A PART OF THE FAMILY

July 7, 2010Read: Romans 8

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." --Romans 8:38-39

I recently saw a clip of a woman whose daughter disowned her a few years ago. The estranged daughter wants nothing to do with her mom. Therefore, the mom has no idea about her daughter's life, her marriage and kids, nothing. Complete alienation. Despite giving her daughter a life, love, a safe home and an education, the daughter wants to live separate lives.

You know, our families go through a lot of turmoil in this life, and sometimes we go to great lengths to separate ourselves from each other; husbands from wives, children from parents and vice versa.

But aren't we glad the lengths God went to on our behalf? Despite ourselves and our rebellion, God never disowns us.  We're His children. We wear His name, and He claims us.

--J.P.

PASS (ON) THE SALT...AND THE SUGAR High blood pressure now linked to sugar consumption as well

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has long been linked to high sodium consumption. But there may be a new player in the cast of contributors to this dangerous condition: sugar.

Persistent high blood pressure puts you at elevated risk for stroke, heart attack and heart failure. A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology suggested that people who consume a diet high in fructose, a type of sugar and a key ingredient in high-fructose corn syrup, are more likely to have high blood pressure. Above-average fructose intake increased the likelihood of having blood pressure above 140/90 and 160/100 by 30 percent and 77 percent, respectively. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or below, while anything above 140/90 is considered high.

So while excessive salt (sodium) intake can elevate your risk for high blood pressure, it's important not to overlook the role that sugar plays in this equation. What's your blood pressure? Get it taken by a health professional or find a self-test station at your local drugstore.

30 - Percent your risk of hypertension is elevated if you drink 2.5 more more cans of non-diet soda per day.

Source: CNN