When to Call the Physician

It seems a lot of people I know either are .... or are just getting over some kind of illness. Life has been so full lately and I don't want to miss out on any of it! So, I'm doubling up on the vitamins and the latest thing my sister Ganine told me about was fish oil. So, off I run to get some of that! My sister has been for a long time, a Surgical Veterinarian Technician, and she shared with me some informational tidbits, that I hold on to. She said that the biggest challenge in keeping animals healthy is 'preventive medicine' doing what you can so your pets stay healthy (be it horses, goats, cattle, dogs, cats and camels, just to name a few animals she takes care of). The main thing is the diet. She has it figured out with how much grains and minerals she mixes in with the hay, for example. How much and when the dogs eat. Just last night she told me she had to rope her goat in order to catch him and see if he was ok (she had him roped with the first throw). She also checks her animals eyes to look for discoloration and clarity, their gums, to see if they're red or puffy, their coat to see if it's shiny. She rubs her hands around their entire body looking for lumps too. It really is a science. When she visits me, we could be sitting and talking and I'll notice she's petting my dogs but she casually, without them even knowing it, examines them. She is the one I call If I see any of my babies having an issue and without fail, she tells me what home remedies to try. They work. As a Christian, I almost see the bible like that. There really is a lot of information in the Word that can help us feel better...not just physically, but mentally. What some people see as rules...I see as preventive medicine. Here's a few things I recall - do not linger too long over wine...; overeating (which I'm guilty of), learning bad habits with certain people, being anxious for nothing, resting the body, getting time away to your self, and so on. There's a verse that states "all things are lawful, but not all things are profitable"(or good for you). I read that we shouldn't believe everyone, but to test things. Do research. Pray for wisdom. Ask God. Don't talk yourself into an illness, after all "the tongue has the power of life and death". God is all for building up and His Word is very encouraging. So when we don't feel well, please don't get too discouraged because the joy of the Lord is our strength! Even when we are weak, He is strong. Most of the time when I do feel down, I use that time to rest, read His Word, and let Him humble me. Then, this peace...the peace that surpasses all understanding, shall guard our hearts and our minds in Jesus. After all...He did make us and I can't think of a better Physician to have than one who does house calls. May He bless you!