(HEALTH-GOSPEL EVANGELISM)

NEW BEGINNINGS

HEALTH LECTURES

Prepared by
Pastor Manny S. Reyes, DMin, MPH
 CONTENTS

THE SECRET OF THE HUNZAKUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-3

THE STORY OF PITCAIRN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-10

MYSTERY AT SAN JOSE BEACH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-19

ENEMY AT THE GATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......... H-26

VERTICAL LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-33

THE WAY OF THE BARBARIANS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-40

NIMROD THE GOD-HUNTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-47

A SAGE OF ANCIENT CHINA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-54

COMBAT WITH A WILD BOAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-61

TROJAN HORSE SYNDROME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-69

COME TO MARLBORO COUNTRY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-76

“YOU ARE INVITED TO MY FUNERAL” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-84

LET THE LOVE BEGIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-92

SPEED CARS CRAZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H-99

 THE SECRETS OF THE HUNZAKUTS
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

We are living today in a modern age. From the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the

Bronze Age, and the Golden Age, we have entered into the Age of Modern

Inventions, the Atomic Age, the Space Age, and now the Computer Age and the

Age of Technology and Communication. These remarkable advancements in

technology only started in the beginning of the 20th century.1

During the 1960’s only a few in our country had radios and motor vehicles.

Today, just a few years after, almost every home has a television set, most have

transport vehicles, high tech audio systems and cellular phones. This

phenomenon has never been dreamed of by my grandparents. Today, wherever

you turn, you behold modern inventions, gadgets, machines, and appliances.

Humans can do almost anything under the sun.

In the field of health, almost all kinds of treatments and medicines are

available. And every day new drugs and new ways of medication are being

introduced. More hospitals and medical centers are built and equipped with

ultramodern facilities. Medical specialists, nurses, and paramedics are employed

by the thousands. We have computerized diagnosis, laser beam operations,

transplant and bypass centers, plastic surgery--you name it.

MODERN HEALTH PROBLEMS

But you will also notice the corresponding increase in mortality rate--from the

homes of the poorest of the poor to the palaces of the rich persons on earth.
During the last century, when humans began to discover germs and viruses as

well as some of their cures like penicillin and other antibiotics, people then were

positive that as discoveries and modernization in the field of medicine progress,

the coming century would be a Utopia. All germs and viruses would be arrested,

all maladies and ills would have cures, and there would be health, perfect health

for everyone by the year 2000.2

And this is also the idea of many. Still many of us think that the secret to

good health lies in expensive medicines or miracle drugs, in the hands of medical
specialists, in modern hospitals and high tech equipment. And so we do

everything to accumulate and save money, prepared for buying expensive

medicines and modern treatments. We think that when we are rich and have

enough money for food, medicines, and hospitalization, the health of our family is

secured.

I have a cousin in our place, the son of the town mayor, and because the

family had the means, left the country and resided in the USA, got a good job,

married a good wife, and lived an affluent life. But it did not take too long for him

to return to the Philippines--in a casket. Why? heart attack. His poor cousins,

including me, met him at the airport. And we, his cousins are still alive today.

What had been the problem? Many die prematurely, or if not, spend the rest

of their lives in a wheel chair. Enough medicines, often in the hospital, but still

sick--living, but practically better dead. As you notice the leading causes of

mortality in the U.S.A. and in our country, what do you think this mean to us?

Statistics indicate that our way of living is the culprit.3,4

LIFESTYLE DISEASES
Millions of dollars were spent on scientific research. And now there is no

more doubt. After arresting the germs that bring smallpox, polio, and other
infectious diseases, it was found out that new types of mass killers are in our

world today. They are called degenerative diseases or LIFESTYLE diseases.5

In these researches the lifestyle or way of living of many people were

studied, and here are some of the findings: The Japanese enjoy long lives in

Japan, but those who migrated to the USA and adopted the western lifestyle died

prematurely.6 Those who live in the country and do not enjoy the luxury and

ease of modern living, live longer than those who live sophisticated lives in the

cities. The higher the standard of living of an individual, the higher is his risk of
dying from degenerative diseases like heart disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis,

and the like.7

THE GOOD NEWS ABOUT HEALTH

What does this mean? Does our way of living affect our health? You bet.

The Hunzakuts of the Himalayas are living examples. Let me quote from the

book Papa, Are You Going to Die by George E. Vandeman, a researcher who

has visited the place:

Hidden away in a secluded valley on the rooftop of the world,

untouched by civilization, lies the fabled land of Hunza, Shangri-la of
the Himalayas.
Hunza, politically aligned with Pakistan, bordering Afghanistan
and Communist China. It is a little more than a hundred miles long,
and perhaps just as wide, with thirty thousand inhabitants. It is joined
to the last outpost of civilization by a sixty-eight-mile road that few are
fortunate enough, or courageous enough to travel.
But in this incredible land many live to well over a hundred years.
Disease is not common. There is no juvenile delinquency. There are
no jails and no police. And there is no need for them, for there hadn’t
been a crime reported in more than a hundred and thirty years....
In this incredible valley on the roof of the world many live to be a
hundred years old, some a hundred and twenty, and a few even a
hundred and forty. Women of eighty appear like women of forty. Men
father children at eighty or even ninety. Disease is the exception.8
 What is their secret? That will be the focus of our study in this seminar, and

I will reveal their first health secret tomorrow.

But the good news is, that we need not live in the Himalayas to enjoy good

health. It was proven that even where we are, we can enjoy similar health

benefits by changing our lifestyles. A modern example was Hulda Crooks of

Loma Linda, California who patterned her lifestyle after that of the Hunzakuts and

so maintained her peak of health even in her retirement age. She celebrated her

90th birthday in 1987 by climbing Mr. Whitney, the highest mountain peak in
California, USA.9 So don’t ever miss tomorrow’s lecture--the first secret of the

Hunzakuts.

THE NEED FOR SPIRITUAL HEALING

But having good physical health is not enough. One night (I hope that this

does not happen to you), a drug addict enters your house, robs your belongings,

rapes the women in the house, and massacres everyone. Actually this is

becoming rampant today in our society.

What am I trying to say? Knowledge about physical health is important but it

is useless without being healthy spiritually. I believe that we need to train our
young people how to fear God and follow His holy laws. Our people need to be

godly, to adhere to high moral standards if we would raise the status of our

society and live peaceful, happy lives.

This is how the World Health Organization defines “health.” It says,

HEALTH is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not
only the absence of disease or infirmity.10

In other words, health is not physical well-being alone but health of the

whole person--the health of our bodies, of our minds, of our relationship with our

fellow beings, and of our relationship with our God.

 Experts have proven that most diseases are “psychosomatic”--meaning that

disease is related to the physical as well as the mental or spiritual condition of

the patient. It was proven without doubt that most human diseases are induced

by ill thinking such as anxiety, worry, fear, anger, hate, discontent, and other

negative emotions. Inability to relate positively with fellow humans and lack of

trust or faith in God are the root causes.11

This is why hospitals employ not only doctors but also priests or ministers

called chaplains. There is no question to the fact that many patients who were
diagnosed hopeless, have miraculously recovered their health through faith in

God, through prayer, and by having a positive outlook and happy disposition.

Dr. Bernard T. Daniels, Chairman of the American Medical Association

Committee on Medicine and Religion, said:

We feel that there needs to be a closer cooperation between the physician

and the clergy for the care of the whole person. The committee feels that the
spiritual component of every person is a very large factor in the spiritual
problems relating to one's state of health.12

THE NEED FOR BIBLICAL INSTRUCTION

The truth is when we read the Sacred Scriptures, good health of body and

the spirit is what God wants for all of us. We read in 3 John 2:

Beloved, I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health
as your soul prospers.

No wonder that when our Lord was here on earth, He did not stop in His

work of healing, teaching and preaching. This is proof that God loves us and that

He wants us to be healthy, happy, and holy. Jesus said in John 10:10,

I come that they (you and me) might have life, and that they might
have it more abundantly.
 Do you know the reason why every new appliance that we buy comes with

an OPERATING MANUAL? Yes, so that we will be guided on how best we can

use and take care of the gadget or machine. Or else one mistake could cause it

to blow out or be damaged forever. But have you thought of the fact that our

bodies are more important than the most expensive machines and must be cared

for much more than appliances!

If this is so, how many of us are reading or studying the “manual” for the

care of our health--of our bodies and soul. What am I referring to? Yes, the
Bible. Abraham Lincoln said, “This book is greatest gift of God to man.” The

Bible itself says:

My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you
(Proverbs 3:1,3)

You search the scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life... (John
5:39)

But how sad that people today know more about television shows and other

information from various media than about what the Bible teaches. The minds of

our youth are full of crimes, immoral scenes, and all sorts of craziness in the

world. No wonder we have so much murders, so many drug addicts, so much

immorality, so much illnesses, and all sorts of social problems. This is because

we have forgotten to read the counsels of God for good health and right living,

and here we are with our children being ruined.

This is why our government now has this program called “Moral Recovery”

or Values Education. We realized that the solution to our national problems is

not having more degree holders and professionals, not even having more money

and enough food supply. What we desperately need is to learn or re-learn good

moral values, and develop integrity, honesty, respect for others and fear of God.
 A NEW BEGINNING
But as we see, whatever reforms or legislations societies and governments

around the world could do, the problems are far from over. Humans by nature is

bent to do evil until finally we destroy ourselves and the whole planet earth. Not

even modern technology has the answer. We found out that the more

knowldege we acquire, the more potentials we have to destroy each other and

ourselves. And medical science has no solution either. For even though

surgeons could operate on the brain and the heart and could change even our
internal organs, they could not change human thoughts and feelings and

desires--much more humans’ moral character.

What do you think is the solution. Or are we all doomed to eternal

extinction? I have a good news for you tonight. It is written in an ancient but

most trusted book called the Word of God. It says:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever

believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

It simply means Jesus love you! Our God the Father who created you and

me, loves you so much that He gave His Only Son Jesus, and Jesus gave
everything including His own life for us--so that whoever would believe in Him, or

would follow Him or would follow His advice, will not perish but have eternal life!

And that eternal life is life at its best-a life complete physically, mentally, socially,

and spiritually -- a total healing of the whole body, soul, and spirit, a total life of

happiness and peace forever and ever.

And for me that is the best news, ever. the Good News, the Best Gift of

heaven to man. How many of you would like to stand with me tonight as a token

of your acceptance of God’s wondrous offer, as I pray.

____________________
 REFERENCES

1. The Great Events of the 20th Century. NY: Readers Digest Asso. Inc., 1977, p. 11.
2. Marden, M. S. Peace, Power and Plenty. NY: Thomas Y, Crowell & Co., 1909, p.
15.
3. “Annual Mortality Rate”, Health Statistics, Manila: Department of Health, 1997.
4. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, Statistical Bulletin 61:15, April, June, 1990.
5. Foster, V. W. New Start. Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Co.,
1988, p.20.
6. Marmot, M.G., Syme, S. L. Kagan A., et. al.: Epidemiologic studies of coronary heart
disease and stroke in Japanese men living in Japan, Hawaii, and California.
Amer. J. Epidemiology 102:514-524, 1975.
7. Hardinge, M. G. Physically Fit: Loma Linda, CA: Health Productions, Loma Linda
University, 1980, p. 9.
8. Vandeman, G. E., Papa, Are You Going To Die? Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press
Publishing Ass., 1970, p.52.
9. Diel, Hans and Aileen Ludington, "The Incredible Hulda." Washington, D.C: Signs of
the Times, Sept. 1987, p.17-18.
10. Hawley, D., Come Alive! Washington, D.C: Review & Herald Publishing Ass.,
1975, p.10.
12. Buntain, R. J., Help for Troubled Minds. Washington, D.C: Review & Herald
Publishing Ass., 1976, p.8.
12. Van Dolson, L.R. and Spangler, R., Healthy, Happy, and Holy, Washington, D.C:
Review & Herald Publishing Ass., 1979, p.20.
 THE STORY OF PITCAIRN
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

Beautiful women, beautiful bodies, smooth complexion, clear, blue eyes,

winsome smile, gleaming white teeth, dark healthy hair, graceful poses. These

are some of the qualities we see in beauty queens and contestants. Do you think

they are chosen by accident? Or that these girls also worked hard to earn their

crown, taking care of their health, their weight, their skin, their teeth, their hair,

even their sleeping habits. And do you think their choices of food and the

amount they take in have something to do with their health and appearance? I

think you will say, "You bet!"

Tonight that will be the focus of our study. Could my food affect my

appearance? Are there foods that could make me beautiful and others that could

make me ugly? More than that, I will prove to you tonight that food also affects

thinking and intelligence. You mean, food that can make one smart or can make

one dull? Yes, of course. And more than that, I will also reveal to you the secret

food of the strongest people on earth, the food of the Olympic champions, and

the food of the longest living people on earth.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF PROPER NUTRITION

There are at least Four Basic Principles of Proper Nutrition. They are

summarized in just one short sentence that you can easily memorize: "Eat a

Variety of Natural Foods of the Right Amount at the Right Time" That is it. This

short principle will guide you to choose and use the best food for beauty, for

intelligence, for optimum health and longevity.1 Let's consider them one by one.

1. Variety
 There is no single food item that contains all the elements needed by our

body systems to function at their best. 2 This is why it is best to vary our sources

of food not in a single day but throughout the week. You see, we know in the

study of nutrition that every kind of food has its own unique nutrients that need to

be mixed with other elements from other food sources to be complete for body

functions.

We in the Philippines classify foods into three groups, the “Go” or energy

giving foods, the “Grow” foods that build and repair body tissues, and the “Glow”
foods that regulate the functions of our body system. We need to eat about 80%

of the “Go” foods which are rich in carbohydrates and starches from grains and

cereals, fruits, rootcrops, and natural sweets, and about 10% fats and oils. We

need about 10% from the “Grow” foods or foods rich in protein which come from

beans, nuts, and cereals or meat analogs such as tufo, vege-meat, TVP

(textured vegetable protein), and milk. I advise that you lessen your intake of

meat, fish and eggs and I will explain this later on. And for your sources of “Glow”

foods, use an abundance of fruits and vegetables as much as you can. They

provide vitamins and minerals which are very vital for our body functions. The

greener the leaves and the fresher the fruits and vegetables, the more nutrients

they contain.

2. Natural.
Natural foods are the best for our health. The more the food is less

processed and the more they are less refined, the better are they for health

Natural foods are those we get from the original sources which are from

plants--grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Flesh foods such as meat, fish, eggs,

milk and cheese are secondhand foods. The animals eat the plants and then we

eat their flesh. This causes some alterations to our normal body processes,
because our systems are primarily designed for processing natural foods which

are from the plant kingdom. Scientists believe that this is one important causative

factor for human illnesses.3

What is the problem with flesh foods? One is saturated fats, specially from

meats with high fat content. Ample scientific reasearch have proven that high

ingestion of salturated fats, particularly animal fat, is an important factor in

causing cholesterol plaque to develop in our arteries causing them to harden and

block the flow of blood to the organs. If, for instance the artery to the heart is
blocked, we have heart attack; if it is in the brain, we have a stroke. This is one of

the major reasons why we have heart and blood vessel diseases and other

degenerative diseases which shorten our lifespan.4 This is now the number one

killer disease in our country, in the US and in many countries around the world.

Research also shows that animal fat in the diet is closely linked to high incidence

of many forms of cancers.5

Aside from these fact, diseases of the animal kingdom is increasing rapidly

as pollution increases in our planet. Medical doctors estimate that at least one

hundred diseases of animal origin and twenty six from fowls or poultry are

transferable to humans. Some of them are cancers of various types, trichinosis

(a dangerous disease derived from infected pork), salmonellosis, tuberculosis,

worm infestations, brucellosis, bronchitis, hepatitis, leucosis, leptospirosis,

multiple sclerosis, alzheimer’s disease, foot-and-mouth disease, typhoid, cholera,

roup, colds, and many more.6

The problem aggravates because diseases in animals and poultry are not

detected immediately before these are slaughtered for food, and if they are

suspect, they are usually not rejected for economic reasons. We are told that in

slaughter houses, diseased parts with cancerous tumors in the animals, if found,

are just sliced off and the rest of the flesh passes the inspection and are sold to
the markets. It is also a practice among poultry farmers when they notice

disease epidemics hit their poultry, they slaughter the fowls immediately before

they die and are then sold to the markets, or else these farmers will incur big

financial losses.7

Sea foods are not exempted in the effect of pollution. As day after day,

specially when it rains, polluted waters from rivers, canals, and sewerage are

dumped into the lakes, the seas and the oceans, along with toxic chemicals,

rubbish, and human wastes. We need not wander why fishes are also getting
sick and are becoming carriers of diseases. The joint research and investigation

of the New York State Institute for the Study of Malignant Diseases and the

United States Bureau of Fisheries revealed their findings in a large volume

entitled, “Carcinoma of the Thyroid in the Salmonoid Fishes,” that fishes have

become the “medium and reservoir of the disease (cancer)” and that “the well-

watered regions of the United States are favorite cancer localities.” 8 Other

studies reveal a serious epidemic of parasitic worm infestation, mercury

poisoning, high concentration of carcinogenic chemicals, and intolerable amounts

of harmful bacteria in sea foods and fishes.9

Scientific studies also reveal that the safest rule to follow in our present

situation is to eat more of natural foods as much as possible. That means eating

more fruits and vegetables in their most natural state, and eating less processed

grains and natural sweets. The National Research Council (NRC) in 1980

noted that “a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereal products is a

protective factor or an inhibitor for contacting diseases, particularly cancer.” 10

The American Dietetic Association recognizes “that a growing body of scientific

evidence supports a positive relationship between the consumption of plant-

based dietary and the prevention of certain diseases.”11

 You recall in the Bible that the original food of human beings are the foods

that come from the plant kingdom. God did not intend that any animal would

shed it blood and die just for human beings to live. He planted abundant trees

and shrubs and living greens laden with nutritious fruits to insure health and

perpetual life for His creatures. We read in Genesis [Link]

God said, “See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face
of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food.”

After our parents, Adam and Eve, sinned and left their paradise home,
vegetables were added to their diet (Genesis 3:18).

A study of human anatomy reveals that humans are plant eaters by nature.

The structure of our teeth, the movement of our jaw while we eat, the length of

our digestive tract, the type of our blood, the way we sweat, etc., resemble those

of vegetarian animals and not of the carnivores.12

Flesh was only permitted by God to be eaten after the flood in Noah's day

when all vegetation were destroyed (Genesis 9:3). But the fact that God

instructed Noah to save seven pairs of clean animals in the ark and only two of

the unclean (Genesis 7:2) is obvious reason that God permitted only the clean

ones to be eaten by humans, or else the unclean species would become extinct.
As identified by God in Leviticus 11 and Deutronomy 14, the “unclean”

animals are basically the “carnivorous” or of the scavenger type, those that feed

on carcasses, rotten flesh and garbage. Those called “clean” are “vegetarians”

or plant eaters. The reason for this distinction and prohibition clearly reveals

God’s concern for the health of His children. And He would like to protect man

from the risk of needless infection and contamination from infected animals which

are mostly of the “scavenger” type.

 In his book Vegetarianism and the Jewish Tradition, L.A. Berman says that

the Jews believe that this command of God is a step towards vegetarianism. 13

God prefers that humans subsist on a plant diet and expected that when

vegetation again would flourish they would return to the original diet. Sad to say,

they became addicted to flesh, to the extent that people today eat almost

anything and of course reap the sad consequences.

In Leviticus 3:17 we find that God also prohibits the eating of animal fats and

blood. The reason is clear. As mentioned earlier, animal fats, specially those
from meats with high fat content is a root cause of heart and blood vessel

disease. Also disease germs and viruses are carried in the blood of the infected

carrier. Thus eating of blood could be hazardous.

