A few years ago, I did a post about hip hop and health. During that post, I mentioned some of my favorite artists at the time whose weight and bad health led to their demise and cut short their careers.

Last week, I was one of those who was also sitting in the doctor's office, going through multiple tests back-to-back, trying to see what needed to be done in order to get my life in order. I came to work last Tuesday and it was a normal day for me other than a slight pain that I felt beneath my chest and lower back. I had gone to the gym on the previous Saturday and really thought that maybe I had sprained a muscle or something similar.

What really concerned me was that the pain was still there later that afternoon. I left work and told my wife I needed to go to the Emergency Room. Once they hooked me up to the machines and checked my vital signs, it was safe to say that I wasn't going home that night. I ended up staying in the hospital until Thursday around noon and eventually came home. My blood pressure had been 186 over 125 and everyone, including my wife, was wondering how I was still here.

I have been going back and forth to the doctor over the past week, and my results so far have come back well. However, I feel like it is imperative that I remind my fellas to go to the doctor and get checked out.

I am guilty as well of sleeping off a headache or stomach issue and not worrying about it, but I need all of my followers to get to the doctor and get checked out. You mean a lot to your family and friends, and you need to be around for those who really need you. Please don't take your health for granted. Remember that we only get one life, but sometimes we get second chances to do right. Try not to stress over things that you can't control and relax. Also, keep in mind that there are deadlines for some things, but try to get an early start on them and not wait to the last minute.