This is part of a series I’m writing called Motivated Mondays.  In order to be able to provide service to others including animals, we need to feel good about our bodies and keep them healthy.

Ok, I admit it….sometimes I let myself go.  I’ve always had a tendency to be heavy but somewhere over the last decade I’ve accumulated about 40 extra pounds.  I get so caught up in work and doing what I want that I forget to care for my body.  Also, I hate doctors.  Not personally, it’s just I don’t want a stranger touching my body.  And, being overweight, I didn’t want some stranger…my doctor coming in and telling me I needed to lose weight.  But, I want to take better care of myself as I age. 

So, last month I had the works, meaning a complete physical that included tests for thyroid, diabetes, and cholesterol.  My doctor came in and talked to me before I ever undressed.  She was kind and helpful.  Then she left the room and re-entered it for the exam.  She left again and came back in when I was dressed so we could discuss a minor skin irritation.  Not once did she mention my weight but instead encouraged me to keep up what I have been doing.  Thanks to a mostly vegetarian diet and a highly rambunctious dog, I’m in great health.  So now that I know my heart is healthy and my blood pressure is normal, I joined a gym. 

If it’s been awhile since you have had a physical, make an appointment today. If you have a condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, it is critical that you catch and treat it early.  Also, as you improve your fitness, you may be able to reduce medicines (under doctor supervision).   One of the best ways to monitor your level of fitness is to know where you are at right now.