In Bible times and throughout history, there were also many who preferred to

follow the counsels of God and who reaped good health and wisdom. The Bible

tells of Daniel and his friends who, as exiles in Babylon, were not persuaded to

eat the rich food of the heathen, but instead subsisted on a natural diet of grains,

fruits, nuts and vegetables. The result found them to be ten times stronger,

healthier, and more intelligent than their peers. (Daniel chapter 1)

History also records great intellectual men, artists and spiritual leaders of the

past who advocated this type of diet such as Aristotle, Buddha, Diogenes, Galen,

Herodotus, Hippocrates, Obid, Plato, Plutarch, Pythagoras, Seneca, Zoroaster,

Henry Ward Beecher, William Blake, Charles Darwin, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert

Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, Mahatma Gandhi, Horace Greely, Martin Luther,

John Milton, Isaac Newton, Nicolo Paganini, John Ruskin, Albert Schweitzer,

George Bernard Shaw, Percy Bysshe Shelly, Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy,

Francois Voltaire, Louisa May Alcott, Clara Barton, H. G. Wells, Richard Wagner,

and John Wesley.14, 15

 A natural diet of unpolished grains, fruits, nuts and a good variety of

vegetables is a plus factor in attaining a winsome personality.. This diet

promotes trim and beautiful figure, smooth and youthful complexion, clear eyes

and vision, sturdy teeth, agility, and promotes other beauty aspects that human

beings covet. The Cosmopolitan magazine of October 1995 in an article entitled

”Are You Ready To Go Vegetarian?” reveals that eating the original diet is

becoming a fad among celebrities in the USA and other countries as well. It

says,

Scores of sexy young woman are choosing this healthful ‘nineties’

(vegetarian) style of life. Is...it now the time to join them?16

Modern vegetarian celebrities include Daryl Hannah, Cindy Crawford, Kim

Basinger, Paul and Linda McCartney, Cher, Anthony Hopkins, Demi Moore, Paul

Newman, Cicely Tyson, Boy George, Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh, Billie Jean King,

Carl Lewis, Martina Navratilova, Michael Jackson and our very own Lea

Salonga.17

Indeed, plant-based dietary is also found by athletes to be a major factor in

attaining championship records. The list includes Murray Rose, the world’s

greatest all-around swimmer of his time; Calvin Hansen, Martha Smith, Jerri Lee,

Rose Morgan and Herbert Morgan, marathon champions; and Anders Haugen

who won three world and four national ski championships; and many more.18

The endurance tests conducted by Dr. Irving Fisher of Yale University and

the recent study done by Dr. Per Olef Astrand of the world-famous Swedish

Olympics show that vegetarians have three times more endurance and

superiority than those who eat meat,19 while the tests done by Schhontenden at

the University of Brussels show that vegetarians have almost twice the strength

of the non-vegetarians.20 No wonder that the strongest animal in the world like
the elephant and the beasts of burden who could endure long hours of hard labor

do not eat flesh foods.

And what about maintaining your youthful years? Could the natural type of

diet prolong human life-span? It certainly does. Back to the Biblical record, the

average life-span of humans before the flood was 900 years. But after meat was

included in the diet, the life-span of Noah's children started to decrease

dramatically until after a few generations it reached to only a hundred years.

Nowadays, if someone reaches a hundred years, that person is considered

abnormal or lucky. Yet actually we can list down some known centenarians in

our world today and they are basically meat abstainers--the Hunzakuts of

Northern Pakistan, the Abkhas of the Soviet Union, and Vicabambams of

Exuador.21 A modern example in the USA is Mrs. Hulda Crooks of Loma Linda,

California, who at ninety years old in 1987 still climbed Mt. Whitney, the highest

mountain peak in California.22

And so what is our conclusion after knowing these facts? All medical

authorities now advice that we lessen our intake of meat and animal products

particularly those with high fat content. We would also be better off if we lessen

or else avoid refined and highly processed foodstuffs. And if you cook

vegetables, do not overcook them. Some important vitamins are lost by heat.

Leave them crispy and looking fresh. Better still, eat more salads of raw, but well

washed vegetables.

Meat substitutes or “vege-meat” are now becoming popular. They could

take the place of meat or fish in your homes. (Tomorrow, we will teach you how

to make meat without cholesterol from plant sources. It is inexpensive, delicious,

and healthful).

3. Right Amount
 Overeating, of course can make you obese. Too little can make you very

thin. Both extremes are not healthy. "Eat like a king in the morning, like a prince

at noon, and like a beggar in the evening." Breakfast is the most important meal

of the day because our body needs more quality nutrients for the day’s activities.

Do not start your day with less fuel. Eat very little at night. It is economical and

healthful.23

4. Proper Time
Medical experiments show that the digestion of our food takes about four to
five hours long. During this time the digestive process need not be disturbed by

adding even just a bite of food until it has finished its work. Otherwise, digestive

problems would occur. Be kind to your digestive system. Wait until 4-5 hours.

Only water is acceptable.24

And regularity of meal time is important.25 Our body system works

automatically in set timing, called "biorhythms." Frequent changes of these body

time clock setting could cause malfunctioning of the system and leads to disease.

Finally, do not forget to give thanks to the kind Provider who sustains our

daily needs. Without Him we would have no food at all to eat. Be happy and
relaxed while eating. Foods are not digested properly when we are sad, angry,

anxious, or in a hurry.26 Take time, enjoy your meal. Chew them longer, have

some good music, eat in a pleasant atmosphere. You will enjoy life, and enjoy

good health.

_____________________

REFERENCES

1 L.H. Lonergan, M.D. The Wheel of Health. Mentone, CA: Schmitke Press, 1976, p.
80.
2 Claudio, V.S. [Link]. Basic Nutrition for Filipino. Sta. Cruz, Manila: Webster School &
Office Supplies, 1982, p. 26.
3 W.S. Collens and G.B. Dobkin. “Circulation.” Supplement II, 32, October, 1965, p.
7.
4 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General's Report on
Nutrition and Health. Washington D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1988, p. 95.
5 Committee on Diet, Nutrition, and Cancer. National Academy of Sciences, Diet
Nutrition, and Cancer. National Academy Press, 1982, pp. 1-15.
6 Thrash A.M., et. al. Animal Connection. Seale, AL: New Lifestyle Books, 1983, pp.
1-21.
7 Chen, P.S. The Joy of Being a Vegetarian. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press
Publishing Asso., 1977, pp. 41-45.
8 Parret, O.S. Diseases of Food Animals. Nashville, Tennessee: Southern
Publishing Asso. 1939, pp. 28-33.
9 "Is Our Fish Fit to Eat." Consumers Reports. February 1992, pp. 217-228.
10 Barro, R.B. Focusing on Nutrition Education: An Essential for Cancer Prevention.
Health Values, 1983, pp. 7,8.
11 American Dietetics Association Reports. July 1980, pp. 15-16.
13 Berman, L.A. Vegetarianism and the Jewish Tradition. New York: KTAV
Publishing House, Inc., 1982, p. 8.
14 Chen, P.S. The Joy of Being a Vegetarian. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press
Pub. Asso., 1977, pp. 12-13.
15 "Are You Ready To Go Vegetarian?" Cosmopolitan Magazine. Oct. 1995, p. 130.
16 Ibid.
17 Ibid.
18 Chen, P.S. The Joy of Being a Vegetarian. (Mountain View CA: Pacific Press Pub.
Asso., 1977, pp. 17-22.
19 Astrand, Per-Olef. “Something old and something new. . . very new.” Nutrition
Today. June 1968, p. 8-11.
20 Irving Fisher and Haven Emerson. How to Live. New York: Funk and Wagnalls,
1938, p. 184.
21 Brody, Jane, "Why Vegetarianism is Becoming Popular." Vibrant Life. July/August
1987, pp. 11-14.
22 Diel, Hans and Ludington Aileen. "The Incredible Hulda." Signs of the Times.
Sept. 1987, pp. 17-18.
23 Foster, V.W. New Start. Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Co.,
1988, pp. 216-217.
24 Ibid.
25 Ibid.
26 Ibid., p. 200.
 MYSTERY AT SAN JOSE BEACH
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

I had a very close friend during my college days. One time he went to the

island of Mindoro and had a pleasant time visiting with friends. A day before he

left the island, he and his companions were invited to a picnic at the beach.

While my friend was playing with some young people in the water, he suddenly

disappeared. His failure to surface for some time prompted one of his friends to

check why. He found my friend had drowned.

All attempts to revive him failed. His death was a mystery to many. He

drowned just a few feet from the shore where water was not so deep. But I think

I know the reason. Many times as a friend, he told me that he has “hydrophobia”

or fear of water and had never learned to swim. And I suspected that when he

suddenly fell in a deep spot dug by the waves, he panicked and drowned.

HUMANS’ NEED FOR AIR

Man cannot live without air. He can live for weeks without food, for days

without water, but he dies in a few minutes without air. 1 Without air every function

in our body systems eventually stops--the muscles cease to contract and so we

cannot move, the brain cells die so we cannot think, the heart stops beating, so

we die.2

But many people, though alive, are already half-dead. They are not enjoying

life in its fullness--the healthy, the happy, the abundant life--because they are

starving for air and they are not getting enough of the abundant supply of air their

body needs.3
 OXYGEN AND ENERGY
Oxygen is the element in the air that means life to man. The air we normally

breathe is a mixture of gases--80% nitrogen, 20% oxygen, and a trace of carbon

dioxide.4

Oxygen is the gas that keeps fire burning. We blow air on flames to make

them glow. Strong winds make great fires more devastating. Cover the flame so

that no oxygen is present and the flame goes out.

Our bodies convert food into energy in the process called "metabolism."
Fuel comes from the food we eat from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. But this

fuel cannot be converted into energy without oxygen. Without energy there is no

function, no action and no life.5 Insufficient oxygen means less energy, improper

function of body organs, and therefore, poor health.

THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

The Creator provided humans with an amazing respiratory machine, fully

capable of giving the best function for optimum health and long life. The

Respiratory System--composed of the nose, the windpipe, the bronchial tubes,

the lungs, with the bronchioles, the air sacs, etc. This system works hand in

hand with the Circulatory System in supplying the body cells and organs with

oxygen.

Respiration starts and ends with our nose. The nose filters, warms, and

moistens the air we breathe in through its built-in air conditioner, moisturizer, and

cleaner.

The air then passes through the windpipe or trachea, then through the

branching bronchial tubes to the innermost parts of the lungs. The bronchial

tubes are also equipped with cleaners or hairlike structures called "cilia" and

mucous for further protection from infectious germs.

 At the end of the bronchial tubes, inside the lungs, are the tiny air balloons or

"air sacs"--the terminals where oxygen is picked up by the red blood cells and

transported to the various body cells.

Here in the air sacs the exchange of oxygen with carbon dioxide occurs.

The red blood cells, after delivering oxygen to the cells, collect wastes (carbon

dioxide) from the cells, then return to the air sacs, unload the wastes and pick up

oxygen for the body cells. The carbon dioxide which is poison to the body is now

exhaled through the nose, and it is exchanged with oxygen as we breathe in

fresh air again.6

The respiration process is then complete. This process, working normally

and efficiently, means health.

MALFUNCTIONING OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

But with many people this healthy process of respiration does not happen as

naturally and as efficiently as it should. Some malfunctioning occur when:

--air inhaled is not purified, warmed, and moistened
--bronchial cleaners (cilia) are paralyzed
--air balloons (air sacs) are ruptured
--red blood cells do not pick up enough oxygen
--blood passages (blood vessels) are clogged
--cells wastes (carbon dioxide) are not eliminated.

And so cells starve, get sick, and many die; organs do not work as they

should and the result is illness, defective mental powers, or in severe cases,

death.

Damaged Brain Cells

Brain cells are very delicate. They die in a few minutes when oxygen fails

to reach them, resulting in decreased mental ability or permanent brain damage.

Damaged brain cells cannot be replaced again. Severe damage may mean

paralysis or death.7

There are some factors that affect the normal function of the Respiratory

System. They are:

1. Poor Breathing Habits

There are about one billion air sacs in our lungs that, if stretched out into a

flat surface, would cover an estimated area of 750 sq. ft. These air sacs normally
can hold about 3 liters of air--enough to supply oxygen to about 60,000 billion

cells that compose our entire body.8

But most of us do not breathe properly. We are shallow breathers. We

actually take only one half liter of air every time we breathe--just about 1/6 of the

body's need. And because just a little portion of our lungs are used, those idle

portions become the thriving places of dangerous disease germs.9

No wonder why we get sick so easily. No wonder we could not think and

decide properly and enjoy a more abundant life.

Here are some suggestions for a healthful breathing practice:

1. When breathing, concentrate less on inhalation, and more on slow, deep

exhalation. The more we exhale the more we can breathe in.

2. Breathe in or out slowly as you can, pausing a little longer after filling the

lungs with air.

3. Notice a sleeping child as it breathes--the abdomen expands while

inhaling and flattens when exhaling air out. This is right breathing--using the

diaphragm muscles. Make this pattern your own.

4. Breathe through the nose and be sure it is fresh air. Country living and

outdoor breathing is best.10

2. Polluted Air
Polluted air is hazardous to health. It could cause diseases such as chronic

bronchitis, emphysema, allergies, cancers, and others. 11 They could come from

city "smog", unsanitary surroundings, poorly ventilated room, cigarette smoke, or

poisonous gases. Choose a site for your home, if you can, where you can be

close to nature--to trees, to green shrubs, or to clean bodies of water.

Surroundings must be clean and beautiful with natural greenery. Fresh air should

pass freely inside your dwelling. Or you can visit natural places or resorts for

healthful recreation. Clean, unpolluted air is healthful to our bodies as well as to

our soul.

3. Smoking
Smoking is responsible for thousands of deaths every year. It is positively

responsible for most heart attacks, strokes, various types of cancers,

emphysema and other fatal diseases. The deadly poisons in cigarettes affect

almost every part of the respiratory organs--they cause ruptured air sacs, swollen

throat and bronchi lining, paralyzed cilia in the bronchi, lowered body defense

mechanism, and prepare the way for cancer development. They also work to

constrict blood vessels, preventing oxygen from reaching the cells and body

tissues. The result is disease and death.12

4. Alcoholic Drinks.
Alcohol causes sticking together of the red blood cells, called “agglutination,”

hindering their normal flow in transporting oxygen to body cells. Cells not

reached by oxygen are damaged or die. And since the brain cells are the first to

be affected by the lack of oxygen, doctors affirm that "any drink of alcoholic

beverage damages your brain permanently.13

5. Lack of Exercise
 Because exercise encourages deep breathing and proper circulation of the

blood, it is a promoter of health, sound mentality, happiness, and long life. Lack

of it brings disease.

6. Other Factors
Food stuffs that increase the deposits of cholesterol in the blood vessels

such as flesh foods, salty and sugar-rich foods should be substituted with a more

natural and unrefined foods. As was mentioned in the previous lesson,

cholesterol deposits in the arteries obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to the
organs of the body, causing diseases such as hypertension, heart attacks,

strokes, brain damage and other crippling diseases.

Overeating, negative mental attitude, fatigue, and other unhealthful

practices and conditions affect in one way or another the respiratory and

circulatory processes.

FRESH AIR AND SPIRITUALITY

Lack of pure fresh air, therefore, can mean disease and death. Moreover, it

could also affect one's mental and spiritual condition because of weakened will

power, confused judgment and dulled conscience.

Oxygen and the Willpower

The brain, above all other organs, is very much affected by lack of oxygen

"particularly the higher centers that deal with reason, willpower, judgment, and

emotion."14

The remarkable relationship between oxygen and willpower is illustrated by

George Vandeman in his book How to Burn Your Candle, pp. 68, 69.

Some years ago a French investigator was interested in high-altitude flying

and arranged for three balloonists to make an ascent. They had ballast, they
 had ropes, they had oxygen. But not oxygen enough for the entire flight, so they
agreed to use it only when necessary.
All went well for a time. Then they began to notice that they had strange
emotions they could not control. They would laugh or cry without reason. There
was reason enough, of course. The oxygen was gone.
They knew something was wrong. They knew they should descend. The
rope was there. The knife to cut the rope for releasing some of the hydrogen
was there. But the power to execute that simple act of cutting the rope was
gone!
Three days later when the balloon finally landed several hundred miles away,
two of the three balloonists were dead. The other told the story.15
This story tells us a lot. These men, deprived of adequate oxygen, still had
good judgment. They knew what they had to do. Their self-control, their
emotional control, was already affected. But their will power was gone
completely!

Lack of abundant fresh air could mean disease and death. And because it

also affects our judgment, our choices, and our willpower, it could also affect our

character development and our decisions, and thus our eternal destiny. On the

other hand, abundant fresh air could also mean abundant life, happiness, and

eternal success.

_____________________

REFERENCES
1 Hardinge, M.G. The Bubble of Air. Loma Linda, CA: Professional Health Media
Services, 1980, p. 5-B.
2 The Incredible Machine. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 1986, p.
130.
3 Foster, V.W. New Start. Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Pub. Co., 1988, p.
142.
4 Best, C.H., and N.B Taylor. The Human Body. Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 1963,
p. 295.
5 Hawley, D. Come Alive! Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Pub. Asso., 1975, p.
46.
6 Carlson, A.J., et. al. The Machinery of the Body. Chicago: The University of
Chicago Press, 1961, pp. 249-252, 262, 668.
7 Foster, V.W. New Start. Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Pub. Co., 1988, p.
139.
8 Ibid., 142.
9 Fox, J.D. The Doctor Prescribes. Tacoma Park, Washington D.C.: Review and
Herald Pub. Assn., 1955, p. 23.
10 Lonergan, L.H. The Wheel of Health. Mentone CA: Schmitke Press, 1976, p. 16.
11 Cane, Rosalyn and George A. Wistreich. Biology for Survival. Beverly Hills:
Glencoe Press, 1974, pp. 255, 256.
12 Smoke-Free for Life. Daly City, CA.: Crames Communications, l986, p. 4.
13 Curtis, L. R. Alcohol, Your Blood and Your Brain. Dallas, Texas: Texas Alcohol
Narcotics Edu. Inc., 1974, p. 29.
14 Don Hawely. Come Alive! Washington, D.C.: Review & Herald Pub Ass., 1975, p.
46.
15 Vandeman, G.E. How to Burn Your Candle. Ontario, Canada: Pacific Press Pub. Ass.,
1985, pp. 68, 69.
 ENEMY AT THE GATES
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

“Enemy at the Gates” is a film based on a true story that happened during

World War 2. The Russians at that time were the targets of the German war

machines. The Russians were battered and totally demoralized. But hope

emmerged when a common soldier who was proven to be a sharpshooter

gunned down the military officers in the area and so weakened the German

forces tremendously. Realizing this, the Germans sent also their most trusted

marksman to the area and the two enemies hunted each other like cat and

mouse. Really dangerous enemies. For every time they pulled the trigger, a

person dies.

But tonight we will be studying about enemies in our gates that are more

dangerous than these snipers and sharpshooters for today millions are being

killed every day around the world by these dangerous enemies. What am I

talking about?

Our generation has come to a time when happiness seems inseparable

from sweet foods. Weddings are marked with rich wedding cakes, birthdays

with birthday cakes, and other occasions with ice cream, chocolates, candies,

cookies and an endless variety of sweets. We use them as gifts, rewards,

presents and in many ways to please people.

However, this generation is also marked with an alarming increase in heart

attacks, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, nervous breakdown, tooth decay,

diabetes, cancers, cerebral thrombosis or stroke, and other modern degenerative

diseases.
 Could there be a connection between sweets and modern diseases?

Medical science is now giving us some alarming reports.

SUGAR AS FOOD
It was only in the early 1800’s that sugar was introduced as food. Before, it

was only obtained with a doctor’s prescription as emergency medicine and was

very expensive. Today, a person consumes an average 33 spoonfuls of sugar a

day, or around 130 pounds of sugar a year!1

HISTORY AND TOOTH DECAY

American statistics show that by the age of two years, one out of two babies

has already a decayed tooth. The average 16 year old person has already 7

decayed teeth, and by the age of 21, a person has lost an average of 5

permanent teeth. It was found out that with the increase in sugar consumption,

there was also a remarkable increase in tooth decay.2

A scientific study was done in Norway on the relationship of eating sugar

with having dental caries particularly among children. The research noted the

sugar consumption of Norwegians before World War II began in 1938, during the

war, and then after the war was over in 1945 and onward. They then compared

figures with the incidence of tooth decay.

Before the war, the average consumption of sugar per person per year was

eighty pounds. But during the war, the supply of sugar was cut in half. The

research noted a steady decrease in tooth decay from 90% at the beginning of

the war, down to 25% at the end of the war. And when sugar was again

consumed freely when peace resumed, a dramatic increase in tooth decay again

followed.3
 Another study was done with hamsters in controlled conditions. A group of

pregnant hamsters were given no sugar in the diet, and upon birth the offspring

also were given no sugar. A second group was given sugar while pregnant. A

third group was given sugar during pregnancy and during lactation. The fourth

group was given sugar during pregnancy, during lactation, and the babies after

weaning.

