Being a good steward of your body was emphasized by Villager Marlene Zenker in a presentation to Faith Lutheran Ladies Guild on Sept. 17.

Zenker is an author and speaker known for interesting lectures spiced with a dose of humor.

According to Zenker, "Americans are obsessed with losing weight but not with health habits," thus overlooking the simple importance of eating healthy meals and exercising on a regular basis.

Using the analogy of a pear, a banana and an apple, she smiled as she encouraged the women to study their body shape and make choices accordingly.

She spoke of the importance of preventive care through regular screenings, such as eye exams, dental cleaning, mammograms, and other tests.

Women should be aware that the three major areas of concern are heart disease, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Zenker reviewed the accepted symptoms of a stroke: S - ability to smile, T - ability to talk, and R - ability to raise one’s arms. Villagers are so fortunate to have prompt assistance with a 911 phone call.

Being a good steward of your body goes beyond the physical aspects and includes coping strategies for relieving stress and the effects of depression.

Zenker quoted St. Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians that "the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit." Spirituality based on the power of prayer and willingness to confide in a trusted relative, friend or pastor, is so important.

She urged her audience of 30 women to embrace the gift of "experiencing God in our lives," thus learning to value our "temple" by building a healthy body and mind.