| THE LOGOS A Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Weekly Publication Volume 6, Number 30, July 28, 2001 |
Adventist Lifestyle With Longevity
Dr. Gary E. Fraser, director of the Loma Linda University Center for Health Research, speaks to the press at the release of a 12-year health study. Lifestyle habits practised by many Seventh-day Adventists contribute to a longer-than-average life expectancy, according to results released last week from a 12-year study of 34,000 Adventists in California. This group of Adventists appears to be the longest-lived population that has ever been studied and described in a formal way, says Dr. Gary E. Fraser, the study's principal researcher, and director of the Loma Linda University Center for Health Research.
The study focused on five lifestyle factors, tracking whether individuals engaged in regular exercise, were vegetarian, had a history of smoking, maintained a healthy body weight, or ate a small serving of nuts five to six times a week. Researchers studied the impact on longevity of each of these habits, both separately and in combination.
"Even though we knew that Adventists live longer, we'd never really dug any deeper and asked, 'What are the important characteristics of being an Adventist that seem to account for that?'" explains Fraser. Although the five habits tracked in the study are not the only important aspects of a healthy lifestyle, says Fraser, "they were the factors that came out as being statistically significant predictors of mortality."
Researchers discovered that the life expectancy of a 30-year-old vegetarian Adventist woman was 85.7 years, and 83.3 years for a vegetarian Adventist man. This exceeds the life expectancies of other Californians by 6.1 years for women and 9.5 years for men. Non-vegetarian Adventist women in the group had a life expectancy of 84 years, and non-vegetarian men, 81 years.
While health experts have long preached the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise, this study is the first to actually identify the number of years of life added by specific health practices. The results show that the effect of each factor separately accounted for between 1.25 and 2.75 extra years of life, with exercise and nut consumption producing the slightly stronger effects. On the other hand, life expectancy dropped nine to 10 years for Adventists who were overweight, past smokers, and non-vegetarian, and who did not exercise or eat nuts regularly.
But the study also holds out hope for people whose current lifestyle is less than healthy. "Individuals who make multiple and modest changes in their lifestyle stand to gain a lot," says Fraser. "By making some choices in how you live you can probably gain a number of years." Even one or two changes can positively impact life expectancy, he says.
Data for the study were gathered between 1976 and 1988 and the results were published in the July 9, 2001, issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Loma Linda University Medical Center, an Adventist facility located in southern California, is internationally known for its research and treatments in areas including heart transplant surgery and non-invasive proton beam therapy for prostate and breast cancer.[Bettina Krause/ANN]
Vacation Bible School-Lowe Sound, Andros It was exciting, fun-filled and Bible based. Yes the Vacation Bible School with the theme "The Earthmaker mysteries" certainly gave the children of the North Andros District a clearer glimpse of our Creator God and the sacrifice that he made for us.
The Children's Ministries Director of the Conference, along with the able assistance of Sisters Venola and Lauramae Russell and helpers John Gaitor and Devonya Rolle, all shared their talents daily as the children participated in the various activities, including, flag ceremony, nature and health tips, Bible lessons, quizzes and crafts.
The 48 students consisted of 10 Seventh-day Adventists and 38 non-SDA's. A total of 38 students received certificates during our graduation exercise on Sabbath evening. Our programme was held from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. daily and the children were treated to a sumptuous lunch. All of the student were saddened and disappointed that the two weeks' programme was reduced to one week. But as one songwriter stated, "My house is full but my field is empty, who will go and work for me today?" Please join me in prayer that the seeds sown during this VBS will indeed bring forth fruits in the very near future. A very special thank you to all who assisted in this ministry. Rowena Smith, CM Director
Camp Bamivoca Camp Bamivoca 2001 began with lots of rain, but parents still brought their children. One parent came at 12 midnight to bring
her two children. It rained through the night and into the morning, but we made it and although camp was not as large as usual, the forty-eight
campers that attended all had a great time. We went on field trips, had fun night every night and had a gong show, sang camp songs and just had
good old Christian fun. The highlight of the camp was the banquet and that was an evening to remember. The event was hosted by Mr. Andrew
Christie at the Good News Church. David Meadows and Latoya Higgs were the best dressed male and female respectively. Campers of the year were
Antwan Forbes and Tamara Bain, male and female respectively.