The mother and child with no sugar in the diet did not develop any cavity and

maintained their good mouse teeth. The children of the mothers who ate sugar
during pregnancy had a 10% increase in tooth decay. The children with mothers

who ate sugar during pregnancy and lactation had 20% increase in tooth decay.

Worst of all, the baby hamsters whose mothers ate sugar while pregnant, during

lactation, and who were given sugar after weaning, had tooth decay increased 50

times.4

The Canadian Nutrition states that:

“The excessive use of carbohydrate foods especially of sugars, is one of the

essential factors in the occurrence of tooth decay. Caries attacks begin in the
mouth of susceptible individuals, almost as soon as sugars and sugar-bearing
foods are taken in the mouth. The production of acids in concentration strong
enough to decalcify enamel has been detected at the bacterial plaques within
three minutes of food ingestion. Acids are known to continue for as long as
ninety minutes, at one time, if tooth brushing or mouth rinsing is not carried out." 5

BETWEEN-MEAL SNACKS
The same research also states that “the use of sweet foods in between

meals serves only to increase the frequency of acid attacks upon tooth enamel.

Foods eaten between meals are less rapidly cleared from the mouth than those

eaten at mealtime. They provide more opportunities for acid-production and

consequent decalcification. In addition, the immoderate use of sugars and

sugar-bearing foods tends to displace the foods that are most essential to

normal growth, development, and health.”6

 DENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH
In a remarkable research led by Dr. R. Steinman of the School of Dentistry,

Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, it was found that when table

sugar is eaten, the hypothalamus in the brain malfunctions in giving messages to

the parotid gland which is responsible for the control of the transport of needed

nutrients to the teeth. The tooth enamel, the hardest known substance in the

body, being bereft of its required nutrients, gradually weakens, giving way to the

eroding acid from the inside. The researchers discovered that sugar works from
the outside as well as from the inside to destroy the teeth.7

SUGAR AND THE BODY’S DEFENCES

Another concern is the influence of ingested sugar with our immune system.

The human body is protected and well guarded by body defenders or soldiers,

one group of which are the White Blood Cells (WBC). When enemies such as

germs and bacteria enter the body, these soldiers rush at once to attack and kill

them in the process known as “phagocytosis.” Thus the body is protected

against diseases. If the enemies are too many and powerful, these faithful

soldiers are willing to sacrifice their lives in the battle. Pus in the infected wound

or boil are dead heroic WBC. A normal white blood cell can kill around 14

bacteria. But when sugar is eaten, these soldiers weaken. With 24

teaspoonfuls of sugar taken in, a WBC could kill only one bacterium or none at

all.8

Here are a few snack foods and their sugar content:

Soft drink (12 oz.) 8-11 tsp.
Chocolate cake (1 slice) 15 tsp
Banana split (1 piece) 25 tsp.
Ice cream (1 scoop) 6-8 tsp.
Doughnut (1 piece) 5 - 6 tsp.
Halo-halo (1 glass) 6 - 8 tsp.
Fruit pie (1 slice) l0 tsp.
Candy bar 5 -6 tsp.9
 A simple snack usually contains about 30 tsp. of sugar!

Ever wonder why you catch cold and get ill easily? Why you suffer from

toothaches and other health problems? It could be that sugar and sweets are

your “beloved enemies.”

EMOTIONAL IMBALANCE
The effect of eating refined and highly process food or “junk foods” has been

proven to also alter human behavior. This was demonstrated in this remarkable

example.
A group of girls were brought into court in London for a series of petty

crimes. Their whole attitude was sour toward the law, toward people, toward life

in general. The judge ordered an investigation into their eating habits. It was

found that these girls were living on refined foods, sweets and similar empty

calorie foods. The judge sentenced the girls to a well-balanced diet for one year.

At the end of the year the judge hardly recognized that these were the same

girls. Their attitudes had changed completely.10

Dr. Derrick Lonsdale of Cleveland, in his studies of the diet of teenagers

consisting of “large quantities of junk food, notably of soft drinks” which are high
in carbohydrates but depleted in needed vitamins and minerals, concluded that

this could be the main reason why our society today is plagued with juvenile

delinquency. Dr. Lonsdale noted that teenagers having this type of diet suffered

from “neurotic” symptoms and were prone to personality changes, becoming

suddenly sensitive to criticism, aggressive and hostile.”11

EMPTY CALORIES
Scientific research is telling us that “the main fault with white sugar is not

what is in the sugar but what is not in it. First of all it lacks minerals, but most

important is its total lack of vitamins.... Vitamins of the “B” complex play
essential roles as activators of the body processes and burn sugar for energy.

When the body lacks those vitamins, certain stages of the chemical processes

are not properly completed and acids such as pyruvic acid has been shown to

accumulate in the tissues and blood and especially in the delicate cells of the

heart and brain. Sugar, then, clogs the system and affects the brain.12

Vitamin Deficiency and the Refining Process

Individuals using poorly prepared foods and large quantities of highly

refined foods are already living on a vitamin deficient diet. When to this is added
large quantities of refined sugar to further drain the inadequate vitamin reserves,

the final blow has been struck and the individual develops a recognizable vitamin

deficiency.13
It is now known that the vitamin B complex plays an integral part in carbohydrate
metabolism and that the need for this group of vitamins depends upon the
amount of carbohydrates eaten.... It was only in comparatively recent times that
the natural union between vitamin B complex and carbohydrates, a union
existing in whole grain and plants, was broken by the industrial processing of
foods.14

Dr. McFarland says:

Vitamin B is to the nerves what insulation is to electric wire. It keeps us from
getting too short and curt with people. . . And if the level of Vitamin B gets too
low, people actually have gone insane from no other reason. It’s B for brains.... 15

It is sad that about 90% of the valuable nutrients, specially the B-complex

vitamins in rice, wheat and other grains are being lost by the high refining

process.16 You see, the brown part or outer layer of grains in rice and wheat that

we remove during the refining process contains those valuable nutrients that we

usually throw away or fed to animals. And we love to eat those soft white rice,

white bread, white sugar, white cakes and other highly refined foodstuffs. Sad to

say, we pay a high price, not only because these are more expensive, but

because we are paying for them with our own health. Brown rice or unpolished
rice, whole wheat bread, brown or black sugar, fresh fruits and vegetables--they

are the best for health and for optimum function of our body systems.

OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS

Refined carbohydrates and sugars also tend to imbalance the diet by

overcrowding it with ‘empty calorie’ foods. The result is Vitamin deficiency, and

the extra calories not used by the body are stored as fats resulting in overweight.

Heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, strokes, and similar diseases may follow.

Cancer of the colon and other gastrointestinal problems are to be blamed on

these foods due to their lack of fiber or cellulose which is lost in the refining

proeesses.17

Sugar also is habit forming. It also inhibits appetite for other nutritious food.

This is more harmful to children who need more nutrients for proper growth and

health.18
BE SMART
Sugars and carbohydrates are needed for health. But they should be eaten

in their most natural state—unbroken by the refining processes, intact with

needed nutrients. God in His love prepared natural sweets, sugars, and

carbohydrates in their most delicious, nutritious, and balanced forms. Why

should humans be smarter than God?

The Word of God advises us: “Why spend your money on foodstuffs that

don’t give you strength? Why pay for groceries that don’t do you any good?

Listen and I’ll tell you where to get good food that fattens up the soul!” (Isaiah

55:2 Living Bible).

____________________
REFERENCES
1 "Look Mom, No Cavities." Keys to Life & Happiness. Loma Linda, CA: Loma Linda
School of Health, 1974.
2 Ibid.
3 Sognnase, R.F. "Analysis of wartime reduction of dental caries in European
Children with special regards to observations in Norway." American Journal of
Diseases of Children, 1948, 75:792.
4 Sognnase, R.F. "Caries-conducive effect of a purified diet when fed to rodents
during tooth development." Journal of American Dentist Association, 1948,
37:676.
5 “Canadian Nutrition Notes.” Vol. 9, Nov. 1953, quoted in Science and Modern
Manna by Rosenvold, L. et. al. Montrose, Colorado: Lloyed Rosenvold, 1958.
6 Ibid.
7 The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Vol. 23, No. 6, June 1970, 686-689.
8 Kijak, Fourst, and Steinman. Journal of Southern California State Dental Assn.,
Sept.1964.
9 Ludington, A. and Hans Diehl. Dynamic Living. Redlands, CA: The Quiet Hour,
1987, p. 97.
10 "The Secret of Mental Power." Keys to Life and Happiness. Loma Linda, CA: Loma
Linda University School of Health, 1974.
11 “Understanding Vitamins and Minerals.” Prevention Magazine. Emmaus,
Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1984, p. 40.
12 Rosenvold, L. et. al. Modern Manna. Montrose, Colorado: Lloyd Rosenvold, 1958,
p. 15.
13 Ibid.
14 Wohl, M.G., and R. S. Goodhart. Modern Nutrition. Lea & Febiger, 1955, p. 157;
Understanding Vitamins and Minerals. Prevention Magazine. Emmaus,
Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1984, p. 40.
15 J.W. McFarland. Better Living. Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn.,
1973, p. 34.
16 “Understanding Vitamins and Minerals.” Prevention Magazine. Emmaus,
Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1984, p. 47.
17 Noorbergen, R. Programmed to Live. Mt. View. CA: Pacific Press Publishing
Assn., 1975, 51, 52. See also Readers Digest, July 1977.
18. "Today’s Food." Life & Health. June 1974, p. 31.
 VERTICAL LIMITS
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

The world's highest mountain peak, Mt. Everest, for many centuries has

challenged the toughest men of the world to reach its peak, but all failed. Many

strong men and climbers who attempted were buried beneath the ice and snow

of this mountain. But in 1953, this rooftop of the world was conquered by human
beings. How did it happen? This is the story.

Teams from many nations competed to be the first to reach the summit.

The Swiss, who were ready before anyone else, made the first attempt. But they

failed.

Dr. John Hunt, physician in charge of the British Everest expedition, carefully

studied the records of Swiss climbers, and he discovered that they drank less

than two glasses of water per man per day.

When the British team tackled Everest, extra fuel and equipment were

provided to melt ice and snow and the men were encouraged to drink all the

water they could.

And they made it! Hillary and his companion, Tensing, planted the first flag

on top of the world's highest peak.

In reviewing the conquest of this mightiest of all peaks, Dr. Hunt credits

much of the success to the drinking of water. The champions drank an average

of 12 glasses of water a day.1

You see we depend much on water, not only for attaining success in

physical competition, but for our entire existence.

OUR NEED FOR WATER

 A. Body composition.
--our body is 70% water
--our brain is 70% - 80% water
--our muscles are 75% water
--our bones are 20% water
--each one of our l00 trillion cells requires fluid.2

B. The eye: The surface of the eye must be constantly moistened with

tears. Without this efficient method of lubrication and cleansing the surface of

the eye balls would soon become dry and inflamed. Opening and closing the

eyes would be painful, and blindness would occur. Water is the protective
lubricant.3

C. Motion: Without water every movement we attempt would be painfully

unbearable. Water helps in the lubrication of our joints so that movement will be

naturally spontaneous. Every time a person swallows, lifts a box, scratches his

back, or writes a letter, he uses water. His happiness or suffering can depend

much on his use of water.4

D. Respiration: Each one of the billion air sacs in the lungs has a thin

membrane-wall containing capillaries. Through this membrane, oxygen is

transferred from the air we breathe to the tiny blood vessels in the wall. Similarly,
carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood vessels to the air passages. For

this purpose, oxygen and carbon dioxide must be dissolved in water. Each air

sac is lined also with a thin film of water. Without water, respiration would be

impossible.5

E. Chemical Reactions: Life within the cells of all tissues requires a

continuous series of hundreds of chemical reactions, every one of which requires

water. The formation of all the various enzymes and their secretions requires

water. In the digestive tract alone 2 or 3 gallons of digestive juices are secreted

each day.6
 F. Fluid Transport: Water is the vehicle of transport in the body. The

blood, which is largely water, carries oxygen from the lungs, and food nutrients,

vitamins and minerals from the intestines to all the cells of the body. Waste

products are also carried in the blood from the various tissues to the lungs,

kidneys and skin for disposal. The blood must be kept thin enough to allow free

and rapid circulation. If blood thickens through water loss, its flow is hindered

and death could result.7

G. The Kidneys: The kidneys play a very important role in conserving water
in the body, and without it we would have to drink about 2500 gallons everyday.

But water is being re-circulated and recycled so that only about 10 glasses are

lost each day -- 5 1/2 glasses through the kidneys, 2 glasses through the lungs, 2

glasses through the skin, and 2 glasses through the bowels that moistens the

stool.

Over 400 gallons of fluid pass through the kidneys daily for purification.

From this is filtered out some waste products dissolved in about 2O gallons of

fluid. Ninety eight percent of this filtered fluid is re-absorbed into the blood to be

used again, and only about 5 1/2 glasses are lost through the urine.9

Insufficient water puts a strain on the kidneys just as it is a problem washing

clothes with too little water. The wastes become concentrated, and constipation,

backache, headache and kidney disease may result.

H. Body Defenses: Using plenty of water outside and inside the body can

free the system from unwanted diseases. Bathing tones up the system,

stimulates circulation, and washes away the wastes that clog the skin pores

where bacteria often breed.

Natural immunity against cold can be achieved by taking a quick cold

shower in the morning. The process causes the secretion of "lysozyme", a

natural antiseptic in the nose and throat discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming. 10
 A warm bath in the evening can cure insomnia, while drinking plenty of water

increases appetite and can cure a lot of illnesses better than most medicines.

USE OF WATER FOR HEALTH

A. Proper Drinking

1. Schedule: On the average we should drink a minimum of six glasses of

water daily; eight would be even better. Plan to drink two glasses of water upon

rising in the morning, two glasses about halfway between breakfast and lunch,
two glasses about mid-afternoon, and two more before retiring.

2. Drinking with meals: This practice is not advisable. The liquid not

only diminishes the flow of saliva that aids in digestion but also dilutes the

stomach acids needed to process the food. Before the stomach can actually get

at its task, it must first absorb the water. Thus digestion is hindered. 11

3. Hot or Cold Drinks: Too hot and too cold drinks are not healthful. Too-

cold drinks arrest digestion and delay work until the system has imparted

sufficient warmth to the stomach to enable it to take up its work again. Too-hot

drinks need to be cooled first by the stomach before the same digestive process

can begin.12

4. Soft drinks and other beverages: Soft drinks, coffee, tea, hot

chocolate, fruit flavored ades, and alcoholic beverages are not health promoters

as was discussed earlier. Dental caries, malnutrition, ulcers, indigestion,

cardiovascular diseases and other modern illnesses are found to be traceable to

these drinks that are laden with sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and other harmful drugs.

Pure, clear water is the beverage of champions and of healthy people.

B. The Bath
 Taking a bath daily can increase considerably the body's resistance against

disease. Bathing aids in blood circulation and has a sedative effect. A warm

bath before retiring can better cure insomnia than harmful drugs.

Swimming is a very healthful form of exercise and can be beneficial to

anybody.

Bathing the sick person is very necessary, and for those who have fever,

successive baths can alleviate or arrest the disease.

C. Relaxation and Rest

Do you sometimes wonder why vacation and relaxation spots are often near

lakes, seashores, rivers, waterfalls or streams? Well, water has indeed a

relaxing and therapeutic effect on the mind and on the whole system in general.

Not only the beauty of the scenery but also the air and the atmosphere that

pervades the place have healthful effects. Many broken hearts and souls, and

even bodies have been mended by water.

D. Water as Medicine

Hydrotherapy is the scientific way of using water in curing various sorts of

maladies and diseases. Water is applied in the form of baths, fomentation packs,

etc. with remarkable results. This treatment technique, though simple, need to

be studied carefully and applied skillfully to achieve the desired results. We need

ample time to study these techniques, and we will consider that at some other

time.

In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven's choicest blessings.

Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to
quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the
necessities of the system and assists nature to resist disease. The external
application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways of
regulating the circulation of the blood. A cold or cool bath is an excellent tonic.
 Warm baths open the pores and thus aid in the elimination of impurities. Both
warm and neutral baths soothe the nerves and equalize the circulation.13

Here are some effects of water:

Local application of hot water draws the blood to the surface, opens up

blood vessels, increases circulation, increases sensitivity to pain, increases

cellular metabolism, increases resistance and immunity against disease germs,

and is sedative in its effect.

Local application of cold water draws blood inside, slows down circulation

and cellular metabolism, constricts blood vessels, and penetrates deeply into the

tissues. It has a numbing analgesic, and anesthetic effect.

Often it is effective to use hot and cold alternately. This increases the

number of red and white cells in active circulation and is especially

recommended in treating local infection. The alternate hot and cold shower is a

strong stimulant to the circulation.14

SOME PRINCIPLES OF WATER TREATMENT

Here are some Simple Principles of Water Treatment:

1. For congested head (common headache), congested chest, congested

abdomen—apply hot to feet and cold to head.

2. For respiratory infections (of lungs, bronchus, throat, etc.)—apply hot on

chest, back or neck.

3. For local infections such as boils and swellings— use hot and cold to affected

area.

4. For burns, sprains, and local burning pain—apply cold to affected area.

5. For fever—use plenty of water outside (sponge bath, quick shower, etc.) and

inside (drink plenty of water).

6. Always apply cold to head when hot is applied to any part of the body. Always

keep the head free from heat.

7. To increase circulation, use hot and cold.

8. To increase blood flow use hot.

9. To decrease blood flow, use cold.

10. For suspected appendicitis, hot application can be dangerous. Refer to a

physician.15

SPIRITUAL WATER
Water is life. The more we have it and the more we use it wisely the more

abundant life we have. But there is a better kind of water. Jesus said:
“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the

water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13,14 NIV.

He invites us. He says, “Come, Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and

whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” Revelation 22:17

NIV.

_____________________

REFERENCES

1 Hunt, Sir John. The Conquest of Everest. E.P. Dutton & Co., Inc., 1954, p. 275.
2 Best, C.H., and N.B. Taylor. The Human Body. Holt, Reinhart and Winston, 1963,
pp. 178, 565.
3 Ibid.
4 Foster, V. W. New Start! Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press, 1988, pp. 91-92.
5 Lonergan, L. H. The Wheel of Health. Mentone, CA: Schmitke Press, 1976. pp.
50-51.
6 Ibid.
7 Ibid.
8 Keele, C.A. and E. Samson Neil. Wright's Applied Physiology. Oxford University
Press, 1965, pp. 16, 126, 18.
9 Lonergan, L. H. The Wheel of Health. Mentone, CA: Schmitke Press, 1976, pp. 54-
55.
10 Hardinge, M.G. Water, Water, Water. Loma, Linda, CA: Professional Health Media
Services, p. 11.
11 White, E. G. Ministry of Healing. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing
Assn., 1974, p. 300.
12 Ibid.
13 Ibid., p. 237.
14 Ladion, H. G. Healing Wonders of Water. Baesa, Caloocan City: Philippine
Publishing House, 1978.
15 Ibid.
 THE WAY OF THE BARBARIANS
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

The Barbarians were ruthless, savage, and “barbaric” kind of people. The

plunder, and destroyed cities and villages--burning homes and kiling anyone who

would stand by their way. Those who remained, they brought home as slaves

and were subjected to hard labor and harse treatment. This survival kind of living

develop in them not only tough hearts but also tough bodies, strong muscles and

bones and body organs. that could endure the tests and rigors of the barbaric

life.

Today, we are living in a “push button society” where every machine and

gadget is invented to lessen human effort and make living easy. Most of us no

longer chop firewood to start a fire and to cook food, or fetch water to take a bath

or drink, or pound a half sack of rice before we could have breakfast, or walk a

mile or two to go to school, or even fan ourselves when we are warm. We just

push a button and sit down on a sofa while we watch TV. And when we wake up

in the morning and there is a “brown out” or a jeepney drivers’ strike, we lose our

temper and curse the world.

