PSSM’s Matt Shade Tees Off in Golf Tournament

On Monday May 7, I teed off in the annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes golf tournament. As my tee shot soared 75 yards forward and sliced 50 yards to the right, I thought to myself, “Glad this is a best ball scramble!”   

As the day progressed, my shots improved and my ball was the “best ball” at least three out of the 288 total hits my foursome took on the day! However, that first tee shot made me realize this golf outing was going to create the perfect situation for me to build relationships with three future Performance Spine and Sports Medicine patients:  After all, my teammates were going to have sor backs from carrying me (and my poor golf game) for the next 17 holes!

The day progressed with light rain, divots going farther than my ball (even during the practice swing), losing balls in the rough and water, and a sore hamstrings. Many of you reading this (golfers or not) are probably saying, “that doesn’t sound like fun at all.”

If you are, you are wrong: The FCA golf tournament was a blast. It was a day of fellowship and health! Being outside, swinging the golf club, laughing (most of the time at myself!) and knowing my presence was contributing to a good cause, left me with the sense of accomplishment.

Today, many of us are so busy balancing family responsibilities, work responsibilities and all the other demands and stresses of daily that we don’t take the time to appreciate the finer things of life. Sometimes we need to step back, slow down and think about how we need to take care of ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually. If we neglect to do this, our chaotic lifestyles can and will most likely lead to poor health in all three categories.

When was the last time you took a day (or even a couple hours) to enjoy the outdoors, have a laugh in the company of good friends or made a difference in peoples’ lives?  I challenge you to take a new step in your healthcare plan.