The beginning of the new year isn’t quite over yet. I’ve got a couple post-Christmas book recommendations, changes to retirement rules for 2023, and some hard questions about the annual ritual we call “Your Annual Physical.” And…I need your help with a research project. Thanks in advance!
Journey On,
~Mark
Mark King
Mark@BruisedCamels.com | LinkedIn
Jesus | Community
Know Any Christian Business Groups?
Can you help me out? I’m working on a list of fellowship/study groups specifically for Christian businesspeople. Here are some examples of the types of groups I’m talking about:
I’m interested in local, regional, and national groups. Shoot me an email at Mark@BruisedCamels.com with groups you know of. Thanks in advance!
Kitchen Drawer | Books Worth a Look
Live Louder in the Here and Now
One of the best parts of January in Chicago is reading the books you received for Christmas. My family came through big this year.
What’s Here Now? How to Stop Rehashing the Past and Rehearsing the Future and Start Receiving the Present, Jeanne Stevens “When we obsess over what’s already happened or put all of our efforts into creating a picture-perfect tomorrow, we miss what God has for us here and now.” Guilty as charged. Stevens offers some of the most practical, how-to oriented therapy I’ve encountered.
Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work Is Always Ahead of You, Stephen Covey and Cynthia Covey Haller Yes, that Stephen Covey. The 7 Habits author passed away in 2012, and his daughter finished and published his final book last year. It doesn’t say anything you probably haven’t heard before. But Covey has a gift for illuminating old things in new ways. It’s a quick read and I enjoyed the inspiration.
Investing | Steward Your Retirement Fund
401(k) Rules Changing
Nothing uniquely “Christian” about changes to 401(k) regulations. But in the “In Case You Missed It” category (or ICYMI as the kids say), Congress passed some changes at the end of 2022. Not massive, but they’re significant enough that you should be aware and research more as relevant to your situation. Wall St. will publish a blizzard of info on this, but I thought LifeHacker had a well written, quick summary. How ‘SECURE 2.0’ Could Boost Your Retirement Plans
Kitchen Drawer | Steward Your Health
Don’t Flunk by Not Taking the Test
New year. New deductible. Time to schedule that annual physical and an eye exam. Or is it?
I assumed this was a no-brainer question. But, I started looking for resources on the topic and was stunned to find out some experts think annual physicals should be eliminated. “A checkup for the checkup: Do you really need a yearly physical?” – Harvard Medical School. Meanwhile, other experts believe the old school check-up is the foundation of healthcare. “Why You Need an Annual Physical…” – Cleveland Clinic.
As we age, screening tests become routine events. But even PSA tests for men and mammograms for women come with warning labels.
“There is a lot of conflicting advice about PSA testing. To decide whether to have a PSA test, discuss the issue with your doctor, considering your risk factors and weighing your personal preferences.” MayoClinic.com
“Experts and medical organizations don’t agree on when to begin regular mammograms or how often the tests should be repeated. Talk with your health care provider about your risk factors, your preferences, and the benefits and risks of screening.” MayoClinic.com
So, what to do? Obviously, I can’t tell you what’s right for you. My personal experience and a bit of research prompts me to encourage you to do two things for sure:
- Be proactive. Ignoring preventative healthcare is probably the only wrong answer.
- Every (yes…every) expert stresses that communication between doctor and patient is the key. In-person appointments, virtual appointments, email, phone, pony express…whatever.
The subscriber base for Bruised Camels isn’t exactly huge. I can’t afford to lose any of you. 😉 Be a good steward of your health.
