Life is full of teachable moments.
Translation:
Life isn’t fair and it doesn’t care… now what the hell are you going to do about it?
As I write this post, our state is beginning to re-open businesses which have been on extreme lockdown for the past nine weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic… Alleluia!
As we have learned, COVID-19 is a respiratory virus similar to the flu, yet possibly more deadly due to the fact it is a novel virus without a vaccine… at least for the time being.
The only reason the seasonal flu isn’t more deadly than it is, is because we have a vaccine as well as other treatments to combat it.
Ironically, even with access to the vaccine, aka flu shot, only about 50% of the population choose to take part in it. Although, hopefully with what we have learned through this pandemic, the participation will increase.
Even with that, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) still publishes an annual flu death toll for the USA of 20,000 to 61,000, with hospitalizations up to 810,000. You could probably double that number in the absence of the treatment.
My attempt here is not to equate the two viruses, other than the demographics of those who find themselves in their crosshairs… folks 65 and older and others with underlying conditions.
But in actuality, it’s the weak, the frail, and those with underlying conditions who are most vulnerable. It just so happens that most of these people are over 65.
But honestly, if you’re 50 and unhealthy, you might as well be 70 when it comes to disease. Though for others who take care of themselves… well, you know what they say… 70 is the new 50.
With that being said, we Americans as a whole are a very unhealthy lot. We live in the land of plenty… and we take full advantage of it.
We don’t exercise, we eat just about anything we want, and as much as we desire. Many of us smoke, over consume alcohol, and would rather kick back and get high than do anything which would generate a pulse in excess of 80 bpm. Come to think of it… this is beginning to sound like a trip down memory lane. I can’t lie.
Look, I’m not trying to place judgement. In fact, everything in moderation is what I have long espoused … it’s the spice of life. But it’s become more than moderation… it’s become a way of life.
Just look at the fear that’s been generated by a virus, which quite frankly better than 99% of the population, won’t have a problem dealing with. Think about that, it’s got to make your mind reel… it sure does mine.
I believe it’s the demographic which includes… “those with underlying conditions” that has the fearful up at night tossing and turning… just a hunch.
Most of us spend our youth cashing in our God given vitality and health as if there’s no tomorrow… heck, we’re going to live forever.
Then there’s that day when you wake up one morning, look in the mirror, and suddenly realize the tab has just come due. Don’t you just hate life’s teachable moments? Especially the ones where you know the answer, but you wish you didn’t.
The tab is due
Sorry to say, but most people just decide to keep a running tab, as they give that proverbial can a swift kick down the road… yes, the one that leads to “underlying conditions”.
Yes, I went a long way for that one, but honestly it can’t be denied.
Just remember… it’s not just viruses which target the weak, frail, and those with underlying conditions… all diseases do. That’s life.
There will be a day, if you are blessed, when you will reach that 65 and older demographic… that can’t be avoided. Though with a zest for life, fueled by some healthy choices, those dreadful underlying conditions may not have to be a footnote in your life’s resume.
If this pandemic has caused you fear in any way, why not go ahead and get real with that person staring back at you in the mirror… it’s never too late for a little tough love.
Doing so will not only upgrade your CDC standing, but more importantly, will bless you with vitality throughout your entire life… not just the first third of it.
So… do whatever you need to do to get through this pandemic… social distance… wear a mask… stay at home… whatever.
But when this is over, and one day soon it will be… what are you going to say to that person in the mirror? Why not go ahead and close out the tab?
With love and humility I rest my case. On second thought, I believe I’ll get off of it and go for a brisk walk and enjoy the sunshine with my lovely wife.
That’s Life
Bill Peak
Well said, Bill and well sung, Frank. Words to live by for sure. No compromising, either! Following your suggestion will go a long way in helpIng to alleviate some of that fear and anxiety. Having a healthy relationship with God will take care of the rest.
Peace and joy, my friend.
Louis
Louie, Thanks so much for reading and commenting on my post.. it really means a lot to me. Hope you and your lovely wife are doing well through all of this.
OMG! It’s happening again…..Perfect timing!! I have had to look in the mirror, just last week in fact, and say just that, “the tab is due”. What happened last week? Well, I went to my NGood Health appointment (that’s what Norton calls our annual wellness visits with our PCP). My fasting glucose was high, prompting getting a Hgb a1c (a test that reflects your average blood sugar level for the past 2-3 months). The result was a very disappointing 6.3 (you are considered diabetic at 6.5, so they call this “pre-diabetes” which I don’t believe in prediabetes, you are either diabetic or not). So anyway, I was devastated because diabetes runs in my family and I had vowed to never follow in that path. As you know, I have strived in living life in moderation, trying to follow a healthy diet as best I can, such as Whole 30. But because of COVID and having to stay home and work from home, I had been eating everything and anything, not in moderation but in EXCESS (whole large bags of M&Ms, cookies, ice cream, popcorn…all the bad things for my body). I even knew that it was going to be high. During my exam, I told my PCP what I had been doing just so that I could soften the blow when and if my results were crazy high. It was a prophetic moment. It didn’t work though because we were both shocked when we got the results. She even wrote on her message “Ugh, your hgb a1c was high…” what doctor says that? Let me answer that, one who was just as surprised as I was to have this result (my hgb a1c was 5.6 a year ago).
Anyway, she offered to start me on metformin (a very good, and popular drug for insulin resistance, which is what I am). I of course said no and told her I was going to fight this by changing my diet. I will have my hgb a1c repeated in 3-6 months. Hopefully it will go back down to 5 something 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼.
Sorry this was so long but I’m still in shock and it was appropriate for this posting. By the way, I made up a new diagnosis: QUARANTINE-INDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS.
Thanks for your post as usual. So motivating!
Sibyl…It’s crazy just how wise that person in the mirror is. But even wiser is the girl on the other side listening. I know for a fact that you’ll go ahead a pay that tab.
Thanks for the comment.