| |
Health
Throughout history, God has always chosen people to be the tools for shaping and moulding this world. It is an overwhelming thought to realise that God has entrusted us to be his ambassadors to this world - to use these finite bodies to carry the infinite message of his love and redemption. For those of us who chose to accept this life of obedience and sacrifice, our desire is to become recognised as an uncommon people. (1 Peter 2 v 9)
The world is waiting and wanting to encounter a distinctfully different people. Part of being a distinctfully different people is to make sure that we take our health seriously.
If the body is the tool through which we serve both God and people, and if the body is the holy temple of the Holy Spirit, then we should be excellent stewards of our health - wouldn't you agree?
Our desire is to equip and empower local churches with the message that physical health is a spiritual responsibility that serve two purposes:
- INREACH - educating the followers of Jesus on how to live healthier, more vibrant lives so that they can have healthier, more vibrant ministries
- OUTREACH - engaging the unbelieving world with a relevant message of health for the purpose of sharing the message of Jesus.
It is our deep desire to change the world - through changing the health of the church. We are committed to supporting the local church in building and sustaining a vibrant presence of health that engages their communities. Elim church is committed to establishing the local church as the pillar of health and wellness in their communities. If you are curious to read more about this philosophy, you'll enjoy this thought provoking section of our website.
Since food is foundational for a lifetime of wellness, it is essential to know what constitutes a healthy diet, and the first step is to eat what is created for food.
|
|
(Above) Kim Christofi
Training to be a Biblical Health Coach
|
The immune system's basic function is to defend the body against diseases and other harmful invaders, including bacteria and viruses. The human body's ability to resist such invaders is called immunity.
To add to the health threat, some viruses can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like desks, cafeteria tables, doorknobs, computer keyboards, and the computer mouse - items used on a regular basis by school children and other working individuals.
The economic and societal impact of colds and flu is nothing to sneeze at.
Colds can occur at any time of the year, but occur more frequently during the winter months. Beginning in late August or early September, the incidence of colds increases and remains high until March or April. During cold weather months, people spend more time indoors, increasing chances of viruses spreading from person to person.
In addition, the colder seasons bring about lower relative humidity-an environment in which the most common cold-causing viruses can better survive - and can lead to drying out the nasal passages, making them vulnerable to viral infection. A person can "catch" a cold or the flu by sitting close to someone with the virus who sneezes, or by touching the nose, eyes, or mouth after having touched something contaminated by the virus, including surfaces, phones, keyboards, and even money.
Children and the elderly are most susceptible to the damages from the flu - and so are the chronically ill, no matter what age. Children are two to three times more likely than adults to get sick with the flu and frequently spread the virus to others. Unfortunately for the elderly and the chronically sick, flu symptoms can turn into pneumonia with little warning. Those particularly at risk are those over the age of 65, nursing home residents, people with heart or lung problems, or anyone with a chronic disease like diabetes or kidney disease.
How do we protect ourselves from the ever-present threat of these invading pathogens?
In addition to the common sense approach of a healthy diet, exercise, and an overall healthy lifestyle, it is important to implement regular hand washing practices, preferably with natural hygienic products.
Consistent hand washing has healthful benefits for everyone. An August 2001 study in The Journal of Preventive Medicine indicated that frequent hand washing resulted in 45 percent fewer bouts of respiratory illnesses such as colds, the flu, and pneumonia, as compared with the same individuals a year prior when hand washing was not actively encouraged. Respiratory illnesses are the most common cause of lost time from the work place.
The most effective means of spreading colds involves touching the fingertips to the eyes and nose. This causes "auto-inoculation" unwittingly puts into our bodies (through the eyes, nose, mouth, etc.) the cold and flu germs riding along on our hands, especially under the fingernails.
In order to reduce susceptibility to infection and thereby increase chances for immunity during the cold and flu season, cleansing these areas using natural hygienic measures is essential because it helps to disarm the auto-inoculation process.
By integrating good hand-washing and other hygienic practices into your already established health regimen (a whole foods-based healthy diet, regular exercise, etc.), your chances will be greater for stronger immunity during the cold and flu season.
Kim Christofi
|
