
2022 Lusaka Conference Camp Meeting Health Presentations
Presentation 1: Healthful Living
1.1 Introduction
Health is a state of complete physical, mental, social and spiritual wellbeing. There are
several
important facts about health
- Health is a great treasure
- It is the richest possession that mortal can ha
- God will not work in a miraculous manner to preserve the health of person who are not
taking
a sure course to make themselves sick
- The importance of the health of the body is to be taught as a Bible requirement
(EGW Healthful Living Chapter 8)
One may ask, why must we live healthfully or what is the essence of healthy living? There are
at least
three broad reasons why we should live healthfully, these are spiritual, whole body health(
physical,
mental, emotional, social) and economic reasons. These are discussed below:
1.1.1. The spiritual perspective:
Our bodies are the temple of the living God. “God is the owner of the whole man. Soul, body,
and
spirit are his. God gave his only begotten Son for the body as well as the soul, and our
entire life
belongs to God, to be consecrated to his service, that through the exercise of every faculty
he has
given, we may glorify him” (Healthful Living ). Romans 12:1 admonishes us to present our
bodies as a
living sacrifice……. In order to glorify God (which is one of mans duties), we need to be in a
state of
good health. A diseased body and disordered intellect, because of continual indulgence in
hurtful lust,
make sanctification of the body and spirit impossible (COD pg 44). 1 Corinthians 9:27
admonishes us
to keep our bodies under subjection, that is self-control and temperance, otherwise by our
actions we
can disqualify ourselves from heaven which Christ paid for us at a very high price.
Therefore, healthful
living is essential because we are bought at such a high price and owe it to God to take care
of the
temple that he has given us to manage. Christ came that we might have abundant life, John
3:16 and
have it abundantly John 10:10, so that we may prosper and be in good health 3John 2.
1.1.2. The health perspective:
Due to improvements in medicines (such as vaccines), technologies and medical knowledge, life
expectancy has improved in the last couple of decades. According to the global burden of
Disease
study (GBD, 2016) , life expectancy increased from 61.7 years in 1980 to 71.8 years in 2015.
Unfortunately, despite living longer the excess years are generally spent in ill health.
There is a steady
rise in non-communicable diseases also called lifestyle diseases which are largely
preventable, and in
some cases, whose onset can be delayed through healthful living. This includes hypertensive
disorders, heart diseases, Diabetes, Cancers and mental illness. The quality of life lived
depends on
the choices that we make.
1.1.3. Economic Perspective
A lot of the global economy instead of being channelled to development is spent in the health
systems. The costs are escalating with the increase in the lifestyle diseases stated above.
Catastrophic
medical bills push thousands into abject poverty every year. One cannot work when one is
unwell.
1.2. Key Components Essential for Healthful living (NEWSTART).
The key components of healthful living are captured in the eight doctors of nature. These are
Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in God.
1.2.1. Nutrition
When God created man, he prescribed a diet. The Eden diet is the most ideal for man’s body.
“In grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts are to be found all the food elements that we need”
(COD
Pg310). These foods constitute the initial/ original diet given to Adam and Eve in Eden.
The essential elements needed for good nutrition are
- Carbohydrates: Provide energy for the body e.g. wheat, oats, sorghum, maize, potatoes, ripe
fruit and sugar. (Note, sugar removes minerals and vitamin B from the body therefore bad for
food)
- Proteins: Repair and build the tissues in the body e.g. Beans, Soybeans, Peas, Lentils,
nuts,
milk, eggs and meats. Meats are secondary sources of proteins. Plant based sources of protein
are highly recommended
- Fats: Furnish the body with fuel and energy e.g. Butter, cream, egg yolk, milk, olive oil
(vegetable oils), all nuts and avocados
- Minerals: essential for body function e.g. calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron.
- Vitamins: Needed in various forms in the body for multiple functions including energy
production, repairs of body cells, immunity to mention a few (Kloss, 2005).
