Last year while hiking two 14ers with the family, I had some discomfort in my chest. I attributed it to the cold and very heavy exertion. I would either slow down or rest to relieve it and then trudged on. To my disappointment, I recently encountered a similar ache during Teri and my exercise multiple days in the cold. I realized I needed to get it checked out. 

Today, a heart catheterization and two stents later, (99% blockage on one and 90% on another), I’m sharing what I’ve learned.  

1) Family history of heart disease should be taken very seriously. 

2) Proper cholesterol levels are very important as well as blood sugar levels. 

3) The amount of excess weight one carries is a significant factor. 

4) Exercise alone isn’t good enough. 

My Brothers, I want to encourage you to consider the above points and get your cholesterol checked at least yearly and move the numbers in the right direction. 

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).