On Sunday morning, when it was time to leave, hardly any of the campers wanted to leave, because they were leaving behind life time friends. they
were encouraged by camp co-ordinator Mr. Barry Saunders to remain friends with their new found friends and to enjoy the remainder of their
summer holiday.
A special thank you is extended to all the parents and counselors who gave of their time from the co-ordinator, Mr. Barry Saunders: Ray Jennings, Elvardo Perpall, Sean Gibson, Mark Lockhart, Mark Stubbs, Gary King, Floyd Carter. Sis. Patrice Clarke, Estelle Gibson, Anistacia Forbes, Lakera Higgs, Presley McPhee, Marilyn Bonamy, Sebrina Lockhart, Linda Jones, and Olive Miller -C. Bryan
Breath of Life Family Island Highlight Throughout the months of July and August, the Breath of Life Church on Marshall Road will pay tribute to the various Family Islands by highlighting one or more islands each Sabbath. On July 28, Eleuthera and Exuma are featured.
The schedule for August will be released later. Persons from these respective islands are especially invited to share with us on these Sabbaths.
The Breath of Life Church will be hosting the Sunday evening broadcast from the church on Marshall Road July 29, 2001. An open invitation is extended to the SDA Community to be a part of the fellowship. -Pastor Jeremiah Duncombe
Youth Revival Kicks off Tomorrow The annual youth revival and camp-meeting begin tomorrow night at the Hillview Church at 7:15 under the theme "Inspired by the Past. . .Called to Shape the Future."
Guest speaker will be the new Union Youth Director Pastor Balvin Braham. Meetings will be held nightly. Don't miss the fellowship and the inspirational preaching. -Audley Mitchell
Search Continues for B. A. Elementary Principal In an attempt to increase the pool of applicants for the position of principal of Bahamas Academy Elementary school, the Search Committee has extended the deadline for receiving applications from qualified candidates to August 10, 2001.
Application forms and outline of the qualifications required of the persons selected for the position may be obtained from the receptionist at the Conference office on Harrold Road.
Grand Bahama Academy GB Academy is now considering applications for the post of a Business Manager. Each applicant should have a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with good communications skills, and an excellent work attitude. Abilities to interact with others in a professional manner, maintain accounts, forecast growth, and project costs, income and expenditures are considered essential.
Mature individuals need only to apply. Send resumes to The Chairman of the Search Committee at P.O. BOX F-40515, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas, or Fax/phone 242-373-3349. All resumes should be submitted on or before July 30, 2001.
Sabbath School Certification Program A spirit of excitement and a keen interest in exploring various areas of ministry in the Sabbath School characterized the launch of a Teachers' Training Certification programme last Sabbath at the Centreville Church.
The program, which is sponsored by the Bahamas Conference under the direction of Dr. M. D. Toote, includes seven one-hour sessions of training in the areas of competencies necessary to maximize and realize the potential of the Sabbath school in the local church.
Sabbath School ministries facilitate the total involvement of the local church in proclaiming the Three Angels' Messages and providing nurture for its members. The basic principle is that every member needs to be happily involved in the mission of the church. Moreover, to be prepared for Christ's coming, every member needs the three essentials of sanctification or Christian growth: "Study of the Word, prayer and outreach."
It is hoped that skills developed from the Teachers' training course will translate into a dynamic effort in-reach and outreach evangelism for the building up of the Kingdom.