Sources of vitamins and minerals are mostly fruits and vegetables. However, other foods also
contain them to varying degrees. The different colours of foodstuffs confer different
properties. Fruits and veggies contain special elements called plant phytochemicals. Each
colour connotes a different plant chemical. These chemicals are key to the prevention of
illness and disease including cancer through the following
o Reduce inflammation
o Detoxification
o Prevent oxidation (oxidative stress promotes cancer formation)
- Water
(Discussed subsequently)
Note: Presentation 2 will discuss Nutrition in detail.
Counsels on diet at camp meetings
- Take only the most healthful foods
- Avoid cakes, pies and related foods
- Warm food is recommended (cold food depletes the body of energy as much energy has to
be spent by the body in warming the food before it can be digested)
- Eat less food than usual for better concentration
- Use less cooking oil
- Eat more wholesome food : brown bread, roller meal, oats, bran flakes
- Take lots of fruits and vegetables
- Do not eat in between meals
- Plant based diet is highly recommended
(Adapted from Counsels on Diet by EGW)
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a princess and supper like a poor man
Have regular eating times
Eat some raw foods everyday (fruits and vegetables)
Ensure the food has a variety of colours to get the various plant nutrients
1.2.2. Exercise.
“Life is movement”. In movement is necessary for life. Proper exercise in the open air and
sunshine is
among God’s greatest gift to man.
Benefits of Exercise
- Improves blood flow and oxygen (circulation) to all parts of the body, including the brain
thereby improving physical and intellectual (brain) performance
- Promotes removal of wastes from the body
- Prevents the formation of blood clots,
- Improves digestion
- Helps in reducing weight
- Reduces the risk pf several diseases such as hypertension, heart attack , stroke and
diabetes
Some interesting facts
- Physical inactivity increases the risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%
- People who exercise regularly are three times more likely to recover from a heart attack
than
people who are less active
Recommended Amount of Exercise:
It is recommended for adults to have a minimum of two and half hours (150min) per week of
moderate
to vigorous physical activities such as brisk walking, biking, jogging/running and swimming
in order to
reduce the risk of lifestyle diseases (Arnett et al., 2019).
Physical inactivity in children and adolescents is a growing pandemic. According to the World Health Organisation 78% of the boys and 85% of girls, do not get adequate physical activity for their age (at least one hour per day).
Healthy Habits
Exercise at least 150 minutes every week (30 minutes daily for 5 in a week or 50minutes 3 days in a week)
If your work involves sitting at a desk, take frequent health breaks: stand, stretch, walk around the desk, squat, do desk push-ups, breathing exercises etc.
If you work on a farm, or your work involves physical activities, do not bend your back for long periods, use tools with long handles (sweep using a broom with long handle, use a rake that has a long handle)
Be consistent, 5 to 10minutes every day is better than 1 hour once in a while
Keep well hydrated (take adequate water daily)
1.2.3. Water
The body of the average adult consists of 60% water. For the body to work efficiently there is need to
maintain optimum levels of water in the body. The body loses water through several physiological
mechanisms such as breathing, sweating, urination and stool. Water contained in foods and produced
by the body is not adequate to compensate for the losses. As such the body requires at least 6 to 8
glasses of water daily, which translates to about 1500mls (Pamplona-Rodger, 2010).
Table 1: Water Intake and Water loss(Kloss, 2005)
SN | Route of Water Loss | Amount Lost (in mls) | Water Intake | Amount gained (in mls) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Breathing | 440 | Liquids | 1500 |
2 | Sweating | 550 | Solid Foods | 750 |
3 | Urinating | 1550 | Produced I Body | 400 |
4 | Stool | 150 | 750 | |
Total Loss | 2690 | 2650 |
Ideal time to drink water
- Shortly after rising in the morning, take 2 cups of lukewarm water (initially this will irritate the
tummy, nut slowly the body will adapt. You can start with smaller amounts of water,
increasing with time)
- 2 glasses between breakfast and lunch, and two between lunch and dinner. This preferably 15
to 30min before meals.
- !!!!!!Warning: Do not drink water during or soon after meals, this greatly affects digestion.
