Summertime

It’s summertime and the living ain’t easy. 
Insanity is rampant and the gas prices are high. 
The elect gettin’ richer and TV is good at fibbin’.
So hush your complainin’, and don’t be cryin’!

Louis Armstrong would have a fit if he read these lyrics. But ain’t it true? So what do we do? How do you prevent your heart from getting upset, mind from going crazy, and your life from falling apart? Here are three sound heart tips…

Eat healthy: Most of my patients trip if I tell them to drink 8 cups of water daily. If that’s too hard, increase foods that contain greater than 90% water: Cucumbers, iceberg lettuce, celery, tomatoes, Zucchini, Asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and strawberries. Hydration keeps your mind and body strong! Always consult your doctor.

Walk daily: walk early to avoid 1. heat strokes (body temp > 103F, confusion, trouble walking) and 2. heat exhaustion (elevated pulse, weak, muscle cramps). Make sure to add some hills to your regimen. 85% of your predicted heart rate (220 – your age x 85%) is a good goal to hit. You’re getting a good workout when you sweat. Consult your doctor before you start.

Pray continually. I’ve never seen such madness in our country, where good is bad, bad is good. Pray Psalm 91 over yourself, your family, and our nation. Get soul food…the Bible…it’ll give you long life, peace of mind, and sweet sleep (Proverbs 3:2, 24). It looks like we’re in a mess, but God will help us through it all.

Eat well, walk on, and pray hard!