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A Special Gift for Mom
It’s that time of year again. A time when we pause to honor and celebrate the women who have through their strength, kindness and love have helped, mold and shape us into the people we have become. I know personally, I have been blessed with a wonderful mother and several saintly women from my church who have been like mothers to me, constantly speaking into my life with wisdom, encouragement and support. So, in thinking of what I could give to show my mother how much she means to me I thought about the most important thing she already has-her health.
I recently received a call from a sister who was calling to find out about the services that I offered. She explained that she didn’t want the services for herself, but for her mother who was suffering from several ailments. She was deeply concerned about the fact that in addition to being overweight because of a poor diet and lack of exercise, her mom was a diabetic. This sister was greatly frustrated by the fact that her mom was not taking care of herself, and wanted to know what could be done for her. After our conversation, I thought about one of my favorite movies, “Soul Food” where “Big Mama” as she was affectionately known, was the center and backbone of the family. Everyone from the oldest to the youngest looked to “Big Mama” to make everything that was wrong right. Ironically “Big Mama,” who was an expert at solving everyone else’s problem could not, or rather, did not control the disease she suffered with, diabetes. The result was poor circulation, and the amputation of her leg. It was clear that when she finally died from complications related to the illness, her family was not ready to let her go.
I applaud the sister who called me for her determination to do all she could to make sure that her mom did not experience any of the above consequences.
Sadly, many of us have lost loved ones to this disease, which is very treatable and in many cases preventable. This summer I will have the privilege of traveling to Mississippi on a mission trip with a medical team headed by Dr. Mildred Clarke, a retired OB-GYN physician from Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, to treat and educate our community about diabetes. Remarkably enough, current statistics show that this mission trip could easily be to New York or New Jersey. Instead of declining diabetes, continues to rise affecting African Americans disproportionately.
This Mother’s Day I challenge each of you to see what part you can play in giving your mother the gift of health. Do you need to assist them with a visit to a physician? Maybe you can give them a day off from watching grandchildren they may be raising. How about purchasing them a new warm up outfit and sneakers along with a certificate to a fitness center? Whatever you do, let your mothers or the other special women in your life know that you need them, and celebrate their health.
Kahlil Carmichael, C.P.T is the owner of The Fitness Doctor, One on One Personal Training and a Deacon at The Cathedral International Church. Join Kahlil every Thursday from 2:30-3:00 on WKMB 1070AM for “Ask The Fitness Doctor”. For more information on transforming your life through fitness and to speak at your corporate church, or community event call (732) 293-0039 or visit us at www.thefitnessdoctor.com.
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