One of the outstanding calls of the nation to its citizenry at this time is the call for physical fitness. It is now regarded as a patriotic duty to adopt daily habits that make for health and efficiency. An analysis of the counsel offered by those qualified to give advice in matters pertaining to health, reveals the fact that particular emphasis is being placed upon proper habits of eating and drinking.
The occasion for special concern regarding public health stems out of the following facts : (I) The physical examination of men of draft age in the United States reveals the fact that of the physical defects disqualifying men for military service, a high percentage might have been prevented by early attention to personal hygiene and the observance of correct daily health habits. A report in 1941 revealed that of 380,000 young men found unfit for military service out of 1,560,000 men examined, it was estimated that one third of the rejections were due either directly or indirectly to diet deficiencies. (2) The present urgent demand for efficiency in industry. (3) The decrease in the number of physicians and nurses now available to serve civilians in event of illness.
That the daily observance of rules of healthful living makes for physical fitness and minimizes sickness is an uncontroverted fact. Also it is quite obvious that the adoption of principles of healthful living is most productive of good when adhered to from childhood, but apparently this fact should be repeatedly emphasized. The foregoing only serves to emphasize that which is appearing daily in the public press, namely, exhortation and suggestions having to do with healthful living.
Many of the world's leading authorities in the field of public health are now employed to instruct and supervise the layman in a health program. All these leaders focus attention upon the simple fundamentals of hygienic living —ventilation, proper breathing, sunlight, rest, exercise, cleanliness, adequate diet and correct eating habits, suitable clothing, mental hygiene, and abstinence from harmful beverages.
Dr. Haven Emerson, the eminent authority in this field, recently stated, "If there ever was a golden cure-all, here it is : Fresh air and sunlight, proper food and eating habits, regular exercise, adequate rest." In this connection note the following instruction to the church : "Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power,—these are the true remedies."—'Ministry of Healing," p. 181.
The similarity of Doctor Emerson's prescription to the counsels addressed to this people approximately fifty years ago is striking and should inspire us anew to become thoroughly acquainted with the balanced comprehensive health program as set forth in our denominational health literature for the benefit of all the church.
The fact that the largest returns in physical fitness accrue from the adoption of health principles during childhood and youth, gives point to the importance and value of effective health instruction in our schools. We strongly believe that health is rightly to be regarded as an objective of education. We have been counseled:
"A knowledge of physiology and hygiene should be the basis of all educational effort. . . . In the study of physiology, pupils should be led to see the value of physical energy, and how it can be so preserved and developed as to contribute in the highest degree to success in life's great struggle.
"Children should be early taught, in simple, easy lessons, the rudiments of physiology and hygiene. The work should be begun by the mother in the home, and should be faithfully carried forward in the school. . . . The principles of hygiene as applied to diet, exercise, the care of children, the treatment of the sick, and many like matters, should he given much more attention than they ordinarily receive."—"Education," pp. 195-197.
To teach youth successfully the principles of healthful living is a difficult assignment. The subject cannot be approached in the same abstract way as an assignment in algebra. The student who merely learns the principles of health routinely or observes them from a sense of fear of disease or as a matter of self-discipline and self-denial, falls far short of the ideal. Such motivation is wrong.
The principles of physiology, hygienic nutrition, and the whole scope of healthful living are to be approached in such an attractive and practical form that the youth will be helped to understand the reason for doing the things taught. An appeal thus made will carry a conviction that responds by a spontaneous, satisfying enthusiasm in an intelligent observance of rules which are known to be fundamental to good health.
Furthermore, for the Christian, in addition to the assurance of better health, there is the important incentive that it is a "patriotic" duty to God, if you please, to live so as to promote physical, mental, and moral vigor. For to deal ignorantly, carelessly, or apathetically with the wonderful physical organism made originally in the image of God, is to show disrespect to our Creator.
"Let pupils be impressed with the thought that the body is a temple in which God desires to dwell ; that it must be kept pure, the abiding place of high and noble thoughts. As in the study of physiology they see that they are indeed 'fearfully and wonderfully made,' they will be inspired with reverence. Instead of marring God's handiwork, they will have an ambition to make all that is possible of themselves, in order to fulfill the Creator's glorious plan. Thus they will come to regard obedience to the laws of health, not as a matter of sacrifice or self-denial, but as it really is, an inestimable privilege and blessing."—"Education," p.
H. M. W.
