Good Health is a Gift

(Previously published on 12th January 2015)

I recently had a friend over who made me giggle quite a bit. She sat on the bed laughing so hard at her phone that I had to ask what was so funny. Our conversation went something like this:

Vivian: “Babe please share the joke ooo. Me too I want to laugh”

Friend: “Meeeennn it’s this video on facebook oo. This girl decided to use the toilet at her boy friend’s house, which is full of guys, and now everyone is waiting to know who is using the toilet.” She laughed. “Does she not know that you don’t go to your boyfriend’s house and do a number 2?”

Vivian: ” Loooool! This babe you won’t kill me with laughter.” I laughed. “Haba what if the person is pressed eeh.”

Now this is all funny, and oh well I hope I remember the story of the video accurately. But you see, such things can be quite funny until one day something in your body isn’t working right, and you suddenly realise you have a lot to be thankful for. Now this post is not about what you do or don’t do in other people’s houses. It’s about being grateful for the many things you’ve probably taken for granted. I shared this with my friend after our giggle, and I now share it with you.

For a while I had been ill and so ended up in A&E (Accident &Emergency) sometime in August 2014, after what had been the primary cause of illness created a secondary issue, building immense pressure in my backside. I was not constipated but was in so much pain that I could not even stand upright or walk. In those moments business with the ladies room was not flourishing and I prayed so vehemently for relief from the pain. My friend (who I won’t name here) who I’m very grateful to as she went with me to A&E is a witness of this episode. I am not exaggerating when I say it took three good long days of pain, tears and k-legged walks, before I was eventually successful with the restroom. And when that happened, I shouted a big HALLELUJAAAHH. Lol!! Too much information I know. Lol! It took about two weeks for total relief, but you see the episode made me suddenly aware of what it felt like to have my bowels not working properly.

My reality is that after almost two years of battling with health issues and winning the fight, I certainly have a greater appreciation for health at a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level. I have been reminded of the fact that I am indeed flesh and blood, and even more that my body “is often not mine to control.” Let’s put it this way – Good health is unfortunately not a right. IT IS A GIFT.

So each day you wake up with all your legs, hands and eyes complete, or can get out of bed independently and easily, or can breathe freely and without aid, or can think straight and make decisions on your own, or can even eat without worry because you know that nature will do its thing unaided, please remember to be grateful for health and life. Why? Because not everyone has it so easy.

The body has different needful systems that should ideally function simultaneously. Don’t make the mistake of taking any one for granted. Sadly bad health often creeps up on the best and worst of us unannounced and through no fault of ours. But my message today is to give your body the respect it deserves by doing your bit to stay as healthy as you can – be it by resting more, eating/drinking more healthily, or other.

Remember – HEALTH COMES FIRST. If you don’t have good health, you could struggle to enjoy the money you’ve been working so hard to make. Don’t underestimate it.

 

**I will prioritise my health mindset**

© Dr Vivian O. Ikem, 2014

(Previously published on Facebook in November 2014)

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