causes the constant worrying about this food, that food, this diet, that diet, etc.

The scripture is perfect for how to manage our lives.

On the health front, any smart, reasonable, and level-headed doctor will tell you the not-secret to good health: eat a varied, balanced diet; eat and drink in moderation; exercise or be active on a regular basis; and maintain a postive, worry-free attitude.

This works and works well.

I think this quote is appropriate at this point.

Everyone is telling me to cut out the pork chops. Pork chops will kill ya! Man, a pork chop ain't never killed no one. Lack of a pork chop has killed millions! -- Chris Rock

JMG said...

Good quote, but I'd subtitute fried chicken since I don't eat pork!

jettybetty said...

I'm glad I haven't listened to or read the news yet today--it would just make me cranky.

JMG said...

LOL, JB!