By Penelope A. Domogo, MD
“ You see, health and well-being is a product of healthy habits, not just what you ate today and what you did today but what you do on a regular basis. So what do you eat and what do you do on the other days of the week?”
Of course, we want to be well all the time, but more so this Christmas season so when we greet each other Merry Christmas, the message is real. Don’t you think so? I know, though, that some people don’t celebrate Christmas as many westernized people like us do. But this article is for everybody.
Health and wellness is a dynamic condition of ourselves that will change depending on how we take care of ourselves and the environment we are in. I want to emphasize the importance of our environment, not just our own body. Just thinking about our own well-being would be very selfish. We have to take care of our immediate surroundings and Mother Earth in general. That makes us responsible, not only to ourselves but to our family and others even as far as Timbuktu. That makes us responsible for future generations. As what one of my favorite mentors, Mahatma Gandhi, said, “The future depends on what you do today.”
So what did you eat today? I hope it is plant-based. I hope it is naturally-grown. I hope it is in its natural state. I hope it is not processed beyond recognition. You know, it is better to see that what you are eating is what it is really is. Not just something that is labeled “good for your heart” or “good for your bones” because you see, we can’t trust and have faith in someone who just wants our money. But we have faith in our Creator because science and history has shown us that what He provided freely and abundantly in nature is really good for our sustenance and well-being. Next Sunday is also the first Sunday in Advent in the Christian calendar. Advent is a time for reflection and preparation for Christ’s coming. Just like how we clean our houses and prepare for guests, we also need to clean the cobwebs in our minds and hearts and give to God our excess baggage that is weighing us down so we would really be joyous when we celebrate his birthday. And a good way to facilitate this internal cleansing is fasting. Fasting also facilitates meditation and meditation encourages fasting. Whatever is easier for you to do, start with it. The rest will come naturally. By meditation, I also mean praying. Eating mostly plants makes fasting and meditation easier and a pleasant experience so it would be easier to make it a habit.
What did you do today? It’s Sunday, so like most Christians, I presume you went to church or watched live-streaming. Then had fellowship with family and friends over some sweets and meats. For some, perhaps they also went to bike or walk or just feel the outdoors. Good for those who have more outdoor space and have sunshine. Like plants and animals, we need physical activity and sunshine.
That is for today. But then today is a Sunday and it is a special day for many as it is a no-work day. You see, health and well-being is a product of healthy habits, not just what you ate today and what you did today but what you do on a regular basis. So what do you eat and what do you do on the other days of the week?
If you have been eating excessively, if you have eating highly-processed foods, and if you are sedentary, it is now the time to do some cleansing and some motion. God provided a lot of beans and greens at this time, giving us rain to grow our vegetables. Let us claim these blessings. For fruits, let us claim what is naturally-grown and in season, and consume in moderation. Ta wada abes kuwan di tapina. As for other foods not mentioned here, let us have them sparingly. So that when the parties come, we can attend and eat all we can. Although, of course, not busog-butag, as that would not be happy. Get up and do something. You know, housework never ends. And there is the great outdoors. Your garden or farm would also be happy if you spend time with it. Or just walk and savor fresh air wherever you can find it. Walk to work. The longer the distance you walk, the better. So you see, walking with my apo to his school is not only good for him but for me. And what is good for our health is also good for the environment. Less packaging, less chemical wastes, less fumes from cars. Win-win! Looking forward to a healthy us this Christmas!
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Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
