A joint venture between Methodist Healthcare, The Church Health Center and the Memphis Conference Wellness Commission, “Life of Leaders” is more than just a physical exam. It is a pooling together of health, fitness, nutrition and wellness professionals all focused on creating new habits for us that will foster better health.
And the truth is, most of us preacher-types could use some better health habits!
“Life of Leaders” begins with an executive physical exam, conducted by the staff of Church Health Center. We were given blood tests, EKGs, lung X-rays, and the usual physical workup.
A similar experience was found in the former “Pastor’s Clinic” – although that was much more clinical – after which my physician pronounced me “the picture of perfect health.”
Now that’s funny!
My physician this time did not make the same mistake, but all the numbers and tests show I am well within the normal parameters for a person my age.
The only point of concern is my weight, which, at 205 lbs. puts me in the “obese” category.
WTF!?!
(No, this is not me... but I suppose it could be one day...)
But seriously, yes, I’m 30+ lbs. over my “ideal” weight and with a BMI of 31, I fall into a danger zone. I would like to drop 10 or so pounds, but I don’t realistically see myself getting back to 175… or even 145, as the chart suggests.
Jeez! I haven’t weighed 145 since I was 25!
But Life of Leaders is not just a physical exam. In addition to the tests, we were also given access to professionals at the Church Health Center’s Hope and Healing Center in areas of nutrition, health and fitness, who gave us helpful information custom tailored to our specific situation. We were also linked up with a counselor who will serve as a Life Coach throughout the year-long process.
We also got a 20-minute chair massage!
If nothing else, the experience has given me a greater understanding of and appreciation for the Church Health Center. Scott Morris and everyone there do a great job of leading a health ministry in the heart of Memphis.
And, yes, we were given (yet another) pedometer. This one is related to “The Amazing Pace” program. But this one is high-tech. We are supposed to sync regularly with a computer program, which will track our daily steps and show us how our “team” is doing.
After a week of use, I have found that I walk between 3,000-5,000 steps per day under normal circumstances. The idea is to show progress.
I have not yet taken it to the gym with me…
The next step will be to gather in March to discuss “Leading Causes of Life” with Gary Gunderson.
The bottom line for me, and for our annual conference Wellness Commission, is that if we can adopt healthier habits earlier in life, when we get older we will be healthier and won’t be such a drain on the conference insurance program.
Remember the words of Ben Franklin:“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
He also advised, “Eat to live, not live to eat.”
And, “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”
Well, two out of three ain’t bad!
(He looks happy, doesn't he!)