Prayer and Exercise Work Together

I read the details about a promising new study linking the positive benefits of uniting prayer and exercise. According to the AOL article by Katie Drummond titled, Jogging with Jesus: Exercise Gets a Boost from the Man Upstairs, adding Scripture reading and prayer to workout programs encouraged women (who took part in the study) to walk an extra three miles a week. The study done at UCLA involved African-American women over the age of 60. Interestingly, more than 95 percent of African-Americans pray on a daily basis, so the researchers were trying to take advantage of existing community strengths (such as their strong belief in God and prayer) to promote health benefits. 

What a great idea and it's working, which doesn't surprise me.  For the study participants were divided into two groups. The more successful group, who had more positive outcomes, "engaged in Scripture readings and faith-based discussions" after the workout sessions. The other group spent time listening to talks on topics which were unrelated to faith. "Monthly meetings persisted for another six months. In a follow-up four months later, those who'd participated in the faith-based interventions were walking an extra 9,883 steps a week, compared with an increase of 2,426 steps among control group members. The first group also saw a larger decrease in resting blood pressure." 

Researchers think there are probably other benefits as well such as improving mood and better digestion. Adding a spiritual, religious element to exercise programs for believers, could prove to be a successful formula for weight loss and improving overall health. It's certainly worth a try. 

So even though I read Scripture everyday and pray, I'm going to try to combine them, at certain parts of the day, in the hope of seeing positive results in my ongoing struggle to lower my blood pressure and improve my health. I'll put this research to the test...myself and see how it works.

There are already Christian Churches who combine exercise and prayer/Scripture reading programs for their parishioners. These programs could be expanded to help people deepen their prayer life and understanding of Scripture while helping them to improve their health. Seems like a good combination to me. 

NJA

The Vanity of Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers (anyone born between 1946-1964) are a vain bunch. I'm a baby boomer myself. From what I've read most baby boomers (or a lot of them) have an aversion to aging. If they have to succumb to growing old, they don't want to look old or elderly. Baby boomers are expected to live longer than any previous generation of Americans. They make up approximately 26% of the population. Many want to stay active, which is great for overall health. Our culture is a youth obsessed culture. It's hard not to get caught up in it.

Losing weight is a great way to look younger and it also improves your health. It doesn't cost anything. Something as simple as incorporating a walk into your daily routine can make a big difference in your health. (A recent study claimed that women who walk regularly are less likely to get a stroke.) Walking has psychological benefits too, which is probably why writers suggest walking, as a way to get clarity of thought and inspiration.  

According to an online article (Business Wire), "Those born between 1946-1964 have found that there is a recipe to increasing longevity, combating aging and most importantly feeling younger than their true age, according to the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey.....Many Baby Boomers are 'fighting' aging by being engaged in a variety of activities that keep their minds sharp, their bodies strong and their social life robust." According to the article, baby boomers have found their own fountain of youth. 

Baby boomers want it all. They want to stay young looking and keep their good health. And who can blame them. To be perfectly honest, I'm concerned with those things too. However, my "soul health" is extremely important to me too, as is my prayer life and my relationship with God and others. For me, having it all is being in right relationship with God and nurturing that relationship through all stages of my life. 

Also, if you want to do some interesting reading on the "Future of Catholicism," there are good articles at Patheos, being promoted by some well known Catholic bloggers--http://www.patheos.com/Topics/Future-of-World-Religions/Catholicism.html

NJA 

Staying Healthy for the Journey

A recent study warned that older Americans who eat large amounts of red meat and processed meats face a greater risk of death from heart disease and cancer. The federal study of more than half a million men and women bolsters prior evidence of the health risks of diets laden with red meat like hamburger and processed meats like hot dogs, bacon and cold cuts. Lead author of the study Rashmi Sinha of the National Cancer Institute said the findings support the advice of several health groups to limit red meat intake to decrease cancer risk.

For health reasons and spiritual reasons I haven't eaten red meat in years. I only eat fish and chicken. From readings I've learned that in many religious orders, in monasteries and convents, (at certain times in history and for others at times in the liturgical year),  eating meat was limited or not permitted. As we are doing now in Lent. I felt better physically and spiritually when I stopped eating red meat. 

It's important to eat well and exercise. There are so many studies which state that eating well and exercising each day prevents disease. We need strength and good health to do God's work, to evangelize and to stay healthy, not only for ourselves but for those who loves us and need us. I've experienced firsthand the devastating affects of cancer and the toll it takes on an entire family and network of friends. My mother died of lung cancer at the young age of 48. I had a very young mother. 

This past weekend I did some volunteer work for the Breast Cancer Coalition in my neighborhood. I wrote about a fitness expo they held and the article will be printed in a local newspaper. A quote hanging in the gym where the fitness expo was held summed it up, Those who think they have no time for exercise, will eventually have to make time for illness (Edward Stanley. 

NJA