It's time for a checkup!

Greetings all!  As another summer comes to an end, just like you, I have been getting ready for another hunting season.  I have shot, cleaned, shot, and re-cleaned all of my rifles.  I just put a new Octane site on my Ross bow and finally have it dialed in after shooting many arrows.  I had been shooting nothing but broad heads for over two weeks now so I felt like I was very close to my season shooting form.  I bought a new sleeping bag and made sure that all of my other equipment is in fine working order.  This is the same ritual of preparation that I have gone through for nearly thirty five years.  But as it turned out, the one detail that I have been overlooking for years is ME!  I don’t mean that I have allowed myself to get out of shape.  No, I lift weights three times per week, run two miles three times each week and do thirty minutes of hills on the treadmill two additionally days.  I don’t drink, don’t do drugs (except my vitamin regimen) and do not smoke.  However, what I have failed to do is to get an annual physical with a doctor.  In fact, until three weeks ago, I didn’t even have a family doctor!  As good as I felt and as much as I worked out and stuck with my clean living habits I figured “who needs to see a doctor”.  Well, the answer is that we all need to get annual checkups.  If you’re my age and older (I’m 49 and counting) it is IMPORTANT.  Due to a funny coincidence I actually got my blood pressure taken and it was off the charts.  This set in motion a series of events that still has my head spinning.  After some tests and a blood work up, my NEW doctor forbid me from traveling until some additional workups are done.  Did I mention that this all occurred two days before my plane left for my first African safari?  No African safari for Keith!  Although no one wants to be told that they are sick or that something is wrong with them, I am at least lucky that I over came my macho, I’m invincible attitude and got a check up sooner than later.  We are still not sure where this path is going to lead but I am very confident that I have excellent doctors and I will soon be in the woods and field hunting with my family and friends!

So what is my point in sharing all of this with you?  Well, I want you to protect and look after yourself just like you do your hunting equipment.  Treat yourself like the precious gift from God that you are.  You clean your gun after using it and wax your bow string often.  So, see your doctor annually.  If you do not have a doctor, get one.  Check with your doctor before hand, but start a regular exercise program.  Start eating a little healthier.  Stop smoking.  Don’t drink to excess.  Try and cut out some stress in your life.  Don’t be like Keith and brag about not seeing a doctor for years!  It’s not cool, it’s stupid!  Look after yourselves as I want to share a campfire with each and every one of you!  

I wish you all strong faith, great health, a happy family life and a killer hunting season!   Keith