Chances are, your heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times in your lifetime.
That’s a lot of squeezing for the most powerful muscle in your body! It makes sense for you to take care of it in all the ways that it needs nurturing.
February is Heart Month, so I’m sure you’ve heard lots of talk already about high blood pressure, high cholesterol and clogged arteries. Those are all things where modern medicine have made great progress. Exercise and eating heart-healthy foods are critical to the physical health of your heart.
But I’m also concerned about preventing broken hearts. Broken hearts lead to troubled relationships and unnurtured love. They cannot be treated with drugs or diagnosed with technology, but they cause more loss of quality of life than any disease. I encourage you to spend time every day taking care of those you love and who bring you joy. Realize that fulfilled lives do not happen without effort. Exercise requires sweat, but love requires robust tending-to.
Two and a half billion heartbeats sounds like a lot, but they go quick for yourself and those who make your life rich and whole. Commit yourself to care for your heart through diet, exercise and loving well those who you depend on. It will keep your heart strong for years to come.
This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.