Life seems too easy today. And we call it progress. Little do we realize that

our modern way of living is killing us and millions around the world are dying

today because of it.1

You see, the human body is designed for action. From our birth to old age,

we need to move, or disease and death will catch up on us. Our 600 skeletal

muscles which are composed of about 6 billion muscle fibers need to be used or

they lose their tone and die.2 Muscle fibers that are not used become weak,

emaciated, and atrophy as what we notice with the arm that has been in a
cement cast for several weeks. The worst effect is on the muscles of our heart.

When they become weak, because they were not exercised enough, they would

stop pumping and so we die. 3 You now realize why heart disease is the number

one killer in our country and in well developed countries.

THE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE

Let's study some of the many benefits of exercise:

A. A Fit Young Heart

A physically inactive person has a resting heart rate of 80 or more beats per

minute. But by systematic and regular exercise, the heart beats 60 times per

minute from what previously took 80 or more. That means a saving of 28,000

heart beats a day. By exercise the heart grows stronger and pumps more blood

with each beat, reducing the number of beats necessary. This means that the

heart is not overtaxed, has proper time to rest, works normally, and so is kept fit

and young.4

An excellent advice says: "The best insurance against coronary (heart)

disease is exercise--lots of it."5

B. Improved Circulation
Exercise stimulates the circulation of the blood. An active muscle has

twenty or more times the amount of blood passing through it than does an

inactive muscle. This means that with firm resilient muscles, which contract and

relax as we exercise, we hasten the blood circulating throughout the body.6

In the book Ministry of Healing p. 238, we read:

Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood, but in idleness
the blood does not circulate freely, and the changes in it, so necessary to life and
health, do not take place... Impurities are not expelled as they would be if the
circulation had been quickened by vigorous exercise, if the skin is kept in a
healthy condition, and the lungs fed with plenty of pure, fresh air. This state of
 the system throws a double burden on the excretory organs and disease is the
result.7

C. Improved Digestion
Through exercise, the digestive organs are called upon to furnish the fuel

called upon to produce activity and repair and replace the used and worn-out

tissues.... In some cases, lack of exercise will weaken the muscles of the

bowels, producing constipation.8

Exercise will aid the work of digestion. To walk out after a meal, hold the head
erect, pull back the shoulders, and exercise moderately will be a great benefit.9

D. Increased Mental Power

People who are doing mental effort and brain work and who are under

nervous tension especially need regular strenuous exercise in order to relax and

do more efficient mental work.

Experiments with medical students who were failing scholastically were

advised to take some time every day for vigorous exercise. The results were

surprising. Increase in grades was remarkable, some advancing from the lowest

to the upper third of the class.10

E. Relaxed and Balanced Nervous System

Dr. McFarland says: "Not only does exercise have a beneficial effect on

one's muscle but it also is necessary in keeping one's nervous system well-

balanced."11

In one study, it was shown that "a vigorous fifteen-minute walk reduces

neuromuscular tension more effectively than 400 milligrams of tranquilizer."12

F. Slow Aging Process

Physical exercise slows down physical deterioration and the aging process.

It restores zest for life and youthful vitality.13

 The late Carlos P. Romulo, at 8l years, said in a Panorama interview, “I was

born in 1899. But I feel 50. The reason for this is that I have succeeded to

make a liar out of the calendar. Physical fitness have helped me do this.”

Larry Lewis of San Francisco, California, still jogs six miles every morning at

the age of 100.14

Mrs. Hulda Crooks of Loma Linda, California, in 1987 celebrated her 90th

birthday by climbing the highest mountain peak in California--Mt. Whitney. She

started climbing mountains when she was 60 years old and every year she
climbs this particular peak. Every day she walks for five miles when everyone

around is riding in a car. Surely they reached their destination faster and their

graves earlier.15

The Hunza people of the Himalayas are famed centenarians. Their secret:

climbing up and down the mountains everyday and adhering to a healthful

lifestyle.16

G. Improved Personality
An athletic figure, a bouyant feeling, and a healthy body--these increase the

individual's self respect, improving his or her personality.

Many, especially women, who have lost self-image and were frustrated in life
became confident and saw life in a brand new perspective after engaging in a

physical fitness program.

"Because exercise changes a person both physically and mentally, it directly

affects those factors of physique and personality that are the secret of feminine
charm.17

H. Strong Muscles, Bones and Body Organs

Exercise "strengthens our voluntary skeletal muscles, bones, and also our

l00 joints that connect the bones together. It increases our general efficiency,

and stimulates our internal organs to function better. We breathe deeper, thus
getting more oxygen and stretch every part of our lungs.... Vigorous exercise

increases our oxygen intake 16 times."18

I. Increased Moral Power

The book, Medical Ministry by E. G. White, p. 81 says that "in vigorous

physical exercise, the animal passions find a healthy outlet and are kept in

proper bounds. Healthful exercise in the open air will strengthen the muscles,

encourage proper circulation of blood, help to preserve the body from disease,

and will greatly help in spirituality."19

It was proven many times that those who exercise properly have stronger

willpower and can control themselves better. They are proven to be useful

citizens of the community and have deeper spiritual insights.

M. Other Benefits
In an adult physical fitness program conducted by Dr. Thomas K. Cureton, it

was found that after a period engaging in an exercise program, his patients

reported a gradual lessening of such complaints as digestive upsets, heartburn,

acid stomach, diabetic tendency, constipation, headaches, fat, hemorrhoids,

heart thumping, chest pain, abdominal pain, painful feet, eye watering, sinus
trouble, and swollen joints.20

Exercise also increases resistance against disease, reduces fatigue,

improves glandular function, improves posture, induces sound sleep, enhances

poise and agility, beautifies figure and complexion, and many more.21

SOME PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN HEALTHFUL EXERCISE

1. Regularity. Exercise needs to be regular to be effective. Daily, or thrice a

week, morning or evening will be all right so long as it is done promptly and

regularly.

2. Gradual and Progressive. Start slow and less strenuous, then gradually

increase length of time and intensity.

3. Variety. Vary types of exercise and see to it that every part of the body is

exercised and benefited.

4. Outdoors Preferable. Fresh air and sunlight are partners of exercise.

5. Vigorous. Exercise needs to make one puff or grasp deeply for air and

cause sweating for at least 20 minutes.

6. Enjoyable. It was proven by experiments that exercise, if not enjoyed, does

not produce all its good results.

7. Fit for the Individual. Some type of exercise suited for an individual may

not be suited for the another. Seek doctor's advise especially if you suspect your

heart to be unfit.22

Some Precautions to Observe as You Start Your

Exercise Program:

l. Have a Physical Fitness Pre-Test (specially if you are over 40 years of age).
2. Gradually increase exercise-tolerance.
3. Note pulse-rate: Resting, Post-Exercise, Recovery Rate.
4. Heed danger-signals: (inability to quickly recover)
a. Breathlessness and pounding of heart, still apparent ten minutes after the
exercise.
b. Marked weakness or fatigue, persisting after 2 hours.
c. A broken night sleep, attributed to exercise.
d. Undue fatigue the following day. This probably indicates that, for that
person's tolerance, the exercise was too severe, or too prolonged.23

So, let’s do it. Let’s get moving. Let’s do exercise. A doctor friend of mine,

in one of his lectures, said, “Human beings are queer. Many of us would just like

to sit down and relax the whole day long. And we only begin a regular exercise
program after we had a stroke or heart attack, when we could hardly move every

part of our body.”

So let’s start exercising now, before it is too late.

_____________________

REFERENCES

1. Hawley, Don. Come Alive! Washington, D.C.: R & H Publishing Asso., 1975, p. 61.
2. Ibid. p. 62.
3. Foster, V.W. New Start. Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Publishing Co., 1988,
p. 73, 74.
4. De Vries, Herbert A. "Heart and Exercise," Physiology of Exercise. Dubuque, Iowa:
William C. Brown Co., Publishers, 1968, pp. 70, 78.
5. The AduIt Physical Fitness. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office,
1982, p. 7.
6. J.W. McFarland. Better Living. Tacoma Park, WA., D.C.: Review and Herald
Publishing Assn., 1973, p. 231.
7. White, E. G. Ministry of Healing. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Assn.,
1974, Paperback edition, p. 238.
8. Marvels of Life. Pasay City: Health Dept., North Phil. Union Mission, 1975, p. 57.
9. White, E. G. Testimonies Vol. 2. Tacoma Park, W.A.., D.C.: R & H Pub. Assn., 1942
p. 530.
10. Lonergan, L. H. The Wheel of Health. Mentone, CA: Schmitke Press, 1976, p. 47.
11. J.W. McFarland. Op. Cit., p. 23.
12. Vandeman, George E. How to Burn Your Candle. Ontario, Canada: Pacific Press
Pub. Asso., 1985, p. 33, 34.
13. Physical Fitness Syllabus. Loma Linda, CA: LLU Sch. of Health, p. 200:6.
14. Cooper, Kenneth. New Aerobics. New York: Bantam Books, 1970, p. 26.
15. Diel, Hans and Aileen Ludington. "The Incredible Hulda," Signs of the Times. Sept.
1987, p. 17-18.
16. Vandeman, George E. Papa, Are You Going to Die? Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press
Pub. Asso., 1970, p. 53.
17. Cooper, Kenneth. Op. Cit., p. l28.
18. Marvels of Life, Op. Cit., p. 57.
19. E. G. White, Medical Ministry. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Assn.,
1974, p. 81.
20. Thomas K. Cureton, Ph. D., F.A.C.S.M. The Physiological Effects of Exercise
Programs on Adults, pp. 8, 9.
21. Hawley, Don. Op. Cit., pp. 66, 67.
22. Lonergan, L. H. The Wheel of Health. Mentone, CA: Schmitke Press, 1976, p. 46.
23. Ibid., p. 49.
 NIMROD, THE GOD-HUNTER
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

Nimrod was a man whom the Bible and history books mention as a very

powerful man who lived during the early civilization period. He was a mighty

hunter and a hero to his people so that they considered him as god. He defied

the God of heaven and rebelled against him so that he erected the tower of

Babel so that next time God would sent judgment to earth in terms of a flood, he

had a place to hide. He announced that his power came from the spirit of the

sun god. When he died his followers believed that his spirit returned back to the

sun and so sun worship was common among the ancients. The Sumerians,

Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans worshiped the sun as

their supreme deity. The Aztec, Maya, and Inca civilizations of South America

built great temples and monuments for sun worship.1

But in our modern scientific world today, we have a different idea about the

sun. We found out that it is a ball of fire that explodes a billion atomic bombs

every second. Its core, we are told reaches to the temperature of about 30

million degrees.

ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY
Scientists call the light from the sun “electromagnetic energy.” It is

composed of many different energy levels called electromagnetic waves.

Scientists can sort the different wave lengths of the sunlight by passing a beam

of light through a prism to produce an electromagnetic spectrum. Some of these

invisible rays are called cosmic, gama, x-rays, radio waves, and microwaves.
Only ten percent of these waves in the spectrum could be seen by the human

eye in the colors of the rainbow. Closest to the visible light are the ultraviolet rays

which could burn without heat, and the infrared rays which produce heat.2

THE BENEFITS OF SUNLIGHT

Food from the Sun

Sunlight is a source of natural power that provides energy and nourishment

for all living things. The atmosphere’s temperature and humidity are regulated by

sunlight, or else, no living thing could survive in this planet. Plants and animals

produce oxygen and carbon dioxide by the energy provided by the sun.3

The food we eat are manufactured by the plants through the action of

sunlight in the process known as “photosynthesis.” The chlorophyll or the green

pigment of the leaves of plants uses carbon dioxide from the air and combines it

with water to produce sugar atoms. Combining sugar atoms and minerals from

the soil, all food nutrients required by humans and animals are manufactured in

the form of carbohydrates, proteins, oils, vitamins, from sunlight and our body

systems are fueled by solar energy. Actually, human beings are solar-powered.4

Vitamin Concentration
Have you tried covering grass from sunlight? After sometime, what

happens? Yes, the grass dies. This means that without sunlight vegetation

would cease to exist.

Dr. John Ott, a photographer-scientist of the Walt Disney Film, found out

during his experiment on time-lapse photography, that he could grow pumpkins

with artificial light, but without natural sunlight he could not make them bear fruit.

This means that without sunlight, no plant would bear fruits and humans and

animals would not live.5

 Experiments with tomatoes show that fruits with adequate sunlight have

higher Vitamin C content than those in shaded places.6 Leafy vegetables that

receive more sunlight have higher vitamin content like the outer leaves of lettuce

and cabbages. Peelings or outer coverings of fruits which are more exposed to

sunlight have higher concentrations of vitamins. This is why it is wise not to

throw away the outer and greener parts of leafy vegetables. And those fruits and

vegetables whose outer coverings can be eaten need only to be carefully

washed rather than peeled. Examples are apples, sugar apples, potatoes, etc.7

SOLAR VITAMIN
Have you seen children affected by the disease called rickets? This is a

disease marked by malformation of bones, commonly noticed in bowlegged

children. If only their mothers realized that a few minutes of exposing their

babies to morning sunshine everyday would prevent their children from getting

this disease!

When sunlight strikes our skin, its ultraviolet rays act on fat deposits beneath

our skin and Vitamin D is produced. Yes, Vitamin D can be bought from drug

stores, but God provides this Vitamin for free in abundance everyday. Exposing
ourselves to sunlight for even fifteen minutes would provide more than enough

Vitamin D for our daily requirement.8

Increased Vitamin D in our system also increases the absorption of calcium

and phosphorus which are needed for our bone development and protects us

from developing bone diseases.9

GERMS, VIRUSES AND MOLDS

Experiments with bacteria that were grown in petri dish showed that when

the other half was exposed to sunlight, the bacteria exposed died while the other
shaded half continued to grow in number. 10 This simply means that without

exposure to sunlight germs, viruses and molds would grow and multiply, causing

disease and death. Most bacteria exposed to direct sunlight are killed within two

hours. Thus sunlight is found useful in the treatment of serious diseases like

tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other infections.11

This is the reason why it is advisable to welcome sunlight as often as you

can into your room. Clear out obstacles that hinder its flow. Expose your

beddings and other articles to the sun's ultraviolet rays and you will free yourself
from much troubles

OTHER HEALTH BENEFITS

Scientific studies show that exposure to sunlight could lower the cholesterol

level of the blood12 and helps in equalizing blood pressure.13 Sunlight was also

proven to lower down the blood sugar level by converting blood sugar or glucose

into stored sugar or glycogen.14 This helps in preventing the onset of diabetes.

Sunlight, during exercise in the open air, is also found to increase the

blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to the tissues so that more oxygen is being

delivered to the muscles.15 Its soothing heat increases circulation, removes

wastes, and helps tense muscles to relax. And its infrared rays are good for

various aches and pains.16

Here is what Dr. J. De Witt Fox says about the advantages of sunlight, in his

book The Doctor Prescribes:

All this is yours when you but take time to let the sun shower its radiant
energy upon your body and soul:
1. New energy. Vitamin D is made when the health-giving ultraviolet rays strike
the oils in your skin.
2. Increased circulation to the skin, especially the face; this in turn flushes out
the impurities from vital internal organs--liver, lungs, kidneys, stomach.
4. Soothing relaxation, which aids in repair of broken-down body cells.
 5. That wonderful feeling of well-being that comes when time is taken to
meditate on God's goodness and enjoy His free gifts.17

E. G. White, a noted health authority advises:

The pure air, the glad sunshine, the flowers and trees, the orchards and
vineyards, and outdoor exercise amid these surroundings are health-giving, life-
giving.18

No room is fit to be occupied as sleeping room unless it can be thrown open

daily to the air and sunshine.19

Exercise, and free and abundant use of the air and sunlight.... would give life
and strength to the emaciated invalid.20

Go out into the light and warmth of glorious sun, you pale and sickly ones, and
share with vegetation its life-giving, health-dealing power.21

PRECAUTION ON OVEREXPOSURE
Overexposure to sunlight specially at midday could cause severe burns on

the skin and could cause skin cancer. Even on overcast or cloudy days, the

ultraviolet rays which is invisible to the naked eye could penetrate through the

clouds and burn the skin. This is more dangerous on the beaches where the

ultraviolet rays are reflected on the water and on higher elevations where less

atmosphere could filter out the sun’s rays. You do not feel the heat, but burning

of the skin occurs. This is why astronauts use special insulated clothing in

space.22

Use protective coverings for your skin. The greatest risk for sunburn is

between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Light skinned individuals are more susceptible

to sunburn than those of darker complexion. Sun lotions and creams could help

block ultraviolet rays and help prevent sunburn.23

SUNLIGHT FOR LONGER LIFE SPAN

 Have you ever thought that sunlight has an effect on man's life expectancy?

Well, an observation was made with the Hunzakuts--a tribe of people in the

Himalayas who are considered the healthiest and longest-living people on earth.

This is what Don Hawley wrote in his book, Come Alive!

Earlier we mentioned the healthy Hunzakuts who remain vigorous even though
advanced in years. Interestingly enough, their near neighbors to the south are
not nearly so robust. The explanation seems to be that even in wintertime
Hunza still gets ample sunshine, while in neighboring Nagir the mountains are
situated so as to cut off most of the sun's rays. Some portions of Nagir receive
no more than twenty minutes of sunshine during the shortest days of the year. 24

If physical sunlight is a must for health and life, how much more do we need

the Creator of light, the "True Light," our God and Saviour! John, one of Christ’s

disciples, wrote about Him:

"All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that
was made... In him was life; and the life was the light of men. " “He is the True
Light which lights every man that comes into the world." (John 1:3, 4, 9).

Jesus Himself said:

"I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but
shall have the light of life." (John 8:12).

___________________________

REFERENCES

1. Eerdman's Handbook to The Word's Religions. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B.

Eerdmans' Pub. Co., 1982.
2. Strahler, A. N. Physcal Geography. NY: John Willey and Sons, Inc., 1969, p. 127.
3. Newstart Manual. Manila: Health Dept. SSD of SDAs, 1999, p. 139.
4. Ibid.
5. Ott, John. My Ivory Cellar: The Story of time-lapse photography. Winnetka, IL: John
Ott Pictures, Inc., 1958, pp. 92, 93.
6. U.S. Dep't. of Agriculture. “Factors affecting nutritive value of foods”, Miscellaneous
Publications, No. 664, 1948, p. 9.
7. Foster, Vernon W. New Start!, Sta Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Pub. Co., 1988,
p. 36.
8. Ibid., p. 35.
9. Ibid., p. 35.
10. Lidwell, O. M. and E. J. Lowbury. "The survival of bacteria in dust." J. of Hyg., 48:6,
1960.
11. Foster, Vernon W. Ibid., p. 37.
12. Ibid., pp. 37-42.
13. Ibid.
14. Fox, J. De Witt. The Doctor Prescribes. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn.,
1975, p. 26.
15. White, E. G. Ministry of Healing. Assn., Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub., 1974, p.
264.
16. Ibid. p. 275.
17. White, E. G. Testimonies Vol. 2. Tacoma Park, Wash.., D.C.: R & H Pub. Assn.,
1942, p. 531.
18. White, E. G. Healthful Living. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1950, p. 230.
19, Willis, I. "Sunlight and the Skin," Journal of American Medical Asso., 1971,
217:1088.
20. Sunlight. (A slide program). Box 922, Loma Linda, CA: Professional Health Media
Services, 1982, p. 7-8.
21. Hawley, Don, Come Alive! Wash. D.C.: R & H P Asso., p. 50.
 A SAGE IN ANCIENT CHINA
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

There is an old Chinese legend that goes like this: Once there was an old

man in ancient China who lived on a farm with his grandson who was then

already a young man. They were not affluent and could afford to own only one

horse--to work the farm and for transportation.

One morning they woke up to find their horse gone. Somebody might have

stolen it, or it might have escaped to freedom in a far place. The villagers helped

in searching for the animal, but there was no trace of it.

A neighbor who sympathized tried to comfort the old man by saying: "I

sympathize with your bad luck, Sir." Whereas the old man turned to him with a

grin and said: "Why did you say it’s bad luck. It could be good luck!" The

puzzled neighbor went back to his house in silence.

