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 One of the laws of motion says that an action in one direction causes an equal reaction in the opposite direction. Laws in the physical world do follow predictable paths. Human beings don't want to admit that the same is true in the moral world. Regardless of one's view of God, certain things are true. If you drink alcohol, you do destroy brain cells. If you are on a "seefood" diet, (you see food and you eat it) you will eventually be overweight. If you don't wear seat belts when travelling in a car, you drastically increase your chances of severe injury in an accident. You cannot defy moral laws without consequences any more than you can defy physical laws without consequences. People do a lot of magical thinking. Bad things happen to others, but I can indulge myself, and bad things won't happen to me. This sounds childish, but how many adults do it? We live in a "me-first" generation.
Not all disease is preventable. There is also heredity to contend with. Many people suffer from conditions that are hereditary; diabetes, hemophilia, and heart disease to name a few. However, most diseases are preventable. We must learn some basic prevention techniques to avoid them. "Burning the candle at both ends" does not cause death in a week, but sets in motion the possibilty of an early death. Dr. Lester Breslow, while holding the position of dean of the UCLA School of Public Health, said "You can live in such a way that you may feel 20 years younger in physical health than some others your age." Cited in Pacific Union Recorder, February 25, 1974.
We should take note of this quote because Dr. Breslow studied 85 percent of the adult population of Alameda County, California. The study analyzed the physical, mental, and social health of the population. As a result, seven health habits were found to definitely increase longevity.
The researchers found that people ages 45 who practiced at least six of the health habits would normally live 33 more years; those who practiced only one or two of the habits could expect to live only 22 more years. These behaviors don't seem to be all that drastic, but there are drastic results when they are combined! |
         Nutrition Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health and recovery. Action is a law of life. Muscle tone and strength are lost without exertion, but exercise improves the health of body, mind, and spirit multiplying vitality and health. Because the body is 70% water, keeping well hydrated and knowing what and when to drink are essential to health. The sun is the established energy source ordained by God to sustain the cycle of life for plants and animals. Using good things moderately and avoiding the bad is obviously wise, yet often hard to practice. Temperance is a gift of God, a "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22, 23). Humans can live weeks without food, days without water, but only a few minutes without air. Your ability to work depends on your capacity to rest. Restoration requires rest because sleep allows the body to renew itself. The essence of trust is resting in the goodness of God. When trying to sleep, a clear conscience is better than the softest pillow. |
Control of weight so that one is neither overweight or underweight.