A Work That Is Sane and Scientific, and Is Winning Its Way
BY L. A. HANSEN
Secretary Medical Department, General and North American Division Conference
The movement carried forward by the people issuing this paper, is a unique one in the religious world, in its relation to physical reform and the presentation of health principles. Almost without exception, its membership of over one hundred thousand is composed of people who believe that the religious life comprehends a recognition of the laws of health, and conformity thereto.
Sixty Years of Success
More than sixty years ago, this denomination associated with its evangelical work the teaching of health as well as temperance principles. Several prominent hygienic reforms of to-day were taught and practiced by this people years before the general public gave them serious thought. Scientific research, experience, and demonstration of time have brought into popular favor things that were once presented by them amidst ridicule and prejudice. They have been prominent in their health work, and this phase of their activity to-day holds an important place as a medical missionary movement.
Other pages of this paper will speak of the progress of this religious movement in various phases, especially the evangelical. Let it be remembered that in general this includes the teaching of health principles, whether by press or by pulpit, and presenting the demands of the laws of health as moral requirements. We herewith give information as to the material development of the health movement of this people, presenting figures that give proof of a divine providence in connection with its growth.
A Broad Platform
Beginning with the teaching and practice of temperance in its broader application of covering all that is hurtful, the health question came to a recognition of dietetic reforms and the use of rational remedies of treatment in disease. A position quite comprehensive in its reach was taken in discarding intoxicants, narcotics, condiments, free use of flesh foods, and other hurtful articles or practices in diet. Careful thought and study were given to provide a well balanced, wholesome, and palatable dietary. Other measures of reform were adopted, dealing with dress, general hygiene, and healthful living. A decided position was taken against the use of poisonous drugs as curatives. Study was given to the subject of water as a remedial agent; and a system of therapeutics was evolved, to which were later added various measures constituting the basis of treatment as carried on now in many large sanitariums.
The Sanitarium Idea
This movement first made use of the word “sanitarium” as designating an institution for the care of the sick. Its first health institution was opened at Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1868. Another sanitarium, still in successful operation by the denomination, was established at St. Helena, California, in 1877. Others followed, until to-day about seventy sanitariums are operated, located in various parts of the world, representing a financial valuation of over four million dollars.
Fifty or more smaller health enterprises, such as treatment rooms and health institutes, are conducted. Dispensaries, in cities in the home field and in mission districts in the foreign field, are carried on. A number of physicians and nurses are also engaged in field work, either as appointed medical missionaries to various countries, or in private practice. About three thousand workers in all are engaged especially in distinctive health work.
About thirty training schools for nurses are conducted by the sanitariums. A denominational medical college, located at Loma Linda, California, has been duly incorporated for the education of missionary physicians and other medical evangelists.
Health Food Industry
The well established use of “health foods” had its origination with this movement; and ten food factories, located in various countries, are now in operation, supplying food products in keeping with the original idea. Food stores and agencies, together with vegetarian restaurants, aid in giving material evidence of the value of these dietetic principles.
Many health publications are now issued by the denomination, including tracts, pamphlets, and large bound books. One magazine, Health and Temperance, formerly Life and Health, published at Washington, D. C., has seen a circulation of 80,000 in a single month. Eight other magazines, printed in various languages and in various countries, are devoted exclusively to health questions, while about one hundred other periodicals devote more or less space in helping to carry forward the health-educational work the denomination is doing in behalf of right living.