Sabbath School Training programme continues today at 5 p.m. at the Centreville Church. Lower division teachers are especially invited to attend in order to enhance the development of the Lower Division.-Personal Ministries
Office of Education The Grand Bahama Academy needs an elementary schoolteacher for the 2001/2002 school year. Interested persons should call the Office of Education at 341-4021/2 or Grand Bahama Academy at 242-373-7494 as soon as possible.
***Bahamas Academy Secondary Division is in urgent need of the following teachers for the new school year. 1) English Language/Literature teacher. 2) Physics teacher.
Applicants must have at least a Bachelor's degree in the related area. Interested persons should contact Dr. John Carey at 324-0470 or 341-4021/2 at the Office of Education -Dr. John Carey, Director
Personal Ministries Annual Pulpit Exchange Program
| Church | Exchanging with |
| Grant's Town | Ephesus |
| Hillview | Philadelphia |
| Centreville | Berea |
| Maranatha | Bethany |
| Johnson Park | Breath of Life |
| New Providence | New Englerston |
| Good News | Living Faith |
| Bethel | Ebenezar |
| Ebenezar | Francophone |
| Francophone | Bethel |
Youth Ministries Announcements ATTENTION, Parents and Guardians, you are reminded to collect your child on Sunday, July 29, at break of camp between 7:50 and 8:50 a.m. ALL Masterguides are requested to meet at the campsite at 8 a.m.
Youth Director Pastor Clarke expresses thanks and heartfelt appreciation to the Pathfinder and Adventurer Directors for conducting the two camp successfully. Pastor Clarke encourages ALL youth and youth at heart to support the youth revival beginning tomorrow at 7:15 p.m. at the Hillview Church. The Pathfinder Camporee to be held August 22 to 27 in Jamaica will soon be here. Campers are encouraged to submit their regular payments to Miss Cargill. Camp Bamivoca Block drive is underway, contact your youth leader for details
Mass Youth Choir to Rehearse Mass Youth Choir rehearsal is scheduled for today at 4:30 p.m. at the Living Faith Church. ALL Choir members are asked to attend this rehearsal in preparation for the upcoming Youth Camp meeting.-Anthony Russell, Director
Experience an Evening of Music at Government House Tonight Bro. Valentino Lockhart will be performing in an evening of Music at Government House tonight, July 28, at 7:30. Donations $12. Your support is greatly appreciated as he plans to begin college September, 2001.
Adventists Health Professionals Association A meeting will be held today by the AHPA at the Centreville Church (Wing) at 6 p.m. for persons interested in traveling to Uchee Pines, Seals, Alabama, September 23 to 30, 2001. See your local Health Leader or contact Marlene McKinney at 364-0085 after 6 p.m. Deposit required by July 30th.
Boat Cruise Tonight Brothers Love will sponsor a boat cruise tonight, July 28, at 8:00 o'clock. Boat departs Paradise Island Ferry Terminal at 8:30 p.m Tickets available at the boat. -R. Forbes
Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Program Through a convenient evening programme, Bahamas Academy Continuing Education Division is helping many working adults achieve their educational goals. The BACE programme can help you move from where you are to where you would like to go. Centrally located, BACE provides residents of New Providence with the opportunity to receive individual attention in a friendly learning environment. Our offering includes the following:
Centreville Church to Host Donnis Allen-Johnson during Women's Weekend. A special invitation is extended to all women of the Conference to attend the Women's Ministries weekend of August 10 to 12, with Women's Ministries Director of Columbia Union Conference, Donnis Faye Allen-Johnson.
A Prayer and consecration service will begin the weekend on Friday night at 7:30 Sabbath, August 11, Sis. Allen-Johnson will speak for the divine hour at the Church. On Sunday, August 12, the weekend will conclude with a seminar from 10 a.m. to noon.-Lillian Rolle,W M Leader
Eleuthera SDA Association to meet tomorrow at 5 o'clock at the Grant's Town Church Annex.
WATCH LISTEN-UP TOMORROW ON ZNS 13 AT 10:30 A.M.