Benefits of adequate water intake
- Body is well hydrated and therefore eliminate more body wastes
- Easier passage of stool (reduced constipation)
- Reduced risk of diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, hypertension, heart
disease and stroke (Manz & Wentz, 2005)
- Helps build resistance to fatigue and therefore one will have better concentration at tasks and
better physical performance (Maughan & Meyer, 2013)
- Helps in weight loss - drinking water is associated with weight loss in overweight dieting
women independent of diet and activity women (Stookey et al., 2008)
NB: Initially, you will probably urinate very frequently as you increase your water intake, but as the
body adjusts to adequate intake, the urinating will; normalise
Drink 6 to 8 glasses daily
Start with two glasses of warm water when you wake up
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty, schedule your water intake
Bath regularly to keep clean and refresh
1.2.4. Sunlight
The use of the sun for healing purposes is called heliotherapy. Sunlight provides important health
benefits for the body such as:
- Boosting of the body immune system, which helps the body to fight off infections
- Essential for healthy and strong bones through production of vitamin D in the body.
- Increases vitality and has a protective effect from depression
- Stimulates growth in children
- Stimulates red blood cell production
- Lowers the risk of heart disease
Note: Sunlight can also be very harmful and therefore precautions must be undertake:
- The best time to sunbath is early morning, soon after sunrise. The sun normally feels nice and
warm and is not harsh
- 10 to 15 minutes is adequate
- Do not walk or work in the hot sun, this harms the skin and dehydrates the body.
- Use an umbrella or sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes if going out on a hot day
- Keep well hydrated
- We here in Zambia are exposed to adequate sunlight and need to pay attention to protecting
ourselves from excessive sunlight
Take a sunbath for 10 to 15 minutes at sunrise
Use an umbrella or hat during the hot summer months
Wear sunglasses when going out in the hot sun
Use sunscreen when necessary
Increase water intake when it is hot
1.2.5. Temperance
Temperance is the quality of moderation and self-restraint. It is avoiding what is bad and using what
is good in moderation.
In order to preserve life, temperance in all things is necessary including work, eating and drinking
(Counsels on Diet Pg. 23). We are advised to touch not, taste not, handle not, tea (caffeine containing),
coffee, wines, tobacco, opium (illicit drugs), and alcoholic drinks (COD Pg. 428). Science has proved
the harmful effects of these substances. Tobacco and alcohol are significant risk factors for
hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular diseases and a number of cancers such as lung and liver cancer.
What is good for health equally has to be taken in moderation. Excessive food intake leads to obesity
and related health problems, whilst inadequate food intake is manifest in eating disorders such as
anorexia nervosa, and malnutrition. Whether it be food, rest, exercise, water or sunlight, all have to
be applied judiciously.
With our first parents, intemperate desire resulted in the loss of Eden. Temperance in all things has
more to do with our restoration to Eden than men realise (Ministry of Healing Pg. 129)
Intake of energy drinks is on the rise. These have a very high caffeine content, which initially excite and energises but later on has a depressive effect on brain function. They are also highly addictive and increase risk of alcohol and substance abuse.
Healthy Habits
Eat, rest and work in moderation
Do not take harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol, caffeine drinks and illicit drugs
Avoid energy drinks by all means
1.2.6. Air
Air is essential for all body functions. Body cells quickly die in the absence of adequate
oxygen provided
freely by God in the atmosphere. The Covid 19 Pandemic more than any other crisis in this
century
alerted as to the importance of oxygen and good functioning lungs for the processing of the
oxygen
form the air to the cells through the blood. Many died due to shortage of oxygen. Lockdowns
forced
many to live indoors, greatly missing the fresh outside air. Even when one goes out in
public, many
places require the wearing of facemasks, which are uncomfortable and block to some degree,
one
form inhaling fresh air.
Importance of fresh air
- Promotes removal of toxic waste from the body
- Improved physical and mental capacities
- Boosts immunity
- Promotes healing
- Relieves stress
- Reduced risk of depression and heart diseases
Globally there is increased air pollution from car emissions to factory fumes and wastes,
creating
climate change. Country living is highly recommended. If you live in a place with high
pollution, rise
very early to catch some fresh air, visit the countryside often, plant trees and vegetation
around your
place.
