The holidays are upon us and we all have much to be grateful for. This is the time of year when many of us are preparing for the New Year. Hopes of more wealth, more love, a closer connection to God and last but in no way least, hopes for better over all health.
As you all know, Hypertension; the silent killer is this Foundation’s focus and one of our biggest adversaries, amongst other things we in Law Enforcement face daily. Other things such as “Stress” one of the MAIN CONTRIBUTORS to Hypertension!
The pressures from the job; unsolved cases, robberies, violent crimes, domestic crimes, neighbor disputes. Just to name a few, while juggling the needs at our homes; financial obligations, raising children, caring for sickly loved ones and other family tensions. All of these things we worry about coupled with the daily switching of hats as we serve the community. During our service, we at times play the part of therapist, marriage counselor, mentor, big brother/big sister and father figure and often times, the inspiration and hope for direction and assistance to people who are lost, afraid or troubled.
Allow me to share with you, what I have come to learn is one of our main focus when we approach the year end holidays.
It has become a time of reflection. We reflect on all we lost, all the things we said we would accomplish and did not. All of our mistakes and then we start thinking about resolutions for all the aforementioned. While, drowning ourselves in those thoughts the Grateful and appreciative life-raft that was thrown to us during the past year; all of the victories, all of the hurdles we did in fact overcome to make it to today. The family we have here with us, all of these things are sitting in front of us waiting for some of the energy we are wasting on the thoughts of resolution for the coming year.
Sure, last year we didn’t handle stress as well as we could have. We didn’t go to those doctor’s visit to make sure that everything is okay. We didn’t practice the best eating habits, we continue to smoke or drink too much. We worked so much overtime that we missed out on family time.
YET, here we are, blessed to be here, to read this article I write.
Hey, You made it another year! You survived, ignoring all of the things you should have paid attention to.
WE ARE SO BLESSED,
Today, right now you are learning new ways and methods to prevent yourself from suffering the fate of hypertension. You are being given some of the tools to make 2023 an even more rewarding, fulfilling and healthy year.
All those prayers, for strength, guidance and protection worked.! Thank you God!
Be grateful. I KNOW I AM!
So grateful, to show my gratitude for all of it I am making a list of things I started and intent to do in order to at least keep what I already have going for me!
I am not going to wait for the year to end …. Why? Because I have now!
I hope you will consider going through my list and maybe follow through with some of the things you and I both know you need to follow through with!
WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER – LIVING HEALTHIER!
It’s time we stop taking our blessings for granted.
- Look for a primary care physician.
- Find a place where you feel comfortable being open about your concerns.
- The first step to doing better is recognizing there is a problem.
- do something different this year.
- Let’s dive into a new hobby. Don’t tell anyone on the job, find something you’ve always wanted to do, and do it.
- Have the courage to build new relationships, friendships and interest outside of the job to create a work balance.
- Be honest with yourself and confront those bad habits. The poor dieting, the smoking, the heavy drinking, the short tempered moments. Replace the bad habits, one at a time, with habits that reinforce a healthy lifestyle not just for you but also for your loved ones.
- Smile more. Although there were hurdles, be glad, when he presented you with that test, you passed it. God believes in you. After all, I think all of us has asked God for strength. Those difficulties that you fought through and won weren’t as detrimental as you thought and believe me when I say that they made you stronger. See problems and hardships as opportunities to build strength and wisdom.
All that overtime you did this past year was appreciated, but let the truth be told; you still have bills to pay . Money is important, but quality family and personal time, is key. Time well spent away from work will be vital to recharging emotionally and spiritually. It will help clean the stress of the job away from you. This will not only make home better but, also making you more efficient at work upon your return. If you want to make extra money do so by setting small goals and focus on one task at a time.
You don’t have to sign up to a gym to exercise. Start small. Do calisthenics in the morning as soon as you wake up. Studies show that the overall health of men and women who do push-ups every morning are less likely to suffer stroke and heart disease linked to hypertension. You will also appreciate how you feel during the day and love how this habit tones your body.
Lastly be grateful that God has chosen you to make your mark in the community you serve. Although times are tough and the relationship between Law Enforcement and citizens is tumultuous, this opportunity is a gift. In history we’ve encountered these problems several times. Love your job and watch the climate get better. Slow progress is still progress. Make a difference, one interaction at a time.
There is no job in the world that can compare to the work God has chosen you to do. Be thankful.
I would like to send love to my brother agency here in Palm Beach County.
Boynton Beach Police Department, the family here at The Sonny Archer’s Law Enforcement Foundation and Riviera Beach Police Department extends our deepest condolences to you and the family of late Officer Dennis Castro. Officer Castro’s untimely passing was felt by us all.
I have worked alongside Officer Castro during my career and will always remember his calm, professional and loving nature. Thank you for your service, may you rest in peace.
Happy holidays family. I love you and wish you all a great 2023. Let’s take this journey together, let’s make it last longer by being better to our bodies to live longer!