Not long ago, my son—whom I lovingly call Zaddy—had to abruptly return home due to a frightening health scare that shook both of us to the core. One morning, he woke up with an intense, almost unbearable sensation: it felt as if his entire body was being electrocuted. On top of that, he described a relentless pins-and-needles feeling running from head to toe. Alarmed, we rushed him to see a doctor.
The diagnosis left us both stunned—his blood pressure was dangerously high, and his cholesterol levels had spiked well beyond normal limits. As a mother, I was terrified. My instinct kicked in immediately. I knew I had to act—not just with care, but with discipline and intention.
From that day forward, I took full control of his meals. Gone were the days of fast food and deep-fried indulgences. In their place came grilled proteins, fresh salads, and an abundance of colorful vegetables. We made a trip to the grocery store together, this time with a mission: stock our kitchen with heart-friendly foods. We loaded our cart with apples, strawberries, organic milk, cherry juice, Honey Nut Cheerios, and other nutritious essentials.
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A strange realization hit me during this time—Zaddy used to eat an apple every single day, a simple yet powerful habit he’d kept for years. But somewhere along the way, he’d stopped. Was that small decision part of the bigger problem? Perhaps. Sometimes the things we stop doing quietly leave lasting consequences.
Thinking deeper, I also couldn’t ignore the role his lifestyle in Las Vegas may have played. The late nights, the frequent drinking, the nonstop social scene—it all added up. The body, especially when young, feels invincible… until it isn’t.
That’s why I’m sharing this story—not for sympathy, but as a reminder. To young people especially: your health is your greatest asset. It doesn’t take much to start down a path of neglect. But it also doesn’t take much to turn things around.
Eat the apple. Drink more water. Say no to one more beer. Choose grilled over fried. Small choices add up.
Zaddy’s experience was a wake-up call for us both. And I hope it serves as one for you, too. Don’t wait for your body to scream before you start listening.
