When I was much younger, my siblings and I played all the major sports, depending on the season. During football season, we played football; baseball season, baseball; basketball season, basketball and so on. It's amazing how athletic we were - not professionals, just kids having fun.
Today, I watch all the major sports. But I play only tennis. It's just my sport of choice. I'll play it day and night. I try to play it at least 2 or 3 times a week. I might not cause Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal to shake in their tennis shoes just yet but I think I'm pretty good.
So how did I get to this point? A few years ago I went to the doctor for my annual check up. After doing the initial checks, she asked me about my diet and exercise. Never before was I asked those questions during a check up.
She noted that my health was starting to show the effects of me not taking care of my body as I ought. There was nothing catastrophic but years of lack of exercise and proper dieting was catching up to me. So she prescribed regular exercise - at least 20 minutes of aerobic activities 3 days a week.
You see, as a child I played sports 7 days a week. As an adult, I got so caught up into my career and trying to reach life goals that I neglected my health. Fortunately, the alarm sounded in time for me and I've heeded the warning.
Currently, the life expectancy of a male in the United States is 72. The number one killer of men is heart disease. Medical professionals tell us that a life with proper diet and exercise minimizes the likelihood of getting this disease.
Many men hardly reach their life expectancy because of chasing of the almighty dollar while ignoring the "more mighty" health. Why seek millions and billions and not be able to enjoy life?
Certainly, there must be room for achieving financial success so we can provide for our families and give them the security they deserve. But there must be balance. If we neglect our health, our families might end up enjoying our success without us. If that happens when we could have avoided it by doing the simple things like eating right and exercising, then that would be tragic.
So gentlemen, pick a sport - any sport - and commit to exercising at least 3 times a week. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. See your doctor as frequently as needed. By doing this you'll put yourself in a better position to be around to see your kids start families of their own. That's something to live for!
Eat right. Exercise. And of course, be upbeat for your kids!
The Upbeat Dad
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