Take daily breathing exercises in fresh air 30 minutes daily
Keep the rooms and houses, offices well ventilated
Open the window for fresh air instead of using an air conditioner
Plant trees and vegetation in the yard
Visit the country side often and build your home in the countryside instead of town/city
1.2.7. Rest
The body needs rest to regain its strength, restore and repair damages. The human body has a
biological clock/rhythm, which it follows on a daily basis called the circadian rhythm.
Melatonin, the
“sleep hormone” is secreted one to two hours before bedtime. This helps us to sleep.
Benefits of rest
- Boosts the immune system, which helps to fight infection
- Improves memory (remember sleep is an important component of studying)
- Restoration of energy lost during work and/or play
- Repairing of body cells and tissues from daily wear and tear
- Optimizes brain function
- Slows down aging
- Improves mental and physical capacity
Since the body works in a clock like manner, consistency in waking and sleeping time is
essential not
to confuse the body and for optimal function.
There is a lot of wisdom in the saying, “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy
wealthy and
wise”. Go to bed at least 2 hours before midnight. Jesus was a man of habit. He often woke up
a great
while before dawn…. Mark 1:35
Ensure you take your last meal at least two to three hours before bed. Eating just before bed
keeps
the intestines active all night and the brain active, such that one’s body does not rest.
Late night
snacking contributes significantly to obesity and lifestyle diseases.
Ensure also that you sleep in a calm, peaceful environment. Avoid stimulants or intense
stimuli such
as violent movies, exciting books, movie clips etc…. also avoid electronic gadgets near the
bed as the
light from these gadgets can affect sleep.
Remember rest is so important that God made it part of the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:8-11
Healthy Habits
Go to bed at least two hours before midnight
7 to 8 hours of sleep is recommended
Take your last meal at least two hours before bed time
Sleep and rise the same time every day
Avoid daytime naps which affect sleep at night
Rest on the Sabbath day
Go on vacation or leave at least once every year
1.2.8. Trust in God
The world is full of stress and anxiety; God’s word says, “Do not be anxious about anything,
but in
every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And
the
peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in
Christ
Jesus.” Philippians 4 vs 6-7.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
in all
your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.
Trusting in God saves us from a lot of physical and mental illnesses. The following are some
benefits
of trusting in God
- Long life
- Reduced risk of heart disease and heart attack
- Quicker recovery from illness
- Reduced risk of suicide, depression and anxiety
- Lower risk of criminal behaviour and substance abuse
- Happier and hopeful attitude
Pray everyday
Read your Bible daily and meditate on God’s word
Read the Sabbath school lesson daily
Claim Gods promises daily
Thank God every day for life, health, happiness and making you so beautiful
Let God worry about tomorrow
1.3. Gods dealing with the Israelites
Lessons from the Israelites: From the health perspective, we see the holistic nature of Gods
dealing
with the Israelites
- Nutrition: God provided manna to the Israelites, which contained all the nutrients needed
for
their health Exodus 16:11 -15, 31
- Exercise: They exercised (everyone, adults, elderly, children and animals. When the cloud
moved, the moved Exodus 40:36-38
- Water: God provided them with adequate water for hydration exodus 15:25,27 and 17:6
- Sunlight: They were exposed to adequate sunlight, and the cloud protected them from the
harsh ultraviolet rays of the desert sun. Exodus 13:21
- Temperance: God told the Israelites to gather only that which they needed for each day.
Each
one according to their need. Those who collected more ended up with just enough, and those
who collected less also ended up with just enough. The cost of intemperance was seen with
the eating of flesh (quails) which led to a plague breakout. Exodus 16:16 -18 and Numbers
11:33
- Air: God exposed them to fresh air as they moved in the desert.
- Rest: When the cloud rested, they rested. Sometimes for a short time, other times they had
longer rests. They also rested weekly on Sabbaths. Exodus 16: 22-30, 20:8-11
- Trust in God: God led the children of Israel through a 40-year journey for them to learn to
trust in Him. He taught them to trust in Him as the ultimate source of their daily provisions
and sustenance. The faith had to be lived daily. Exodus 40:38
God obeyed all the 8 Doctors in his leading of the Israelites. So shall it be with spiritual
Israel.
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