Wednesday was a day full of caring for health in obvious and usual ways and in ways that might not be fully appreciated.
In the morning I went to the doctor for my annual check up. We discussed “being healthy” in the way of traditional health system medicine. This is important involvement and commitment to my health. I did my annual screening blood work, checked weight and blood pressure, and discussed needed preventative tests and vaccines. The great news included that my cholesterol continues to fall, my blood pressure remains normal, my weight is marginally lower than last year, and most importantly I have sustained the 25lb loss for a year’s time. Committing to a whole-good plant based diet and the other pillars of Lifestyle Medicine is paying off big time. I was struck again by how cheap this “treatment” has been for me. It has saved me money in medications and follow-up doctor visits, been low cost to implement, and payed big dividends.
Also great news is that this is *not* the year that I will need to put on my big girl pants and get a Shingles shot or a colonoscopy. But when those things come due I have committed to my doctor that I will do them.
This is what we traditionally think about when we think of “health care”. It is doctors offices and blood work, vaccines and colonoscopies. It is critical to health. But it is an incomplete prescription for health
Wednesday evening I went to the first meeting of “The Highland Ukuleles” offered through my church. I had never played-or even held in my hands-a Ukulele. But, I was intrigued by a small instrument that seemed designed to sing out joy into the world. I contacted the leader of the group who enthusiastically encouraged me to come. She was able to offer a ukulele that I could use because someone had donated two ukuleles to the church for just this purpose.
So I showed up. I was handed a ukulele and some sheet music showing me how to place my fingers to produce the correct chords, and I took my place among a group of people ranging from beginners to the experienced. I learned the C chord and happily strummed it when indicated as we practiced. I sang songs ranging from “If You’re Happy and You Know It” to “Jingle Bells” to “If You’re Lonesome Tonight” by Elvis. It was joyful and fun and I could feel my heart singing with the community laughter, and my brain growing in connections as I started to teach my fingers new ways to be useful.
The two events of Wednesday were equally important to my health in complimentary ways. Health is more than the important blood work and screening exams. Full health can be fun, and should be fun. Research studies, Blue Zones, and my experience all support this truth. Good health is made by, and for, joyful living and connection with others.
So I have been practicing my ukulele nightly and have learned three new chords as my husband listens to me sing out “Amazing Grace” and “You are My Sunshine” from the couch each night. And in a few years time I’ll get my colonoscopy; although a temporary dragon tattoo on one bottom cheek is something I’m considering for the occasion. Because, Jolly Hearts, joy and connection are just as important as removing polyps. These elixirs for health are free and can be brought into any day by our choosing…and perhaps aided with a ukulele in hand.
