Since the days of our pioneers in health reform, the American public has gradually developed a health-consciousness unparalleled in history. No comparison can be made between the health-mindedness of the ancient Athenians, or of the Israelites of old, and the eagerness for health education today. Modern health ideals are mirrored in the publications and programs of our local, State, and Federal public-health departments and our medical societies. These definitely portray a general acceptance today of the very standards which were derided by the supposed intelligentsia of an earlier day; namely, the principles which characterized health reform as advocated by the early advent movement.
"Public interest in the subject of health has made the public-health appeal probably the most potent means of attracting the attention of the average reader. If this were not so, commercial advertisers would not have turned as universally as they have to the health appeal in offering their products. One can scarcely think of any merchandisable article, from motorcar to soap, which has not at some time or other been advertised as a means of gaining, improving, or preserving the health of the buyer."—W. W. Bauer, of the Bureau of Health and Public Instruction, American Medical Association.
Although laws may be devised to prevent the spread of communicable diseases, such as those enforcing vaccination and quarantine, no law can effectively legislate good health. The individual himself must be motivated, and that that has been effected in a marked manner is evidenced by a survey of letters received by Hygeia during the course of a year. Doctor Bauer reports his conclusions for the end of 1934. First in interest came books. Requests for books, articles, and pamphlets are more numerous than any other type of question. This gives substantial evidence that the public is interested in health. Secondly came questions about the care of the hair and scalp, especially about dyeing hair and preventing its premature departure. Diet was the third subject in point of frequency, not including the question of reducing, which is considered separately. Next came questions relating to transmission of life from generation to generation, particularly the problem of teaching the subject to children. Then followed, in the order named, questions on rheumatism, beauty, care of mothers-to-be and babies, constipation, diseases peculiar to women, the eyes, the heart and blood vessels, tuberculosis, cancer, ears, nose, sinuses, mouth and teeth, choosing a doctor, treatment by physical means (light, heat, and electricity), cod-liver oil, reducing, pimples, anemia and other blood diseases, diabetes, colitis, and home remedies.
With the various facilities utilized in the health education of the public we are well acquainted. They are the daily newspapers, the radio, trade and commercial publications of industries. periodicals, pamphlets, posters, leaflets, exhibits, and the lecture platform, often in connection with the stereopticon and the moving-picture projector.
Since sound health principles are so enthusiastically promulgated by men and women of the world of science, we as a people who are favored by the light of heaven on the subject of health reform ought to double our efforts at health education. Although the Massachusetts Department of Health is perhaps the most conservative health department in the United States, located in the center of old Bostonian conservatism, its publications on health are almost identical in spirit with the health reform message of Seventh-day Adventists. In one of their "self-check tests for 'teen age' girls," for example, credit is given not only for the nonuse of tobacco and alcoholic drinks but also for the nonuse of tea and coffee. Vegetarianism, although not spoken of by that name, is definitely supported; for the abundant use of fruits and vegetables is decidedly stressed, while meat is rarely mentioned. If the latter does appear in any of their publications, it is mentioned in a group which classifies beans, peas, simple cheeses, and eggs as being of the same protein value. "Healthful Living," one of their smaller publications, contains the following thoughts, almost reechoing the voice of our own health reform message:
"Some good results in physical and mental vigor have come to us who have tried each clay: a quart of milk, an egg, three servings of vegetables (one raw), two fruits (one of these orange or tomato), whole-grain cereals or dark bread, as well as plenty of other food, and water.
"Keeping well has a great deal to do with good habits of thinking. Find out what is causing worry, anger, hatred, or envy; correct it at once, if possible, or if it cannot be helped, stop. No one ever gained anything by worrying about what he could not help. Try to he cheerful, friendly, and proud of anything that is honest and worthwhile."
Fads and passing fancies are nothing new. We find them very much like the poor—"always with us." With such a vast supply of sound health knowledge, however, backed by a Heaven-sent message of health, there should be no excuse for faddism. Vegetarianism is today termed "fad" only by the poorly informed. There are, however; many inconsistent vegetarians. For instance, a vegetarian who sleeps only half his normally required time, who exercises in the open air only once a month or less, who allows his shoulders to droop unnecessarily and his feet to shuffle along, or who neglects proper attention to personal and mental hygiene, is neglecting important principles of health reform. Diet is a very important factor in healthful living, but health itself is the objective. We must not put the cart before the horse.
Every consistent Seventh-day Adventist has an ultimate objective in living up to health principles. That objective is the fitting of the body for translation at the coming of the Lord. And so, speaking of inconsistent vegetarianism, the Great Physician would rebuke many of us in the manner in which He rebuked certain Pharisees of old; "This ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." As health reformers, therefore, Seventh-day Adventists must lead. They must be thoroughly equipped,—mentally, physically, and spiritually, in order rightfully to maintain their name. Reform is needed as much today as ever, but the opportunities are infinitely greater. If we do not rouse ourselves, the sin of omission will be a heavy burden upon each one of us.
The New England Sanitarium and Hospital has worked out a program for its workers, which gives evidence of awakening a real spirit of health-consciousness. A health project was recently launched with the sanitarium family divided into two equal groups, the goals being set both collectively and individually. The reading of health talks forms a prominent part in the program, for it is a matter of common knowledge that the reader must understand and be enthusiastic over his subject in order truly to impress the audience. In this program, the subjects are picked from a large series of health radio talks given within the last seven years by doctors of national repute over the NBC network, and covering every detail of health.
An equally important feature of this program is the taking of a detailed "Test of Conformity to the Christian Health Standard" at the beginning and end of the three-month period given to this purpose. The "Adult Health Standard" issued by the Medical Department of the General Conference, originally adapted from the adult score card by Dr. Thomas Wood of Columbia University, was used as a guide in preparing this individual health-rating scale. It is our objective in the conduct of this project to make "health for better service" the conscious slogan of every member of the sanitarium family here at Melrose.