The following health talk was given at a Dorcas Federation meeting by one who has had many years of experience in furthering our health message, particularly in home nursing classes for our own people. During the war she was authorized by the American Red Cross to teach classes in home nursing. Both Mrs. Christofferson and her husband are registered nurses. They were formerly connected with our sanitarium as teachers, but in more recent years have been working earnestly and faithfully in giving the health message in their local community.—EDITOR.
I. INTRODUCTION: The body only medium through which mind and soul are developed for upbuilding of character. Hence it is that the adversary of souls directs his temptations to enfeebling and degrading physical powers. (Ministry of Healing, p. 130.)
II. DEFINITION OF "BALANCE": An instrument for determining weight of bodies. To examine, compare.
III. GOD'S REMNANT CHURCH.
1. Message includes health reform.
2. Carry last message—warning.
3. Momentous task.
4. Preservation of physical, mental, and spiritual resources all needed.
IV. MAN'S BODY, GOD'S TEMPLE.
1. God's crowning work of creation.
2. Temple of Holy Spirit.
3. Man's responsibility to care for his body and cultivate good habits.
"All should have an intelligent knowledge of the human frame, that they may keep their bodies in the condition necessary to do the work of the Lord." "A misuse of the body shortens that period of time which God designs shall be used in His service."—Cannsels on Health, p. 41.
V. DEFINITION OF "HEALTH."
Health is the perfect circulation of pure blood in a sound organism.
"In order to have good health we must have good blood; for the blood is the current of life. It repairs waste and nourishes the body. When supplied with the proper food elements and when cleansed and vitalized by contact with pure air, it carries life and vigor to every part of the system. The more perfect the circulation, the better will this work be accomplished."—Ministry of Healing, p. 271.
VI. PURE BLOOD AND IMMUNITY.
1. Natural immunity depends on nutrition.
2. Acquired immunity on toxins, antitoxins.
3. Severity of disease determined by intensity of cause and state of human organism.
4. Immunity destroyed by denatured foods, irregular eating, lack of sleep and exercise. Wrong habits upset rhythm of life.
VII. SELF-PRESERVATION—FIRST LAW OF NATURE.
1. Fresh air and proper ventilation.
2. Deep breathing.
3. Suitable, seasonal clothing.
4. Proper amount of sleep.
5. Cleanliness of person and premises.
6. Nourishing food and good combinations.
7. Good eating habits. Regular meals. Balanced dietary.
8. Correct posture.
9. Regular exercise of muscles.
VIII. SUMMARY.
I. Live one day at a time, unhurriedly.
1. Avoid unnecessary movements.
2. Avoid all thoughts that cause waste of nerve force.
3. Cultivate calmness, repose, peacefulness.
4. Honor Creator by caring for body temple.
5. Follow health instruction given in our papers, books, and magazines, and in other reliable authorities.
6. "The human body is a harp of a thousand strings which are intended to harmonize. If one of them is out of tune it is likely to cause discord throughout, while to tune up one, helps the harmony of all."
7. Balanced healthful living means building character preparatory to association with heavenly beings.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Ellen G. White : Counsels on Health, Ministry of Healing, Counsels on Diet and Foods, Principles of Healthful Living.
Doctors Risley and Walton : Foods, Nutrition and Clinical Dietetics.
F. M. Wilcox : The Gospel of Health. Health journals.