Yesterday I had the honor of attending the wedding of my best friend from high school. I loved watching her family as they beamed and celebrated her marriage. I loved watching her interact with the many people who love her. I only cried a few tears of joy; she said I had to leave if I cried, and I so wanted to be there.
As we drove the 5 hours from our home to the church, I read Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs. Author of The Year of Living Biblically and The Know-It-All, he is witty and thorough. Though each of the other books covers one thing (the Bible and the Encyclopedia Brittanica), he delves into the seemingly endless supply of health and wellness information available and attempts to find the legitimate things that really work. He focuses on one body system or function each month and incorporates the help of medical professionals and other experts as he tries various diets, trends, exercise routines, and products. I was laughing out loud (much to the amusement of my family) at some things and shaking my head at the ridiculousness of others.
But the chapter about the heart seemed most appropriate for someone going to a wedding. Often, the author visits his 94-year-old grandfather and talks with him about the many and varied things he remembers doing in life. Talk often goes to the grandmother/wife they both adored.
"Their marriage was likely as important to his longevity as his constant aerobic activity. Studies have shown that a good marriage is a boon to your health. It's been associated with a lower rate of heart attacks - as well as of pneumonia, cancer, and dementia." - p. 46
I'm so thankful I witnessed the beginning of another marriage! May it bring health and happiness to the new husband and wife.
How lovely to be able to share an important, milestone event in a friend's life! I like the idea of good health and good marriage.
ReplyDeletei second your wishes for them.
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