A week later, to the neighbor's astonishment and to the delight of the

villagers, the old man's horse came back, and with her was a handsome male

horse. The delighted neighbor approached the old man and remarked: "Sir,

you're right. It's really good luck!" Howbeit to his further amazement, the old

man replied, "Don't be so sure. It could be bad luck!" The neighbor thought the

old man was crazy and went home. The grandson, ecstatic with the newly

arrived horse, enthusiastically rode it. But the stallion proved to be wild and

jumped about wildly so that the young man was thrown and broke his arm. The

neighbor, watching from his window, was not able to hold himself. He went to
the old man and confessed: "You're really wise, it's bad luck, indeed!" But

again the old man turned to him and said: "It could be good luck."

The neighbor turned toward his home vowing not to talk to the old man

again. He felt he would go crazy. But a few days later the emperor, because of

an outbreak of war, declared that all able-bodied men be recruited to the army.

The young man whose arm was broken was spared. The neighbor was sent to

war and was not able to see and talk to the old man again because he was killed

in battle.

POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDE

There's a text in the Bible that says, "All things work together for good, to

them that love God" (Rom. 8:28). I believe this text is much better than the old

man's motto, although I agree that there's truth in what he said. But this text is

very positive: "All things will be a fortune for those who trust or love God." This

means that whatever joys or difficulty or any experience a person who loves God

encounters--be it pleasant or bitter--the ultimate outcome is for his good, for his

advantage, for his well-being.

Isn't that encouraging! Those who are trusting God today, and those who
trusted Him before, all testify that this Bible truth never fails. This truth made

Christians surmount life's ordeals through the centuries, and they were happy to

sacrifice everything for the sake of truth. This optimistic principle has also played

a vital and remarkable role in the lives of many people for the attainment of good

health.

THE MIND AND THE STOMACH

Dr. McFarland, in his book Better Living, relates this story: Some years ago

a child swallowed some food so hot that it scalded his gullet and closed the tube

to his stomach. Physicians made a new opening, and the child lived in spite of
the inconvenience of having to be fed, not through his mouth, but through the

new opening on his abdomen.

Physicians said this was an opportunity to study stomach function by peering

through this artificial opening. When this child reached adulthood he became a

laboratory worker. He also became the subject of some fascinating experiments

on gastric function.

One day this man became angry during an experiment and immediately the

doctors observed that his stomach became very active, pouring out large
quantities of acid juices, even changing its color to a deep red corresponding to

the flushed and red face the young man now had. In fact, so engorged did the

little blood vessels of the stomach become that some of them actually burst, and

little pinpoint hemorrhages appeared. But that was not the only interesting effect.

It was also noted that when the man was depressed, sad, or fearful, his mental

state was again reflected in his stomach. There was less blood flow, less gastric

juice, and the movements of the stomach was slower.

Besides, let me point out that the sequence of these conditions, such as

increased stomach acidity, the small hemorrhages in the stomach lining, and

stomach activity, is a group of events that can lead the small hemorrhages to

become eroded; and the high acid helps to eat out a small crater. This is one

way in which ulcer of the stomach develops.

When Tom--for that was the man's name--was happy and enjoying his work,

the stomach assumed its normal color, the blood flowing it was normal, and the

amount of gastric juice secreted was just right. These scientific observations

support the belief that the stomach is closely related to the mind and to the

emotions. If such negative emotions could have adverse effects in the stomach,

is it not possible that adverse effects could also happen to other body organs or

the whole body physiologically?1

 NEGATIVE ATTITUDES AND EMOTIONS
Dr. McMillen in his book, None of These Diseases, listed down no less than

forty major illnesses that humans suffer from, the source of which is the mind.

He explained that “the emotional center in the brain produces widespread

changes by means of principal mechanisms--by changing the amount of blood

flowing to an organ; by affecting the secretion of certain glands; and by changing

the tension of the muscles.” He emphasized that modern science has traced

them all--from the change in the chemistry of the saliva, the change in pulse rate
and heartbeat, the change in body temperature, the response of the sweat

glands, muscles, hair follicles, etc. Indeed, he said, “we can think our way to

disease.”2

Ruth J. Buntain, in her book, Help for Troubled Minds, says that

pyschosomatic studies indicate that mental tensions are the most important

stressors that alter the delicate balance of our nervous system. They break

down and destroy the vital powers and lay the foundation for such illness as

gastric ulcers, migraine headaches, arthritis, hypertension, some cases of

allergies, many instances of colitis, insanity, and suicide.3

According to Science Digest, May 1974, approximately 23,000 persons

commit suicide annually, and most psychiatrists regard depression as the largest

single factor of death from this cause.

It was also observed that persons with anxious, apprehensive states of mind

are more vulnerable to accidents and injuries than those whose minds are

untroubled, for mental tensions interfere with mental processes. They slow

reaction time significantly and make it more difficult to be alert to danger. They

make people forgetful and inefficient and kept from concentrating on what they

are doing and interfere with their judgment and accuracy.4

 FEAR, WORRY, GRIEF, ANGER, AND OTHER
NEGATIVE THOUGHTS
An ancient legend says that Cholera went riding on his camel one day. He

met a curious Bedouin who asked him where he was going.

“I am going to Baghdad to kill 20,000 people,” Cholera replied.

Later, the two met again. The Bedouin scolded Cholera. “You didn’t tell me

the truth. Not 20,000 died in Baghdad, but 100,000.”

“I told the truth,” Cholera answered. “I killed 20,000. Fear killed the rest.”

This illustration tells us the truth about fear. Dr. William S. Sadler states that
the fear of certain diseases will sometimes actually produce physical symptoms

of the disease. He tells about a woman who died because of a cancer that she

never had. She thought that she had cancer, and so she died of the disease,

although there were no indications that she had it.5

Dr. O. S. Marden tells of the story of a black soldier who was hit by a bullet

on his chest. He was carried half dead to the operating room. When the doctor

removed the soldier’s clothes, the bullet fell down to the floor. It had hit the metal

button on his uniform and was blocked from entering his body. No sooner than

the soldier heard about it that he regained his consciousness and hurriedly stood

up and walked.6

We were told that Napoleon Bonapart, while visiting his soldiers who

succumbed to the epidemic of smallpox, declared, “Only the fearless can

conquer this disease.” Napoleon maintained his health while many of his

soldiers died from the disease.7

We are often told that “nothing good comes out of worry” and that it has

killed multitudes. Sadness and grief also have similar effects. Dr. O. S. Marden

tells the story of a mother whose only soldier son died in battle. As soon as she

read the letter, her hairs quickly became gray. This is also true to widows after
their husbands died. They lost their zest for living and soon followed their loved

ones to the grave.8

Anger, jealousy, harboring grudges, and the spirit of revenge, obviously are

causing us untold problems personally. Our blood pressure shoots up, our

muscles tighten, our nerves become tense, our appetite subsides, sleep eludes

us, and in severe cases heart attack or stroke could immediately kill us.

No wonder Jesus often said: “Fear not.” “Do not worry or be anxious.”

“Cheer up.” “Love your enemies.” “Forgive.” He is actually rehearsing those

indispensable truths and laws of life which if we will follow we will have better

health.

Again the Bible says, “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a sad

spirit dries the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). The truth of these words was proven in

the remarkable story of Norman Cousins--a prominent author and writer in the

U.S.A. Vandeman relates the story of how Cousins contracted a terrible disease

that put him on megadoses of drug medications to ease his pain and augment

his fast ebbing life. Knowing his case was hopeless, he decided to abandon all

his drugs, just take some vitamins and watch funny films to forget his aches and

pains. After a few days of laughter and happy thinking, doctors found incredible

improvements in his condition and some time afterwards pronounced him

completely cured. His experience led to the establishment of laughing rooms in

many hospitals in the U.S.A. which are now proving to be in aiding beneficial in

treating disease.9

TRUSTING GOD
Story after story can be cited regarding men and women who were able to

rise from their deathbed to renewed vigor and strength by entrusting their lives in

God’s hands. Other famous examples are John D. Rockefeller and J. C. Penny,
who, though rich and influential, became very sick to the point of death. After

realizing that their riches could not save them nor make them happy or even give

them hope, they finally turned to God for forgiveness and entrusted Him

everything. Soon after, they had peace of mind and inner joy that health was

restored to them completely, and they lived many more years to bless many

people.

We cannot have good health without having good thoughts. We cannot

have physical health while we harbor thoughts of fear, hate, resentment,

jealousy, selfishness, or worry. These conditions produce tensions. The result is

frustration, a sense of dissatisfaction, loneliness, and emptiness in life.

The Remedy
Dr. McFarland says:
In all books of medicine, we can't find a prescription for tablets which reads,
'Take these for hatred, fear, and worry.' These are conditions for which we find
no tonic in the chemistry laboratory. There is no magic medicine or injection that
will internalize meanness, selfishness, and grouchiness. Doctors have no serum
for such destroyers of mental peace such as despondency, uncertainty, or
anger. And yet, if these are allowed to continue, they can cause severe illness.
There is a remedy, though, and that is when man discovers his God. The
great laws that govern the mind and bring peace and calm assurance are found
in His Book, the Bible. Here is found the remedy for selfish and warped lives.
Here only can one find a balm that will satisfy the heart longings and bring peace
and tranquility where once was restlessness and anxiety....10

Many dwell upon their mistakes, failures and disappointments, and their

hearts are filled with grief and discouragement. Take your troubles, your doubts,

your worries, and your fears to God in prayer. Try God. He promised to help.

"He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). He said: "Come to me all of you who labor and

are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28). Then you will be able to

say with those who have tried Him: "I can do all things through Christ which

strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:l3).

 Here are some good counsels from a prominent health educator, E. G.

White:

Our Heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know
nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God
supreme will find perplexities vanish, and a plain path before their feet.11

A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the
soul. Nothing is so fruitful a cause of disease as depression, gloominess, and
sadness.12

Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does the spirit
of gratitude and praise.13

Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care,--these are

health's greatest safeguard.14

_____________________

REFERENCES
1. McFarland, J. W.. Better Living. Washington, D.C.: R & H Pub. Asso., 1986, p. 62,
63.
2. McMillen, None of These Diseases, p. 61
3. Buntain, R. J. Help for Troubled Minds. Washington, D.C.: R & H Pub. Asso., 1986,
p. 8.
4. Ibid., p. 8, 9.
5. Ibid., p. 24.
6. Marden, M. S. Peace, Power and Plenty. NY: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 1909, p.
252.
7. Ibid., p. 254.
8. Ibid., p. 98.
9. McFarland, J. Wayne. Better Living. Washington, D.C.: R & H Pub. Asso., 1986, p.
63.
10. E. G. White. Ministry of Healing. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1974, p.
481.
11. E. G. White, Healthful Living. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1974, p. 65.
12. Ibid., p. 251.
13. Ibid., p. 246.
 COMBAT WITH A WILD BOAR
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

Don Hawley, the author of Come Alive! relates a personal experience that is

much related to our topic.1

Some years ago he visited the island of Espiritu Santo in the South Pacific.
One day he made a solo adventure in the jungle. It was altogether a pleasant

experience until he heard something moving through the underbrush, cutting

across his path at a 45-degree angle. It proved to be a large wild boar, sporting

a wicked-looking set of tusks. He was aware of this creature’s notorious

explosive temper and of what his sharp tusks can do to a hapless victim. Clearly,

this was a serious confrontation.

Under this tense situation certain bodily functions went into emergency gear

in order to enable him to deal with the impending crisis. His adrenal glands,

having received an alarm signal from his brain, began pumping adrenalin into his

system to sharpen mental and physical faculties for either fight or flight.

Although his hand had automatically gone to the handle of his sheath knife,

a hand-to-hoof contest would have been hopelessly one-sided. An attempt to

retreat through the thick underbrush didn’t appear to be a good option, either.

Making like a rabbit, he did what seemed natural at the moment: he froze.

Fortunately, the wind was in his favor, and the beast trotted on by without

ever suspecting it had company.

He was relieved and grateful after realizing he was out of danger, but he had

the feeling of weakness and exhaustion as he walked home.

 FATIGUE, TENSION, AND ANXIETY
Often we are in this situation. We experience weariness and fatigue after a

stressful situation--at times from fear, worry or hard work. We feel we need to

rest to regain our strength and energy. When stress or tension or fatigue is too

prolonged and severe, it often leads to disease and sometimes death.2

We are told that stress is the “wear and tear of life.” Each time we do

something or feel something, how our body system responds to stress has a

great deal to do with the length and quality of our lives.3

We need to learn how to cope and manage stressful situations, how to relax

the mind and body, how to respond positively, how to be courageous, how to be

hopeful, or we would be in bad shape.

TWO TYPES OF FATIGUE (4)

There are two kinds of fatigue. They are called “hypotonic fatigue” and

“hypertonic fatigue.”

A. “Hypotonic fatigue”—This fatigue is due to weariness because of

physical exertion where the body strength or energy is utilized. Examples of

those who experience this kind of fatigue are the common laborer, construction
workers, farmers, carpenters, mechanics, etc. After a whole day’s work they are

tired, worn out physically, sleep soundly, and wake up after sleep refreshed

again

B. “Hypertonic fatigue”—This fatigue is due to long hours of mental labor

like those of office workers, of students before and during examination, of

watching exciting shows, and the like. The muscles are tensed, being continually

excited by the brain. When evening comes the person is fatigued but could not

relax. Too much energy is expended, much body wastes are accumulated, but
the organs and the body systems are not properly utilized. The result is

prolonged tension that leads to disease.4

RELAXATION, REST AND SLEEP

Natural Law
Natural law tells us that we should rest after tiresome labor. During rest, the

energy expended are recharged and restored to normal, just like batteries that

need to be recharged after being exhausted to be efficiently used again.

During World War II

The significance of rest as part of our existence was shown in an experiment

during World War II. Hitler attempted to finally take Great Britain. Almost all

Europe had fallen into his hands, and now it was time to conquer the English

people. Every day German planes rained down bombs to destroy the major

cities and the defenses of England. The manufacturing of airplanes became

England’s priority to defend the country.

In one of the airplane manufacturing plants this was what happened.

Workers, because of the necessity, were scheduled to work double time to reach

74 hours per week. But after some time, because of sickness and absenteeism,

the management decided to decrease ten hours from the required working time.

They were surprised that the production remained at the same level as when

they had been working 74 hours per week because of less waste and mistakes.

After a few weeks they decided again to lower another10 hours from the

required working time--74 -10 -10 = 54 hours of work each week. And guess

what happened? Their work output reached 15%. The workers’ morale was

restored, and there was less waste, less absenteeism, less mistakes and

accidents.5

In a U.S. Factory
 During these times another experiment was done in the US. In a big factory,

the manager released a ruling that every 10:00 a.m. and every 3:00 p.m. each

worker would rest for ten minutes. Each worker was given a piece of paper their

size on which to lie on and for ten minutes they have to take a short nap or rest. 6

This short period of rest was found to be very beneficial to both the company

and the workers themselves. More jobs were accomplished, the work was more

efficient, there was less waste and accidents, the workers’ morale was high,

and of course the company earned more profits.

Fighter Plane Pilots

It was found that pilots of U.S. fighter planes who lack sufficient rest or sleep

have more chances of committing mistakes in their operation. 7 Whereas when

rest and sleep was sufficient, high levels of performance was clearly observed.

In this job where precision and optimum concentration are crucial and where

lives are at stake, they were very careful that the needed rest and sleep were

regularly taken.

We may not be fighter plane pilots, but you will agree with me that we all

need to do our work with a high level of efficiency to succeed in life. If this is so,
then our rest periods should not be taken for granted, like many of us do. And

then we wonder why we commit mistakes, why we lose our temper, why we fail

to accomplish what we should for the day. Check it out. I suggest you

investigate your rest schedule. Maybe you have too much of it.. Or maybe you

do not have enough.

Types of Rest for Each Type of Fatigue

For “hypotonic fatigue”, that fatigue caused by manual or muscular exertion,

rest and sleep are the best remedies.

 For “hypertonic fatigue”, the fatigue that is due to mental labor or emotional

stress, one needs moderate physical exercise like walking, jogging, biking, and

other exercises. A warm shower before retiring at night could be of great benefit,

as is listening to soothing music in a peaceful atmosphere; filling the mind with

lovely and peaceful thoughts could provide the needed rest. Avoid watching TV,

going to midnight parties and shows, taking drugs or any form of stimulants like

coffee, tea, and cola drinks. Read from the Bible and rest your cares in the

hands of the Almighty--these could greatly help in obtaining rest to body and
soul.

RESTING AMIDST NATURE

The beauty of nature is proven to be effective therapy for fatigued or

diseased mind and body. Trees, forests, mountains, hills, seas, rivers, lakes,

waterfalls, birds, animals, the glad sunshine--these all promote life and health to

humans. Simply because we are part of nature, we get sick and die if we

separate from it.

Those in crowded urban areas amid artificial and unnatural surroundings

need to go out to the countryside as often as they can to be in contact with

nature. High concentrations of “negative ions” in natural surroundings have been

found to be potent medicines for stress and fatigue. Conversely, the busy, rapid

pace, and artificial way of living in the cities are proven to be major factors for

developing diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes,

arthritis and other degenerative diseases that shorten life.8

THE POWER OF SLEEP

Sleep is called “the great rejuvenator” because during this time our

expended energies are restored and conserved. Our body tissues are also

repaired during sleep and those tissues that need to grow are given the chance
to grow. Rest without sleep is not enough because sleep produces a high level

of rejuvenation.9

Sleep is deepest during the second and third hours, then becomes lighter

until waking up. During sleep there is no consciousness, the pulse rate slows

down, the blood pressure goes down, and breathing becomes slow and deep.

Sleeping at night is found to be more beneficial than at daytime. The room

needs to be quiet and the lights dim or out. A short nap during the day is also

proven to be relaxing; however, a long nap specially late in the afternoon could
rob you of sleep the coming evening.10

Adults need at least 6-8 hours of sleep, while the young ones need more.

Children six to eight years of age need about 12 hours, while young people age

13-15 need about 9-10 hours of sleep every day.11

Regularity should be observed or there is danger of having the disorder

called “insomnia” wherein sleep is the most coveted commodity. An empty

stomach and mild exercise promotes restful sleep, whereas a full stomach and

heavy exercise before sleeping could rob you of needed rest.

The saying, “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy and wise”

has a lot of wisdom in it. This was proven in the lives of many successful people.

This is also proven to add more years to human life-span. The Hunzakuts of the

Himalayas who are found to live healthy lives up to a hundred years or more,

have the habit of sleeping as soon the sun goes down, and wake up before the

sun is up in the morning. Their habit was established because of necessity since

there is no electricity in their area and no available gas to fuel lamps at night. 12

Our modern way of living, our sophisticated appliances, our midnight parties

and our nighttime activities which are often time-wasting, are some of the major

causes of our modern health problems. Changing our lifestyle could drastically

improve the quality of our existence.

 THE WEEKLY REST
God commanded humans to rest one day a week for their own benefit. This

law was given after human beings were created (Genesis 3:1-3) and was written

in the Ten Commandments so that humans would not forget it (Exodus 20:8-11).

Trangressing this law would bring problems physically and spiritually.

During the French Revolution, atheist leaders in France changed the seven-

day weekly cycle to a ten-day cycle and imposed rest on the tenth day. After

some time, everyone including animals were complaining and not a few were
getting sick. They could not stand it or endure it. They all complained until finally

the seven-day weekly cycle was restored. God was proven to be wiser than

humans, and following His established rules would mean health, peace, and

happiness.13

Some research show that we human beings have seven-day biorhythm, so

that when we force ourselves to continue working without resting once a week

we would reap ill-health sooner or later.14

God designed that men and women should lay down their work and spend a

day each week communing with their Creator. Because we are also spiritual

beings, our spiritual and emotional needs should also be supplied and revitalized.
By worshipping God and fellowshipping with one another, we develop faith,

confidence, hope, and love which promote health. Faith and trust in God coupled

with a sense of having helped someone bring inner joy and peace to our soul and

health to our body.

REST FOR MIND AND SPIRIT

Worry, fear, and anxiety would not benefit anyone, instead they bring evil

and disease. The Bible admonishes, “Cast all your cares upon Him, for He
cares for you” (1Pet. 5:7). Jesus said, “Come to me all of you who are tired and

who have heavy burdens and I will give you rest” (Mat. 11:28). Again He said:

“Fear not, for I am with you, do not be discouraged, for I am your God, I will

strengthen you, I will help you, yes, I will guide you by the right hand of my

righteousness” (Isaiah 40:10).

