editorials

Disease prevention and the Bible

Be Proactive

We live in a world where disease is a part of life, directly and indirectly. Whether its chronic (noncommunicable) diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer- or infectious (communicable) disease caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites- we should maintain an awareness of how to protect our bodies against disease. We need to be proactive in preventing disease by reducing our risk, increasing our healthy behaviors and eliminating unhealthy behaviors. Remember, God formed us and breathed life into us, making us a living soul with a purpose (Genesis 2:7). God needs us for His very divine purpose, so we need to respectfully take good care of our health.

Be Aware

There are many unhealthy behaviors that make our bodies more susceptible to disease including not getting regular checkups or knowing our health status, overeating junk foods or fatty foods, smoking, too much alcohol, avoiding physical activity, uncleanliness or improper hygiene, sexual promiscuity etc. We need to target these behaviors and change them. In addition, we need to be knowledgeable and equipped with the resources to do so.

Healthy behaviors are promoted in the word of God. Following these teachings encourages disease prevention. Notice that when we indulge in things that are not Christ like i.e greed, laziness, irresponsibility, drunkenness, or indulge in things that are known to be negative, it adversely affects our bodies. “fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3: 7-8

Start. First things first. Know the status of your health. See your health care provider for regular check-ups. Health screenings, exams, and laboratory tests are important in disease prevention because it can help find problems before they start or they can help find problems early when your chances of treatment and cure are better. Also, be aware of your body and pay attention when it’s not feeling well or not working properly. When something feels off or out of order, know how to counteract it with nutrients, vitamins/minerals, rest, medicine etc., and talk to your medical professional to learn what your body specifically needs according to your health status. Finally, gain knowledge and an understanding of disease statistics and how it relates to you in terms of your age, gender, and genetics. Awareness is important.

Healthy foods and the Bible

“Because He holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.” 

Colossians 2:19

Nutritional Foods

The way you nourish your body is an essential factor in taking care of your body. God provided us with an abundance of nutrient rich sources to help our bodies grow healthy and strong for the very purposeful work He has planned for our lives. As the gospel says, “I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food” (Genesis 1:29). The food that we eat is meant to do good things for our bodies. That was what God intended. However, the majority of our food has now become unhealthy and lacking in nutrients due to being altered, manufactured, and processed for different reasons including being quick and easy, cheap, and getting more for less. These shortcuts equates to greed, neglect, and laziness for many of us, and these qualities are not of God. The fact also is that some consumers of these products purchase because of socioeconomic reasons, and cannot help it. Healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and vegetables are either not as available in certain communities or are too expensive. Everyone should have the option to eat healthy the way God intended and we should not opt for unhealthy foods because manufactured ingredients make it more appealing to our senses.

Purposeful Eating

We know food can be a rich and satisfying thing for our body but we have to be aware that depending on how we utilize food, it can work against us, negatively impacting the harmony of our body with our soul and mind. Food can be harmful not only when it is nutritionally unhealthy but also if it is associated with an eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia), and if it is used for emotional eating (turning to food for comfort, not because you’re hungry). However, if we are conscious of the purpose of food for being a delicious and nutritious gift from God which should be used to maintain a healthy body, and follow what the gospel says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31) we will be on the right track. Also remember as you feed your body also feed your soul and your mind “It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

Start. In order to begin achieving your healthy food goals you must pay attention to your nutrition. Learn about the foods you are eating and why certain things are bad for you and good for you. Read your nutrition labels and let that information guide your purchases. Cut out unhealthy foods and substitute with healthier alternatives. Learn about the health benefits of different foods and the types of things they are responsible for in the body. Be well informed about your nutrition and apply it to your eating habits.  

Exercise and the Bible

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God” 

1 Corinthians 6:19

Exercise Regimen

An exercise regimen is an important inclusion to your way of life if you want to improve and maintain your overall health. Having this routine is not only good for your body but it is also good for your soul and mind. People who exercise regularly benefit with a positive boost in mood and improved self esteem. This is due to the release of endorphins in the body that trigger positive feelings. Exercise also reduces risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. God wants us to maintain a healthy body strong enough to fight diseases and resilient enough to heal from hurt. We are God’s loving creation and we should appreciate how intricate and remarkable our bodies were made, and how intelligently it functions. The specific way God built our bodies enables us to strengthen it through exercise and physical activity. God means for us to be active and purposeful, that is why our bodies react positively to physical activity and poorly to inactivity. Finally, the act of exercising in itself is good affirmation for the soul. By taking care of it, it confirms your belief and love for God.

Start.  A good way to maintain a continuous exercise regimen is to choose something that is enjoyable and something that you can handle, whether its running, walking, swimming, strength training, or a combination of all. Then create a flexible schedule that you can stick with. Set your goals moderate at first and set goals in which you are optimistic of not giving up. As Paul says in the gospel, “run in such a way that you may win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). When you begin to incorporate this routine into your life, do it not only for yourself, but as a living sacrifice to God. As it says in the gospels, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1). This is a part of your success.