HOLY WEEK & NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK

by Roger Headland, Parishioner at Trinity, Beaver

HOLY MONDAY APRIL 6TH THRU RESURRECTION SUNDAY APRIL 12TH

As we proceed through this Lenten time, we tend to find ourselves reading scripture and meeting more often – sharing God’s Holy Word. Now, in particular, as we move even closer to Holy Week, beginning Monday April 6th, we might easily find ourselves being quite taken-in through our own prayerful thoughts and concerns for our Lord, His ending mission and crucifixion – each of us suffering vicariously together in Christ. It is easy for any of us to see how long and how hard we have studied and exercised our minds – in learning to know our Lord and the conditions He suffered.
All of this together could signal a great precaution for any of us – the precaution to remember and stay healthy as we also continue to serve or Lord and His community in our own lives. For in exercising our minds we have also continued to exercise our spiritual means, to perhaps, even greater lengths. But to stay healthy – we must also exercise or bodies, through light aerobics, flexibility and, perhaps, to those of greater ability, by weight training or through sport.
Therefore, for each of us who has been cleared by his doctor for increased physical activity – The Pennsylvania Department of Health is encouraging our Commonwealth’s citizen’s to “Walk the Walk” in support of National Public Health Week, beginning (Holy) Monday April 6th through (Resurrection) Sunday April 12th. The theme for this years event is “Building the Foundation for a Healthy America.”
In this, the PA Department of Health ensures us that by at least taking time for a few extra steps, in a daily Walking Routine, a good pair of shoes, and maybe with a good walking partner – YOU are helping to protect and improve our nations overall health.
In support of this concept let us consider the benefits of just walking – as your daily exercise. You can:
Ø lower your blood pressure
Ø decrease anxiety and stress
Ø increase bone density
Ø lower “bad” cholesterol
Ø improve cognitive functioning
Ø strengthen the immune system
You can’t beat it. And it doesn’t cost anything.
So, maybe all of us, in preparation for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday – might keep in mind our nation’s call for a healthier America. That by us, in this community and Trinity Church, benefit ourselves building a healthier America – then fully prepared for our worship together - in hope of new life in Christ. We give thanks.