_____________________

REFERENCES

1. Hawley, Don. Come Alive! Washington, D.C.: R & H Pub. Asso., 1975, p. 17.
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid., pp. 18,19.
4. "I’m Tired." A slide program produced by the Professional Health Media Services,
Box 922, Loma Linda, CA, 1980, pp. 4-T to 6-T.
5. Ibid., p. 7-T.
6. Ibid., p. 9-T.
7. Ibid., p. 10-T.
8. Foster, Vernon W. New Start! Sta. Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press Pub. Co.,
1988, p. 50, 51.
9. White, E. G. Ministry of Healing. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Asso., 1942, p.
261-268.
10. Vandeman, George E. Papa, Are You Going to Die? Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press
Pub. Asso., 1970, p. 67, 68.
11. Hayter, J. "The Rhythm of Sleep." American Journal of Nursing, 1980, 8: 457-461.
12. Ibid.
13. Foster, Vernon W. Op. cit., p. 60.
14. Vandeman, George E. Papa, Are You Going to Die? Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press
Pub. Asso., 1970, p. 53.
15. “French Republican Calendar.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 1961 ed., Vol. 9, pp. 804,
803.
16. Hayter, J. Op. cit.
 THE TROJAN HORSE SYNDROME
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

Homer’s epic Iliad and Oddessy tells of the war between Greece and Troy

because of a beautiful girl named Helen. The Greeks with a thousand ships

landed on the Trojan soil and waged war against the Trojans for ten years

without success. Finally, one day the Trojans found our their ships have gone

and on the shore was a huge wooden monument of a Trojan horse. Assuming

that the Greeks finally have abondoned them, they celebrated a feast that night

and brought the image of the Trojan horse inside their city. That night after

everyone has gone to bed and were too drunk, soldiers came down from a secret

door from the wooden horse and opened the gate for the Greecian soldiers who

were just hiding from afar. That night Troy fell from the hands of the Greeks.

The Trojans were deceived by the Trojan horse.

Today, many people in the world are also dying and are sick because of a

great deception. They are having what we can call the “Trojan horse syndrome.”

Alcoholic drinks such as wine, liquor, ale, etc., are claimed the world over by

millions of its supporters to be the great friend of man, “the cheerer of the lonely,

the encourager of the depressed, the strengthener of the weary, the pacifier of

troubles, the refuge from all that is difficult, disagreeable and arduous.” They are

employed to celebrate occasions, to engender sociability, and in many parts of

the world to increase the fervor in religious ceremonies.

Their advertisements promise strength, vitality, happiness, beauty, and

success. But with today’s accumulation of scientific information, social, religious,

and economic reports... can modern man still be misled with the facts?1

WHAT IS ALCOHOL?
 The dictionary defines alcohol as “a colorless, volatile, inflammable liquid

C2H5OH, which is the intoxicating principle in fermented and distilled liquors,

also called ethyl alcohol and ethanol.”2

Alcohol is Poison
How is ethyl alcohol classified? According to The Pharmacological Basis of

Therapeutics, “ethyl alcohol, from almost every standpoint must be regarded as

the most important poison with which medical men and jurists have to deal; no

other poison causes so many deaths or lead to, or intensifies, so many diseases,
both physical and mental, as does alcohol in the various forms in which it is

taken.”3

According to the State of Utah Department of Public Information, “Alcohol is

a nerve poison.... Alcohol causes brain injury, alcoholic hallucinosis, delirium

tremens, and other forms of alcoholic insanity.”4

Dr. Lindsay R. Curtis said, “Any drink of an alcoholic beverage damages

your brain permanently. And brain cell destruction accumulates with every drink

you take thereafter at any time or place.”5

Not only does the brain suffer progressive destruction from alcohol, but the

entire body becomes affected. Alcohol has a poisonous effect on the lungs,
disturbs the metabolism of the heart, and within a period of twenty-four months

can cause irreversible damage to the heart muscle. It reduces the production of

white and red blood cells in the bone morrow, causes inflammation of nerves,

lowers the body’s resistance to disease, brings on premature senility,

degenerates the sex glands, inflames the pancreas, transforms healthy liver

tissue into scar tissue called cirrhosis of the liver, and is responsible for

numerous ailments which all tend to shorten the life-span of the imbiber.6
 Beverage alcohol is also one of the greatest causes of nutritional deficiency

with beri-beri and pellagra as the most common nutritional diseases. It also

opens an easy way for contacting tuberculosis and pneumonia. As a narcotic,

alcohol causes addiction, while venereal disease is found to be very much linked

with alcoholism.7

The State of Utah Department of Public Information also warns that “Mothers

who drink take the risk of giving birth to deformed babies.”8

ALCOHOL’S TRIP THROUGH THE BODY

Let’s try to follow the path of alcohol as it is introduced into the body system.

In the mouth and esophagus, alcohol is an irritant to the delicate linings of the

throat and food pipe. It burns as it goes down.9

A. In the stomach and intestines:

Alcohol has an irritating effect on the stomach’s protective lining, resulting in

gastric or duodenal ulcers. This condition, if it becomes acute, can cause

peritonitis, or perforation of the stomach wall. In the small intestine alcohol

blocks absorption of such substances as thiamine, folic acid, xylose, fat, Vitamin

B1, Vitamin B12, and amino acids.

B. In the blood stream:

Ninety-five percent of alcohol taken in the body is absorbed into the

bloodstream through the lining of the stomach and duodenum. Once in the

bloodstream, alcohol quickly goes to every cell and tissue in the body. Alcohol

causes the red blood cells to clump together in sticky wads, slowing circulation

and depriving tissues of oxygen. It also causes anemia by reducing the

production of red blood cells. Alcohol slows the ability of white cells to engulf and

destroy bacteria and degenerates the clotting ability of blood platelets.

C. In the Pancreas:

Alcohol irritates the cells of the pancreas, causing them to swell and thus

block the flow of digestive enzymes. The chemicals, unable to enter the small

intestine, begin to digest the pancreas, leading to acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

One out of five patients who develop this disease dies during the first attack.

Pancreatitis can destroy the pancreas and create a lack of insulin, thus resulting

in diabetes.

D. In the Brain:

The most dramatic and noticeable effect of alcohol is in the brain. It

depresses the brain centers, producing progressive incoordination, confusion,

disorientation, stupor, anesthesia, coma, and death. Alcohol kills brain cells, and

any brain damage is permanent. The brain cannot grow new cells. Drinking over

a period of time causes loss of memory, judgment, and learning ability.

E. In the sex glands:

Swelling of the prostate gland caused by alcohol interferes with the ability of

the male to perform sexually.

F. In the bladder and kidneys:

Alcohol inflames the lining of the urinary bladder, making it unable to stretch

properly. In the kidneys alcohol causes an increased loss of fluids through its

irritating effect.

G. In the heart:

Alcohol causes inflammation of the heart and damage of the heart muscles.

It has a toxic effect on the heart causing increased amounts of fat to collect, thus
disrupting its normal metabolism. Cardiac arrest may happen when blood

alcohol reaches high levels.

H. In the liver:

Alcohol inflames the cells of the liver, causing them to swell and block the

tiny canal to the small intestines. This prevents the bile from being filtered

properly through the liver. Jaundice develops, turning the whites of the eyes and

the skin yellow. Each drink of alcohol increases the number of liver cells

destroyed, eventually causing cirrhosis of the liver. This disease is eight times

more frequent among alcoholics than among non-alcoholics.

OTHER DANGERS CAUSED BY ALCOHOL DRINKING

1. Deaths

Alcohol is a killer. Alcohol is responsible for at least 80,000 deaths a year in

the U. S. alone. The life-span of the average alcoholic is between 10-12 years

shorter than average.10

2. Suicides

Statistics show that “one in every three suicides involves an alcoholic.”11

3. Accidents

According to the U. S. National Council of Alcoholism, Inc., “Over 50% of

auto accidents are caused by drinking drivers.”12

In the Philippines, 65% of road accidents are “the faults of drivers, a majority

of whom were either drunk or sleepy.”13

4. Crimes
 The World Health Organization reports that “more than 95% of all short term

prisoners serve time because of alcohol,”14 and that “5.5 million annual arrests

relate in one way or another to alcohol consumption.” 15 Furthermore, “over 75%

of all crimes are associated with drinking alcohol.”16

5. Mental Disability

“About 75% of the chronic alcoholics” in the mental hospitals “have

irreversible brain damage that renders them completely helpless for the rest of

their lives.”17

7. Economic Loss

The problem of alcoholism alone “costs the U. S. more than $100 million per

year. To this may be added $10 billion for losses suffered by the nation’s

employers because of low productivity, absenteeism, and tardiness caused by

alcoholics.”18

8. Broken Homes

Concerning the social effects of drinking alcohol, Dr. James P. Wesberry

remarked that “Drinking has broken up more homes, snapped more wedding
rings, broken more hearts, humiliated more loved ones than anything in the

world.”

9. Effect on morals

Regarding the effect of alcohol drinking to one’s morals, Dr. Milton Rosenau

said,

“When a man drinks enough to dull the higher center of intelligence, he loses
9
self-control and judgment and descends toward the level of animal behaviour.”1
 Alcohol “takes off the brake of restraint, and sets free the lower animal

passions.”20

Robert Ingersoll, the famous thinker wrote about alcohol:

It cuts down youth in its vigor, manhood in its strength, old age in its
weakness. It produces weakness not strength, sickness not health, death not
life. It makes wives widows, children orphans, fathers fiends, and all of them
paupers and beggars.... It fills the jails, supplies almshouses, and demands
asylums. It engenders controversies, fosters quarrels, cherishes riots. It crowds
penitentiaries and furnishes victims for scaffolds. It is the lifeblood of the
gamblers, the element of the burglar, the prop of the highwaymen, the support of
the midnight incendiary.... It curses the world and laughs at the ruin. It murders
the soul. It is the sum of all villainies, the father of all crimes, the mother of all
abominations. It is the devil’s best friend and God’s worst enemy.

The Bible says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is

deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1). 1Corinthians 6:10 says: “No

drunkards... will possess the kingdom of God.”

_____________________

REFERENCES

1. Hardinge, M. G. et. al. Health Talks on Fundamentals of Health. Loma Linda, CA:
Loma Linda University, 1943, p. 131.
2. Webster’s Dictionary.
3. Goodman, Louis and Alfred Galman. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, p.
116.
4. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. State of Utah Department of Public Information,
p. 26.
5. Curtis, Lindsay R. Alcohol, Your Blood and Your Brain, p. 29.
6. Noorbergen, Rene. Programmed to [Link]. View, CA: PPPA, 1975, 65.
7. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. State of Utah Department of Public Information,
p. 19.
8. Science Digest, Dec. 1973, p. 35.
9. Pathways to Health, Lesson 8. pp. 4, 5.
10. Noorbergen, Rene. Programmed to Live. Mt. View, CA: PPPA, 1975, p. 61.
11. Ibid., p. 65.
12. U.S. National Council on Alcoholism, Inc.
13. Marvels of Life. Manila: North Phil. Union Mission of SDA, p. 85.
14. World Health Magazine. World Health Organization, June 1979, p. 20.
15. Marvels of Life. Manila: North Phil. Union Mission of SDA, p. 84.
16. U.S. National Council on Alcoholism, Inc.
17. Curtis, Lindsay R. Alcohol, Your Blood and Your Brain, p. 29.
18. Noorbergen, Rene. Programmed to Live. Mt. View, CA: PPPA, 1975, p. 61.
19. Rosenau, Milton J. Preventive Medicine and Hygiene. p. 575.
20. Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. State of Utah Department of Public
Information, p. 19.

Other References:

Duncan, David & Robert Gold. Drugs and the Whole Person. NY: Macmillan Pub. Co.,
1985.
Forag, Saleem. “The Tobacco Industry’s Global Strategy.” Wash. D.C.: Adventist
Review, June 28, 1999.
Grant, Marcus. Responding to Drug & Alcohol Problems in the Community (A manual
for Primary Health Care Workers with Guidelines for Trainers). Geneva,
Switzerland: WHO, 1991.
Goodwin, Donald. Alcoholism: The Facts. NY: Oxford University Press, 1981.
Holmes, Pamela. Drugs the Complete Story: Alcohol. Texas: Steck-Vaughn Co., 1992.
Porter, L. et. al. The Law and the Treatment of Drug and Alcohol-Dependent Persons.
Geneva, Switzerland: WHO, 1986.
Shipp, Thomas J. Helping the Alcoholic and His Family. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-
Hall, Inc., 1963.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
 COME TO MARLBORO COUNTRY
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

“Come to Marboro country!” This is a familiar hymn to millions of its victims

around the world. In fact those Marlboro cowboy models were already too late to
find out that they were also victims. Several of them died of lung cancer, heat

disease, emphysema, and other fatal diseases caused by smoking Marboro

cigarettes.

There are about 1.1 billion human beings who smoke. —E. Michael Santos.

“Suidice by Lethal Inhalation.” Health Today, Mar/Apr 2000, p. 17.

Advertisements on television, in magazines and on billboards show

handsome gentlemen and pretty ladies smoking cigarettes. They promise

health, agility, strength, happiness, and more. Do they speak the truth? Or is the

public being deceived? What does health authorities say about smoking?

WHAT IS TOBACCO?
It is Nicotiana Tabacum whose smoke is found to contain 4,000

chemicals. -- Health Today, Mar/Apr 2000, p. 17.

Most of these are VERY HARMFUL POISONS and cannot be

filtered by any filters.—P. J. Tablan, M.D., Chief of Clinics, Quezon
Institute.

Some of these poisons are: Carbon Monoxide, Nicotine, Tar, Acrolein,

Cresol, Hydrocyanic Acid, Nitric Oxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Phenol, Acetaldehyde,

Acetone, Acetonitrile, Acrylonitrile, Ammonia, Benzene, Butylamine, Tutadione,

Carbon Dioxide, Crotononitrile, DDT, Endrin, Ethylamine, Formaldehyde,

Furfural, Hydrogen Sulphide, Hydroquinone, Methacrolin, Methyl Alcohol,

Methylamine, Nickel compounds and Pyridine.—”Smoking & Health”, Keys To

Life and Happiness, LLU School of Health, Loma Linda, California.

Over 40 of these chemicals are carcinogenic. Tobacco smoke is the number

1 cause of cancer of the lungs. Tar is the primary cigarette chemical implicated

in cancer. —“Suidice by Lethal Inhalation.” Health Today, Mar/Apr 2000, p. 17.

DANGEROUS EFFECTS OF SMOKING

A. Lung Cancer
If you smoke your chances of dying from lung cancer are 700%
greater than those who have never smoked on a regular basis.—
Robert Haddock, How To Stop Smoking, p. 13.

Tar and nicotine in cigarettes are the causes of lung cancer,

chronic bronchitis, emphysema and cardiovascular disorders... there
is strong evidence of a direct relationship between the increase of
cancer cases and the length of time a patient smokes and the number
of cigarettes smoked.—Report by the Committee on the Ill Effects of
Smoking, headed by Dr. Tranquilino Elicano of the Philippine Medical
Asso. Quoted in “Smoking Shortens Life by 10 Long Years!” by Flor
B. Conopio. “How To Stop Smoking,” a supplement of These Times.
Nashville, TN.: Southern Pub. Asso. Reprinted in Manila by Phil. Pub.
House, p. 23.

At least 60,000 men and women die of lung cancer annually in the
U.S.A. alone because of smoking.—U.S. Dept. of Health, Education &
Welfare.

An American Public Health Association study reveals that a million

young people now in school will die of lung cancer before they are 70.
—Why Not Smoke? p. 16.

At least one Filipino dies of cancer every hour or close to 9,000

victims annually.—Bulletin Today, Oct. 18, 1976.

B. Other Cancers
 The greatest threat to the smokers is cancer. . . If you smoke your
chances of dying from cancer is 110% greater than those who never
smoked on a regular basis.—Robert Haddock, How To Stop Smoking,
p. 11

Some common cancer types related to smoking are: cancer of the lungs,

cancer of the throat (esophagus, larynx), oral cancer (lip, tongue), stomach

cancer, cancer of the kidneys, cancer of the pancreas, cancer of the prostate

glands, cancer of the urinary bladder, etc.—”U.S. Dept. of Agriculture &

Economic Research Service”, Chapters 8 & 9; The Health Consequences of

Smoking, U.S. Dept. of Health, Education & Welfare.

C. Heart Attacks

Cigarette smoking is an important risk factor in the development of

coronary heart disease.... Every year a million people in this country
(U.S.) have heart attacks or die suddenly of coronary heart disease.—
Facts: Smoking & Health, U.S. Dept. of Health, p. 4.

Cigarette smoking increases the heart beat, raises blood

pressure, constricts blood vessels, irritates heart muscles, impairs
utilization of oxygen, renders the blood vessels incapable of delivering
oxygen to the tissues and cells due to absorption of nicotine from
cigarette smoke. Let us now stop smoking. Let us spare our hearts
from unnecessary damage.—Dr. Robert Terry, U.S. Surgeon General.

Smoking of even a single cigarette can reduce the efficiency of

the heart..—Dr. Albert Golbarge, Heart Specialist & Pres. of the
University of Chicago.

In the Philippines, about 70% of patients suffering from heart

disease and other cardiovascular disorders are cigarette smokers.—
Clemente S. Gatmaitan, Former Health Secretary.

The risk of sudden death from heart attack is 75% more if you
smoke.—Dr. Wilson McDougal, President, American Heart
Association.

D. Strokes & Brain Damage

 Since nicotine in tobacco constricts blood vessels and is found out also to

contribute in the build-up of cholesterol, smoking then is very detrimental to the

brain. Insufficient supply of blood causes permanent damage to brain cells and

decreases mental efficiency. Blocking of a blood vessel in the brain only means

stroke “causing paralysis of part of the body and in severe cases death.”—Robert

Haddock, How To Stop Smoking, p. 25.

Every year thousands of individuals die as a result of apoplectic

seizure or strokes.—Ibid.

Documented studies also showed that habitual smokers of cigarettes, pipes,

and cigars suffered 10% decrease in mental efficiency after smoking.—Why Not

Smoke, pp. 38, 39.

E. Blunts the Moral Nature

Aside from the drug effects of tobacco being a stimulant and a depressant

causing addiction, tobacco also has a negative effect on the moral nature. Dr. O.

C. Clinton of San Francisco, physician of several boy’s schools, declares:

Cigarette smoking blunts the whole moral nature... I have seen

bright boys not only turn into dunces mentally, but straightforward,
honest boys made into cowards by cigarette smoking. In saying this, I
am speaking the truth that nearly every physician and teacher knows.
—Ibid.

F. Risk to Mother & Child

Maternal smoking retards fetal growth and increases the risk of

death immediately after delivery. Risk of perinatal death increases by
nearly one-third in mothers who smoke regularly after the fourth month
of pregnancy. Children born of pregnant mothers who smoke tend to
be smaller, more liable to birth defects, and more susceptible to
disease. Spontaneous abortion rates are statistically related to
cigarette consumption among pregnant women.—World Health
Magazine, June, 1979, p. 7.
G. Emphysema

If you smoke, your chances of dying from emphysema are

approximately ten times greater than those who never smoked on a
regular basis. Emphysema now affects over one million Americans,
and 50,000 to 55,000 die each year because of it.—How To Stop
Smoking, p. 18.

H. Other Diseases

Smoking also can cause the dreaded BUERGER’S and RAYNAUD’S

DISEASE, CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER, STOMACH and DUODENAL ULCER,

BLOOD THICKENING and ANEMIA, SKIN WRINKLES and PREMATURE

AGING, CHRONIC SINUSITIS, COLDS, CHRONIC BRONCHITIS,

CIRCULATORY DISORDERS, ORAL DISEASES SUCH AS GINGIVITIS,

PYORRHEA, ORAL BONE LOSS, and a train of other related diseases.

I. Absenteeism

Smokers spend 50% more time in hospitals and miss work 30% more from

illness.

J. Fires

American statistics show that smoking causes one out of five fires.

K. Deaths

A recent WHO report says that smoking kills at least one person every 8

seconds, 10, 000 people everyday, and at least 3.5 million per year. --Health

Today, March/ April, 2000.

Those who die from smoking before age 70 will have lost more than 20

years of life expectancy, according to the WHO. By 2020 smoking will become

the leading cause of death and disability in the world, killing more than 10 million

people annually, or one death every 3 seconds. — Ibid.

 Every year cigarettes kill more Americans than were killed in
World War I, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War combined.—John
F. Kennedy.

L. Expensive

Americans spend about $8 billion annually for cigarettes more than they

spend on public education, more than the total of all their public charities, much

more than the cost of Medicare for the aged, and more than the offerings in all

their churches.—Why Not Smoke? p. 14.

M. Addictive

It is nicotine in cigarette that gets smokers hooked.

SECONDHAND SMOKE
Secondhand smoke contains essentially all of the carcinogens and toxic

agents that are inhaled by the smoker. Exposure for 8 hours in an office that is

not smoke-free is equivalent to smoking 6 sticks of cigarettes. Exposure in a

moke-filled bar for 8 hours is like smoking 16 sticks of cigarette. —“Suidice by

Lethal Inhalation.” Health Today, Mar/Apr 2000, p. 17.

Smoking is extravagance. It is a hideous vice. It is murder. It is suicide.

WHAT MEDICAL AUTHORITIES SAY ABOUT SMOKING

Cigarette smoking is the greatest health hazard in the world

Today.”—Dr. Alton Ochsner, former president of the American Cancer
Society and of the American College of Surgeons.

Smoking is probably the largest single preventable cause of ill

health in the world.—Dr. H. Mahler, Director-General of the World
Health Organization, World Health Day Address, April 7, 1980.

... Science has established beyond the shadow of doubt that

smoking is hazardous to health.—Dr. Tranquilino T. Elicano Jr.,
 Director, Dept. of Health, National Cancer Control; Chairman,
Committee on Smoking and Health.

There is no longer any doubt, after extensive studies, about the

serous dangers of smoking.—The Phil. Medical Asso. Executive
Council.

... It is a proven fact that the use of cigarettes is closely linked to ill
health, crippling disease and premature death.—World Health
Magazine, June, 1979, p. 5.

The medical and scientific case against cigarette smoking has

been made. The verdict is final—cigarettes are guilty of thousands of
unnecessary deaths.—WHO Report, April 1980.

The judgment that cigarette smoking is hazardous to health is the

result of more than 30 years of research carried on by hundreds of
scientists in this country and abroad. The conclusion of the surgeon
general’s advisory committee that cigarette smoking is a significant
health hazard is supported by every medical and health agency in the
world which is known to have expressed an opinion on the matter.—U.
S. Dept. of Health, Education, and Welfare.

CALL TO SMOKERS
The WHO and the Government is calling on all governments around the

world to carry an intensive anti-smoking campaign through their own agencies as

well as to stimulate non-government organizations to participate in the smoking

control drive.
I call upon all smokers to stop now before it is too late. The
consequence of smoking should also be taught in relation with
science, health, and social studies. Since children generally follow
examples, parents and teachers should also refrain from smoking.—
Dr. Tranquilino T. Elicano Jr., Director, Dept. of Health and National
Cancer Control; Chairman, Committee on Smoking and Health.

REWARD FOR QUITTING

If you stop smoking now, you have a good chance of escaping the risks of

smoking. And “you’ll feel better, you food will taste better, your mind will work
better, your breath will be sweeter and you’ll be happier!—Keys To Life & Health,

LLU School of Health, Loma Linda, CA. (33).

About 8 million people in Britain and 30 million in the U.S.A. have
now stopped smoking.—WHO Report, April, 1980.

You can join them if you wish! Write to us if you can’t stop smoking by

yourself. We may be of help.

_______________
REFERENCES

Arguelles, D. “Filipinos Initiated Into Smoking at 4.” Manila Standard. Nov. 16, 1998, p.
4.

_______. “P20 M Worth of Cigarettes Go Up in Smoke Daily Throughout RP.” Manila

Standard. Nov. 28, 1998, p. 9.

Botial, Jerry. “Smoking-Related Illnesses Claim a Filipino Life Every 15 Minutes.”

Philippine Star. Nov. 30, 1998, p. 1.

“Canada Uses Shock Tactics to Urge Smokers to Quit.” The Nation’s Health. American
Public Health Asso., March 2000.

Chapman, Simon and Wong Wai Leng. Tobacco Control in the Third World. Penang:
Int’l Org. of Consumers Unions Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, 1990.

David, Rina. “Is Tobacco Worth It.” Phil. Daily Inquirer. Nov. 28, 1998, p. 9.

Guidelines for Controlling and Monitoring the Tobacco Epidemic. Geneva: W.H.O. 1998.

Haddock, Robert. “How To Stop Smoking.” Health & Home (A Supplement). Manila:
Phil. Pub. House.

[Link]

It Can Be Done: A Smoke-Free Europe. Geneva: WHO Regional Publications,

European Series, Nov. 30, 1988.

It’s Okay to Say You Mind. Manila, Phil.: Tobacco-Free Initiative, WHO Western Pacific
Regional Office, 2000.

Krumholz, Harlan M. and Robert H. Phillips. Quit Smoking Now. NY: Avery Pub. Group,
Inc., 1998.

Lewis, Claire Elizabeth. “Smoking.” Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2000.

Mackay, Judith. “New Frightening Stats About Smoking.” Health & Home. Nov/Dec
1993, p. 33.

Mendoza, Diana G. “Nicotine Study Reveals Why Smoking is Habit-Forming.” Today.

Nov. 16, 1998, p. 1.

Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2001.

Moodie, Alistair. The Smoker’s Guide to Vitamins and Health. Vanguard Books, Inc.,
1995.

Nedley, Neil. Proof Positive. GA: Wildwood Lifestyle Center and Hospital. 1999.

Reducing the Health Consequences of Smoking. A Report of the Surgeon General.

Rockville, MD: US Dept. of Health & Human Services, 1989.

Santos, E. Michael. “Suidice by Lethal Inhalation.” Health Today. Mla. Phil: Medi
Media, Mar/Apr 2000, p. 17.

“Second-hand Smoking.” Health & Home. Manila: Phil. Pub. House, Vol. 34, #5,
Sept/Oct 1993, p. 44-45.

Stockstill, Mason. “Philip Morris fights Los Angeles jury’s $3 billion awad to cancer-
stricken smoker.” The Associated Press, August 7, 2001.
[Link]

Teens and Smoking (A Scriptographic Booklet). South Deerfield, MA: Channing L. Bete
Co., Inc., 1981.

The Health Consequences of Smoking. A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville,

MD: US Dept. of Health & Human Services, 1984.

Three-Step Program To Becoming Smoke-Free For Life. Daly City, CA: Krames
Communications, 1986.
 “YOU ARE INVITED TO MY FUNERAL”
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

Police authorities found a letter with drops of blood on it, written by a 14 year

old girl. It read:

“Dear Class,
“I’ve nothing of great importance to tell you except that I want to thank you for
a fun 1/4 year. I really enjoyed school this year and most of my thanks for that
go to the kids who sit around me which is quite a lot because there was a lot of
me to sit around. The reasons for my suicide had nothing to do with school
except that I knew I was going to fail Math and Science. All other reasons are
personal. This is a formal invitation to any of you here who want to go to my
funeral. All you do is phone my Mom and tell her.
“I’m going to give you guys some advise. Don’t let life get you down like it did
me. All of you have great times ahead of you along with bad, but the good will
outweigh the bad. Some more advise--Don’t take drugs that started me on my
periods of depression or black moods. I suppose I’d never have done this if it
weren’t for grass.
“I luv you all and hello.
“A former classmate, Judy”

(From: Enlist in the War Against Drugs, a supplement of These

Times, Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Asso. Reprinted in Manila by
Philippine Publishing House, p. 4.)

This disease is of epidemic proportions and totally out of cotrol. Drug

abuse is the disease, and there is no cure in sight. The use of drugs among

teenagers alone has doubled since 1992... According to the latest statistics, if all

things are normal, 3,000 young children could start smoking today. For far too

many of them this could initiate the beginning of a journey that will lead to a life of

addiction, alcoholism, denial, drug abuse, crime, parental and relational

concerns, and chronic health problems. How can we keep these young kids from

ever getting started?” (“It’s Killing Our Kids.” Drugs Close to Home . Message

Magazine special issue. Hagerstown, MD: Message Magazine, 1997, editorial)

 How can this madness be stopped? “It has been suggested that we

should make sure that young people are well informed. Make sure we tell them

about drugs and warn them of the dangers that could befall them. We’ve been

told that knowing right from wrong will automatically prevent them from

experimenting with alcohol and other drugs. Yet throughout history we see both

young and old who knew right from wrong, but still chose wrong.

“Research documents have shown that a strong educational promotion on

the effects and dangers of drugs won’t necessarily deter drug use either... In this
day and age, with all that bombards our youth, it will take information and every

home, church, and community to raise a drug-free child....” (“Getaway To

Drugs.” Drugs Close to Home. Message Magazine special issue. Hagerstown,

MD: Message Magazine, 1997, p. 13)

SIX TYPES OF COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS

Lets have a brief look at the commonly abused drugs and what they really

can do to our life.

1. STIMULANTS —drugs which increase alertness and activity, reduce hunger and
provide a feeling of well-being (commonly known as “uppers” o “pep pills”).
Cocaine, amphetamine, dexedrine, methamphetamine or shabu are examples of
these. This group also includes nicotine from tobacco, and caffeine from coffee,
tea, and softdrinks with caffeine like cola drinks and others.

2. DEPRESSANTS or Sedatives (also called “downers”).

These drugs decrease or depress body functions and nerve activity. Included in
this group are the hypnotics and tranquilizers. Examples are barbiturates,
tranquilizers, methaqualone, mandrax, librium, valium, and alcohol from alcoholic
drinks.

3. HALLUCINOGENS (also called “psychedelics”)

These are drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness and emotion.
Changes in time and space may be either mild or overwhelming depending on
the dose and quality of drug. LSD, marijuana, Phencyclidine, mescaline, MDA,
DMT, STP, are examples of hallucinogens.

4. NARCOTICS are drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep.
 They produce insensibility, dullness of mind and melancholy feeling. Doctors use
these to patients to reduce pain. Opium, heroin, codeine, morphine, piperidine,
and methadone are popular narcotics.

5. INHALANTS are volatile chemical substances that contain mind or mood altering
vapors that produce intoxication. Examples of these volatile substances are
rugby, paint thinner, gasoline, etc. (Source: What You Should Know About
Drugs - An Information Kit for a Drug-Free Philippines. Mla.: Dangerous Drugs
Board, Nov. 2000)

DANGEROUS EFFECTS OF DRUGS

1. Marijuana (a hallucinogen)
1. Chest pain
2. Irregular menstrual cycle for women
3. Loss of fertility
4. Giving birth to premature babies or with low birth weights
5. Cancer
6. Loss of mental power, forgetfulness, sluggishness

2. Cocaine (a stimulant)
1. Psychosis (a serious mental disturbance)
2. Restlessness
3. Irritability and anxiety
4. Insomnia
5. Damage to lungs and mucous membranes
6. Slurred speech and confusion

3. Shabu (also a stimulant)

1. Mental disturbances as psychosis and schizophrenia
2. Damage to nasal passages
3. Heart attack or strokes
4. AIDS through contaminated needles

4. Opiates or Narcotics (pain reliever)

1. Painful “withdrawal symptoms” with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, chills,
sweating, nausea with runny nose and eyes.
2. Diseases caused by infected needles.
3. Erratic feeling, slowed down breathing
4. Death

5. Sedatives, Hypnotics
1. “Withdrawal symptoms” like chilling, nausea and vomiting
2. Loss of memory
3. Insomnia or loss of sleep
4. Convulsion or death

6. Inhalants (volatile substances)

1. Loss of memory and mental alertness
 2. Damage to brain, kidney and liver
3. Muscle cramps and weakness
4. Numbness in limbs and abdominal pains

(Source: What You Should Know About Drugs - An Information Kit for a Drug-Free
Philippines. Mla.: Dangerous Drugs Board, Nov. 2000)

OTHER DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Physical Dependence. It is a condition wherein a person cannot function without

drugs in his system and that without the drug, one develops withdrawal signs
such as restlessness, pain, convulsions and others.

2. Psychological dependence. This develops when a person obtains relief from his
problems and tends to use drugs every time he meets problems to escape from
reality.

3. Stealing, prostitution and criminal acts. These are done to support their habits.

4. Malnutrition. Addicts usually lose appetite and miss regular meals leading to
malnutrition. They may also suffer from severe gastro-intestinal disturbances
and sever dehydration. Poor dentures are also a result of lack of proper nutrition
among drug dependents.

5. Skin infections and skin rashes. Drug abusers usually neglect personal hygiene.
They use unsterile needles and syringes that causes skin infections and
ulcerations.

6. Infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and viral

hepatitis. Marijuana smoking can produce physical conditions like chronic
bronchitis and asthma. Physically ill persons, like those with tuberculosis may
resort to drugs for temporary measure of escape. Malnutrition, and poor
personal hygiene could lead to lowered resistance and susceptibility to
infections, among them viral hepatitis. Patients suffering from arthritis or
terminal cancer may be dependents to drugs as opiates or sedatives to be
relieved from pain or insomnia.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS

1. Because of curiosity, misinformation and influence of friends

2. For the sake of belongingness—”barkada”
3. To escape from problems—family, personal, school, work, etc.
4. To experience security of feeling and self-confidence

5. To be a part of the present generation

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Changes in behavior - Persons who before were obedient, kind and courteous
become irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive.

2. Changes in appearance - Persons who are neat and well-groomed become

unconcerned with grooming and become slovenly. They usually wear dark
glasses and prefer long sleeve. Healthy looking then, they become thin,
emaciated and pale.

3. Changes in mood - They may be euphoric or exhilarated when under the effects of
drugs.

4. Changes in interest - Good employees become idlers, with no interest in their work
and become dependent on others. Students manifest sudden disinterest in
studies with deteriorating grades. (Parents: Let’s Organize Against Drug Abuse.
Manila: Dangerous Drugs Board, Nov. 2000)

10 SYMPTOMS COMMON TO ALL DRUG USERS

1. Rapid disappearance of clothing and personal belongings.

2. Signs of unjusual activity around hangouts and other buildings.

3. Loitering in hallways or in areas frequented by addicts.

4. Spending unusual amounts of time in locked bathroom.

5. Inability to hold job or stay in school.

6. Rejection of old friends; taking up with strange companions.

7. Using jargon of addicts.

8. Dressing in unconventional clothes.

9. Spending unusual amounts of time away from home.

10. Rejection of parents and relatives.

(Listen. Wash. D.C.: RHPA, 1972, p. 19.)

TIPS ON DETECTING DRUG ABUSE

Many of the signs of drug and alcohol use such as mood changes,

personality clashes, academic failure, irritability, and depression, may be

indicative of other problems. Unless parents actually see their child using or
have evidence of use, it may be difficult to determine what is going on. Signs of

drugs, drug paraphernalia, and alcohol are obvious clues. Parents have to be

knowledgeable about what drugs are available, how they are administered, and

what signs to look for.

Tip #1. A child that is abusing inhalants might have empty containers of hair spray,
spray paint, lighter fluid, paint thinner, gasoline, cleaning solvents, nail polish
remover, airplane glue, Liquid Paper, room freshers or small unusual-looking
bottles with distinct odors emanating from them in the child’s room or in the trash
along with plastic bags that were used for sniffing or “huffing.” Be suspicious if
these products are numerous, especially if you, the parent, don’t usually buy
them.

Tip #2. If you suspect your child is using drugs and alcohol, look for pipes, rolling
papers, vials or small medicine bottles, eyedrops, butane lighters, clips, razor
blades, foil, mirrors, scales, bent spoons or jars with scorch marks, syringes,
needles, plastic bags with leafy brown or white residue, empty beer, wine cooler,
liquor bottles or flasks.

Tip #3. Observe your child for violent, reckless, bizarre, or hallucinatory behavior and
severe mood swings, watch for dizziness, slurred speech, uncoordinated
movements (appearing to be drunk), slowed breathing, vomiting, nausea, nose
and mouth sores, nosebleeds, involuntary passing of urine and feces. This form
of behavior is indicative of inhalant abuse.

Tip #4. Check for unusual odors on him/her or in your child’s room and attempts to
cover odors with mouthwash or cologne, incense, or air freshener.

Tip #5. Listen for strange calls at odd hours from people you don’t know. (These same
people may appear at your door.) Watch for him/her racing to answer the phone
when it rings--especially if your child is lethargic about nearly everything else.)

(“Don’t Be Clueless.” Drugs Close to Home. Message Magazine special issue.

Hagerstown, MD: Message Magazine, 1997, p. 14)

HOW CAN PARENTS HELP THEIR CHILD TO SAY NO?

1. Create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the home. Help your child feel good about
himself or herself.
2. Understand and accept your children for what they are and not for what you want
them to be.
3. Develop effective means of communication with your children. Be open and honest
to them.
4. Educate yourself about drugs. Share what you learn with your children in frank
discussions.
5. Set good a example. Demonstrate, by your example how to enjoy life, without drugs.
6. Encourage your children to explore new areas of interest, even though these may
seem weird to you such as music, sports, church activities, etc.
7. Learn to give your children responsibilities which are fit to their age, and make family
rules.
8. Take time to be with your children no matter how busy you are.
9. Make an effort to know your child’s friends and extend guidance in the choice of his
friends. Help your child deal with peer pressure.
10. Help your child develop strong moral and spiritual values.

WHAT CAN ONE DO TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE?

1. Use drugs only under doctor’s prescription.
2. Know yourself. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
3. Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and satisfying activities.
4. Learn to relate effectively with others. Have a confidant to whom you can
communicate your problems freely.
5. Learn to cope with your problems and without the use of drugs.
6. If you have problems you cannot cope with, seek professional help.
7. Develop strong moral and spiritual values.

WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO IF THEY FIND THEIR

CHILDREN ABUSING DRUGS?
1. Face the problem. Do not hide from it or run from reality.
2. Get professional help at once. Contact authorities such as:
* Dangerous Drugs Board, Intramuros, Manila
* Constabulary Anti-Narcotics Unit, Camp Crame, Quezon City
* NBI Narcotics Section, Taft Avenue, Manila
and all Anti-Narcotic Unit of all local police agencies.
3. There are also treatment and rehabilitation centers located in Tagaytay, Manila,
Quezon City, and in some provinces.

_____________________

REFERENCES

“Drugs, Close to Home.” Message Magazine (special issue). Hagerstown, MD:

Message Magazine, 1997.
Enlist in the War Against Drugs. A supplement of These Times. Nashville, TN:
Southern Pub. Asso. Reprinted in Manila by Philippine Publishing House.
Guide To Drug Abuse Prevention and Control for Barangay Leaders. Intramuros, Mla.:
The Dangerous Drugs Board.
Questions and Answers About Drug Abuse. Rockville, MD: Prudential Bank of America,
1980.
The Great Escape. Mt. View, CA: Listen Magazine (special issue).
What About Drugs. Washington, D.C.: RHPA, 1972.
You, Your Child and Drugs. By the staff of the Child Study Asso. of Amerca, NY, U.S.A.
Produced by Kiwanis Club of Davao City. Davao City: Gima Printing Corp.,
1980.

Other related references:

“Drugs.” Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2001.

Duncan, David and Robert Gold. Drugs and the Whole Person. NY: Mcmillan Pub. Co.,
1985.
Grant, Marcus. Responding to Drug & Alcohol Problems in the Community (A manual
for Primary Health Care Workers with Guidelines for Trainers). Geneva,
Switzerland: WHO, 1991.
Madison, Arnold. Drugs and You. NY: Julian Messner, 1973.
Marin, Peter and Allan Y. Cohen. Understanding Drug Abuse: An Adult’s Guide to
Drugs and the Young. NY: Harper & Row Publishers, 1971.
Payne, Wayne A. et. al. Drugs: Issues for Today. Toronto: Mosby-Year Book, Inc.,
1991.
Porter, L. et. al. The Law and the Treatment of Drug and Alcohol-Dependent Persons.
Geneva, Switzerland: WHO, 1986.
Ray, Oakley, et. al. Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. Toronto: Mosby College
Pub., 1987.
What You Should Know About Drugs - An Information Kit for a Drug-Free Philippines.
Mla.: Dangerous Drugs Board, Nov. 2000.
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[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
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 LET THE LOVE BEGIN
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

The book, Happiness Homemade, says about the home:

God wants the home to be the happiest place on earth, the very symbol of the
home in heaven.1

A little heaven on earth! This is what home is supposed to be. This is what

our Creator intended it to be. But sad to say, to many, the home is a picture of

hell. Battles rage from morning till evening, from days to months, from months to

years. Sometimes the battle is more intense--fought in silence in a cold war.

Hearts are rent in pieces, marriages split, children are abandoned, souls are

ruined, and painful scars remain forever.

What could the problem be? The main reason for our failure, many

counselors are saying, is just like in any game. It is because we do not follow the

rules or we do not do our parts very well.

One book says of marriage:

When the Divine origin of marriage is recognized and the Divine principles
controlling it are obeyed, marriage is indeed a blessing: but when these are
disregarded, untold evils are sure to follow. That which if rightly used is of
greatest blessing, when abused becomes the greatest curse.2

Today we will review some of the rules in the game of life--the rules for a

happy home.

THE ORIGIN OF MARRIAGE

The Bible tells us that God Himself prepared the first home. After creating a

beautiful and perfect world, He planted a garden. And when He had furnished it
with everything that humans could desire, God created human beings--the male

and the female after His own image--to establish a home (Gen.s 1:27). Both

have their own roles to play, both have their unique personality traits and

capabilities to complement each other. By sharing and giving without a taint of

selfishness, they would experience joy.

Eve was created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she
was not to control him as the head nor to be trampled under his feet as an
inferior, but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him.
A part of man... she was his second self.3

The Bible says that to man God gave a woman to be “an help-meet for him,”

one who was fit to be his companion, and who would be one with him in love and

sympathy” (Gen. 2:18). He has to love her as Christ loves His church, Who for

His great love gave His own life for her (Eph. 5:25). He has to love her as his

own self (verse 28), and should not cause her any grief or bitterness or

heartache (Col. 3:19). And to the woman, the charge was given to be faithful to

her husband and to cooperate with him as is fitting in the Lord (verse 18).

The children should learn to obey their parents as is proper in God’s sight.

And God promised to bless them and give them long, happy lives (Eph. 6:1-3).
God knows that the experience of their parents would help young people avoid

pitfalls on their way and their wise counsels would lead them to succeed.

To parents, the charge was given to be kind to their children, and not cause

them grief or discouragement, but “should bring them up, and train them in the

counsels (and teachings) of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

Following these simple rules would bring joy and gladness to every home.

MARRIAGE IS HOLY
 The marriage institution has as its originator the Creator of the Universe.

After the first man and the first woman were created, He wedded them Himself

and pronounced His charge and blessings to them (Genesis 1:28). Television

marriage counselors and Bible teachers William and Virginia Fagal wrote:

The marriage relationship is holy.... When the sacred nature and the claims of
marriage are understood, it will even now be approved of Heaven, and the
results will be happiness to both parties, and God will be glorified.4

The Bible said:

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God
will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral (Heb. 13:4 NIV).21

THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE

According to the same authors, marriage was ordained “not only for the

purpose of peopling the earth and perpetuating the race, but to promote social

order and human happiness; to prevent irregular affections; and through well-

regulated families, to transmit truth, purity, and holiness from age to age. Around

it cluster all the purest and truest joys of home and race.”5

LOVE
Love should be the binding principle in every home, in every marriage.

According to the book Happiness Homemade, “with true love marriage cannot

fail. Without it, it cannot succeed.”6

Love is not just a sentimental feeling, but a divine principle. This principle

should overrule our moods and emotions. Divine love is a constant principle that

prompts our words and actions whether we like it or not, whether we feel loving

or not. This is how the Bible gives definition true love:

Love is forbearing and kind. Love knows no jealousy. Love does not brag, is
not conceited. Love is not unmannerly, nor selfish, nor irritable, nor mindful of
wrongs. Love does not rejoice in injustice, but joyfully sides with the truth. Love
 can overlook faults. Love is full of trust, full of hope, full of endurance (1Cor.
13:4-7 Weymouth Bible).

Love on Test
Our love, our fidelity and faithfulness to be proven true need to be tested.

After the period of romance, the new couple often finds out unattractive traits in

each other. On those trying moments they are advised to look for the positive

traits of each one, not on the faults and weaknesses, and in love, cover each

other’s defects. Here are some more appropriate rules:

Though difficulties, perplexities and discouragement arise, let neither husband

nor wife harbor the thought that their union is a mistake or a disappointment.
Determine to be all that is possible to be to each other.... Let there be mutual
love, mutual forbearance.7

Love Should be Expressed

Love should be expressed in words, and in actions. Or it will just be useless.

Love cannot long exist without expression. Let not the heart of one connected
with you starve for the want of kindness and sympathy.8

KINDNESS AND COURTESY

Here are some very good counsels to Christian couples and children. If

followed, they would make the home a little heaven on earth.

The home may be plain, but it can always be a place where cheerful words
are spoken and kindly deeds are done, where courtesy and love are abiding
guests.9

Do not try to compel each other to yield to your wishes. You cannot do this
and retain each other’s love. Be kind, patient, and forbearing, considerate, and
courteous. By the grace of God you can succeed in making each other happy,
as in your marriage vow you promised to do.
Both are to cultivate the spirit of kindness, being determined never to grieve or
injure the other.... Watch well your words.... Allow no sharpness to come into
your voices.10
 Bluntness, painful frankness, the brand of honesty that always says what it
thinks, no matter how unkind—these are not virtues, but faults. They do not
belong in the home. In fact, they do not belong to any relationship.11

OPEN COMMUNICATION
A couple married 70 years said of their long life together, “The secret is to

sit down and talk things over.” Rebecca M. Bradshaw says that “silence is not

golden when used as a weapon of hostility toward one’s mate. It can be a

devastating tool for wrecking a marriage.”12

CONTINUED COURTSHIP
Married couples are advised to “continue or revive the courtesies of

courtship in your married life. Don’t take each other for granted or the monotony

that results will destroy your marriage.”13

ESTABLISH YOUR OWN HOME

A married couple must leave their parents and establish their own private

home even if finances require that it be a one-room shelter.14

It says in Gen. 2:24 that “the man shall leave his father and his mother, and

shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”21

HANDLING FINANCES
Ellen White advises that couples should learn to “keep their expenditures

within the limit of their income” and to deny themselves a thousand things rather

than run in debt.15

SEXUAL HARMONY
The only way in which sexual harmony can be achieved in a marriage is

when each partner has as his ultimate goal the happiness of his mate. Only as

the husband is truly working toward the complete happiness of his wife, sensing
her needs, and her feelings; and only as she in turn tries to provide for his

happiness, can the greatest success be achieved in the intimate relationship of

marriage.16

Dr. Clifford Anderson cautioned couples:

“... sex is one of the normal functions of life, just like breathing, eating, or
sleeping. Within their proper sphere none of these should cause embarrassment
to anyone, but any of them, if carried to excess, may result in weakness and ill-
health.”17

WISE PLANNING
Parents should plan their family wisely. They “should calmly consider what

provision can be made for their children. They have no right to bring children into

the world to be a burden to others.... They commit a crime bringing children into

the world to suffer for want of proper care, food, and clothing. Parents should not

increase their families any faster than they know that their children can be well

cared for and educated.”18

TEN RULES FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE

1. Accept your life partner as he or she is and do not try to change her/him

or compare her/him with other persons.

2. Never both be angry at the same time. Never yell at each other, except if

the house is on fire.

3. If you have to win an argument, let it be your mate.

4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.

5. Never bring up the mistakes of the past.

6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled. The one who thinks is in

the right should be the first to ask forgiveness.

 8. At least once every day, try to say one kind or complimentary thing to

your life partner.

9. Ask God for a love large enough to include your in-law family.

10. Make Christ the center of your relationship. “And as your love for Him

increases, your love for each other will grow deeper and stronger.”19

MARRIAGE INSURANCE
Commit your marriage to God’s keeping. Pray together and you will stay

together. “Remember, no family ever breaks up while genuinely praying together

for God’s help.”20

King David in Psalm 127:1, said: “Except the Lord build the house, they

labour in vain that build it.”21

_____________________

REFERENCES

1. White, Ellen G. Happiness Homemade. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1971,
p.22.
2. Fagal, William & Virginia. Building a Happy Home, NY: Faith for Today, 1955 p. 7.
3. White, Ellen G. Happiness Homemade. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1971,
p.15.
4. _______. The Adventist Home, p. 121.
5. William & Virginia Fagal, Building a Happy Home, p. 7.
6. White, Ellen G. Happiness Homemade. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1971, p.
24.
7. Ibid, p. 24.
8. Ibid, p. 25.
9. Ibid. p. 11.
10. Ibid. p.28, 25.
[Link], George E. Happiness Wall to Wall. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub.
Assn., 1968, p. 17.
12. Bradshaw, Rebecca M. “Happiness Is Not Divorce. “ Review and Herald.
Washington, D.C.: RHPA, June 15, 1974.
13. “Has Holy Wedlock Become Unholy Deadlock?” Amazing Facts that Affect You.
Baltimore, Md.:Amazing Facts, 1978, p. 2.
14. Ibid. p.4
15. White, Ellen G. Happiness Homemade. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1971,
pp. 148,139.
16. Keys to Health and Happiness. Loma Linda, CA: LLU, p. 2.
17. Anderson, Clifford. How to Have a Happy Home. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub.
Assn., 1975, p. 21.
18. White, Ellen G. Happiness Homemade. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn., 1971,
pp. 42, 41
19. From the poster, “Author Unknown”.
20. “Has Holy Wedlock Become Unholy Deadlock?” Amazing Facts that Affect You.
Baltimore, MD: Amazing Facts, 1978, p. 3.
21. The Holy Bible.
 SPEED CARS CRAZE
by Pastor Manny Reyes, MPH

A group of young people who were driving enthusiasts were talking as usual

about anything that they can talk about with relation to driving--cars, motorcycles,

trucks, racing competition, accidents, etc., until they came to mention names of

hero drivers they knew.

Suddenly someone took a lead in the discussion and asked: "Do you know

who is the most skillful driver here in our community? I know of one. For almost

15 years now since he started driving, he never once met an accident, even a

minor one; yet he drives everyday. Do you know him?" Everyone looked

puzzled and all were silent for a while.

When he saw that none could answer his question, he lowered his voice as

he declared: "He is the one!" and he pointed to a nearby house where a paralytic

man could be seen driving his wheelchair across the lawn.

A skillful driver! Was the paralytic driver really one, since he did not meet a
single highway accident? I think I cannot agree. I do not agree that a driver can

be rated good because he is so careful that his speed does not exceed the

speed of the strolling carabao. Nor is he skillful because he can drive as fast as

the speed of light.

But I know of a driver whom I enjoyed riding with during my high school

days. I found out by experience that he was an expert. Whenever I rode with

him, I felt relaxed. I knew I was safe; even if he went full speed I was confident.

For this matured man knew when to slow down, when to speed up, what to do in
emergencies, having been driving for years with none or with just very minor

accidents.

I believe these are the criteria of a skillful driver--not driving too slow, not

driving too fast, but one who knows when to speed up, when to step on the

brakes, when to slow down, and knows how to cope with emergencies.

I believe it is also true with how we are driving our Iives. Someone said:

"We are the captain of our souls; we are the master of our fate." Although it is

true that God is our Captain and Master, in a sense the saying is right, for our
fate and destiny depend on our personal choices and decisions.

THE HUMAN CONTROL SYSTEM

Human beings are endowed with tremendous potentials and power so that

they can do almost anything under the sun. Today, we can push a button and

machines and devices will work for us. We can wash clothes, scrub the floor,

cook, grind flour, shave, have light, cut the grass, etc., with almost no effort at all,

and sometimes all at the same time. Humans can stay in the dephts of the sea

for days, can fly with great speed to outer space, can communicate clear and fast

to people thousands of miles away. Yes, we can do almost anything our mind

could conceive.
But if machines, if out of control, could be extremely dangerous, so are

humans. With our seemingly unlimited potentials we can do a tremendous

amount of good, or we can do a great amount of evil that could harm ourselves,

our fellow human beings, and our environment.

The control system in humans is in ourselves. We have the solemn

responsibility to use our control system appropriately. This control system is in

the brain. In different animals the number of brain cells needed for certain

senses are more than for others, just as dogs have keener sense of smell than
humans. But humans have a part in their brain which is not present in animals.

This part is called the "frontal lobe." This is found behind the forehead. And

since animals do not have this part in their brains, their foreheads slope back

from their nose. This is the main difference between humans and animals.1

I saw a man feeding his dogs. As soon as the dogs heard the signal, they

rushed to the feeding pan, plunged in their mouths, grabbed what they could, and

growled at their companions as they devoured their meal.

Humans normally do not act like that. We wait, we observe some table
manners although we are dead hungry. Why? Because we have control; we are

using our frontal lobes. Well, if sometimes people act like dogs, as some really

do, they actually do not use their frontal lobes, and so descend to the level of

brutes. Yes, man can choose to act like a polished monarch, or he can choose to

act like beasts.

The frontal lobe is the seat of the will, which is our "governing power." It is

the part of the brain which controls our emotions, our decisions, our morals. We

can choose to be refined or ill-mannered, be brutal or kind, be happy or sad, be

healthy or sickly, cut short our lives or live longer. Happiness, health, and long

life depend to a large degree on how we control our way of living.2

CONTROLLED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

l. Work and Exercise

Work and exercise are indispensable for health and living. Many people are

dying because of inactivity. Inactivity has been proven to be a fruitful cause of

disease. However, too much exercise or overwork is also hazardous to health.

Body-building and athlete trainors see to it that their trainees do not get more

than their prescribed amount of exercise or it will work to their disadvantage.

Moderation is a rule in proper exercise.3

2. Rest and Sleep

With proper amount of rest and sleep the body's energy reserves are

rejuvenated. But excessive rest is also counter-productive. Muscle loss (as in

the effect of fracture-cast), bone atrophy, impeded circulation and sometimes

blood clot formation, could result. Too much rest can be the cause of overweight

and obesity resulting in ill health and early death.4

3. Games, Recreation, and Amusement

Games, recreation and amusements should promote health and well-being.

If not, they must not be engaged in. Many times they are carried to excess,

sometimes they become vices, and we must use our frontal lobe to control

ourselves. Late TV shows, late night parties, gambling, time wasting games that

are not healthful all need to be controlled otherwise we pay the highest price--our

life and health.

4. Sex

Sex is healthy and is a sacred gift of God to man. It brings great blessings

as long as it serves its ordained purpose within the bounds of marriage.

Uncontrolled sex causes untold woes and suffering that plague the world.

Sexual perversions, sexual excesses, sexual abuse, sexually transmitted

diseases are among its unhealthful forms.

5. Appetite, Food and Drinks

Humans have the capacity to choose what to eats. They are different from

animals. Animals eat only what they are supposed to eat. A goat will always

choose grass or leaves even if you offer fried chicken. But humans today eat

almost anything--from plants to animals to reptiles to insects, to worms, and they

take in even poisons in the form of drugs and harmful drinks so long as they

please their tastes.

 To take care of our bodies in their best condition and function, we should

choose to avoid foodstuffs that are harmful to our health. Most of us now know

that smoking is dangerous to our health, that alcoholic drinks kill our brain cells,

cause fatal diseases and is the root of untold social problems. Drugs are

hazardous to both our health and the welfare of others, and junk foods and highly

refined sugars and carbohydrates are not healthful.

Many of us, though, do not realize that drinking coffee, tea and cola drinks

are also harmful to health. There is as much as 100-150 [Link] caffeine in an

average cup of coffee or tea and half as much in a bottle of cola drinks like Coca

Cola, Pepsi Cola, RC Cola and some other soft drinks.5

Caffeine is a potent drug that affects the nervous system. It stimulates the

nervous system so that the sensation of fatigue is decreased but is then followed

by depression. It causes addiction, nervousness. sleeplessness, and tremors. It

also causes heart irregularities such as rapid heart rate, palpitation and rhythmic

disturbances. It inhibits appetite, irritates the stomach, and increases stomach

acidity. It demonstrates withdrawal symptoms such as headache, lethargy and

drowsiness that is temporarily relieved by more caffeine. Prolonged use can lead

to nervousness, tremors, heart disease, ulcers and other related diseases.6

CONTROLLED MENTAL ACTIVITY

What we feed our minds, what thoughts we let our minds dwell upon have

corresponding effects on our health. Negative thoughts such as worry, fear,

anxiety, gloom, loneliness, depression, and the like are proven to be disease-

producing. Wrong choice of reading matters, TV shows, movies and other mind

stimulants can ruin one's health and life.

The Bible has a wise admonition to people who love life and health:
 "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things
are just, whatsoever things are of good report... think on these things" (Phil.
4:8).

NATURAL LAWS
Everything in the whole universe—from the smallest atom to the biggest

planet, to solar systems— is governed by laws. These laws keep everything,

with its most amazing complexity, in balance and perfection. Any deviation from

these laws brings chaos, trouble, disharmony, and destruction. The

unfathomable Intelligence that formulated those laws we call God or the

Supreme Being.7

Since we humans are natural beings, our existence and functions must

follow very closely the laws of nature that govern us otherwise we plunge into

trouble. The reason why there are family troubles, broken homes, broken hearts,

crimes, wars, immorality, diseases, and deaths is simply because the natural

laws--the laws of God--have been transgressed and broken by humans by their

own choice.

Human beings, according to the Bible, have been given by their Creator the

freedom of choice. God also made clear the results of their choices--following

the rules means happiness, peace, health, long life, and usefulness. Ignoring

them results to ill health, unhappiness, and death.

Here, as a summary of our seminar, are the basic Laws of Life and Health.

These could be coined, for easy retention, in the acronym “NEWSTART.” Each

letter refers to a natural health law.8

THE “NEWSTART”
Let us review each one of them:
 N - Nutrition. We should partake only a variety of the best quality of food, of

the right amount, at the right time.

E - Exercise. We should have active exercise daily.

W - Water. We should use an abundance of pure, clean water internally and

externally.

S - Sunlight. We should avail ourselves and our dwellings of the blessings

of sunshine everyday.

T - Temperance. We should be temperate in all things. Our work, our

recreation, our rest, our social relationship, our behavior, our thoughts, our food

and drink should be controlled. Vices that harm health should be avoided such

as smoking, drinking intoxicating beverages, taking drugs, etc.

A - Air. We should breathe correctly of pure, fresh air and maintain a clean

and beautiful environment.

R - Rest. We should have proper amount of rest and recreation.

T - Trust in God. We should keep our minds in perfect peace, and our

hearts in constant joy and praise and trust in God. And because loving God

involves loving our fellow beings, we should endeavor to always do right and live

a life of love and unselfishness for others.

THE POWER OF CHOICE

Humans are endowed with the power of choice and judgment. We can

choose to be temperate and keep our health in good condition for a longer period

of time, or live carelessly ruining our lives fast. We can choose to follow the laws

of health and be healthy, or we can choose to ignore them and ruin our lives.

We are also created, according to the Bible, as princes and princesses of

God's family. We can either throw away our crown of royalty and live as brutes,
or choose to use our inherent glory, freedom and power to live as children of the

King of kings. The choice is ours, but it is our privilege to choose what is best.

God said, “I set before you life and death, blessings and curses... therefore

choose life that you may live, you and you children” (Deut. 30:19).

_____________________

REFERENCES

1. Marvels of Life Manual. Manila: Health Dept., NPUM of SDAs, 1975, p. 12.
2. Anderson, Clifford R. Modern Ways to Health. Nashville, TN: Southern Pub. Assn.,
1972, p. 671.
3. Hatfield, Frederick C. Body Building A Scientific Approach. Chicago: Contemporary
Books, Inc., 1984.
4. Hardinge, Mervyn G. A Philosophy of Health. Loma Linda, CA: Sch. of Health, LLU,
1980 p. 23.
5. Health Today, 1999, pp. 89-91.
6. Pinger, Dayne Hahn. Drug Issues for Today St. Louis, MO: Hogsby-Yearbook Inc.,
1991.
7. White, E. G. Healthful Living. Mt. View, CA: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1974, p. 290.
8. Foster, Vernon W. New Start! Sta Barbara, CA: Woodbridge Press,1988, p. 25.