p. 12 | Health Suggestions by O. B. Kuhn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 14, 1914

Health Suggestions

By O. B. Kuhn

O. B. KUHN

If we would maintain our health, or restore it when it is lost, we must deal intelligently with each one of our three natures,—the spiritual, the mental, and the physical. The study of matter, the physical, is the lowest field of scientific thought. Higher than the physical realm is the universe of the mind, which has its laws and powers of reproduction and evolution, and which controls and makes use of nature, or matter. Above the universe of the mind is the spiritual universe, which has its laws and its powers of reproduction directing the mind that controls matter.

A man is bound to control and educate his understanding. This being true, "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." In other words, health cannot be maintained nor restored merely by giving attention to the physical being.

Basis of Faith

God is the source of life and health. His desire for us is expressed thus: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." God wishes us to live and to be healthy. The tendency of nature is toward health. In restoring the fractured bone, the bruised tissue, and the severed muscle, the healing power of nature is seen. The work of the Son of God in healing the sick showed mighty evidence of his desire for our health. In raising the dead, and in the promise of the resurrection and of the crown of immortality, is seen his purpose to give life.

Spiritual Influences

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." When the sunlight of God's love illuminates the darkened chambers of the soul, restless weariness and dissatisfaction will cease, and satisfying joys will give vigor to the mind, and health and energy to the body. A consciousness of sins forgiven, of acceptance with God, of abiding peace in the heart, and a life of service with the temporal and eternal happiness of others in view, constitute "the joy of the Lord." "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Gratitude, rejoicing, benevolence, trust in God's love and care,—these are health's greatest safeguards. Nothing tends more to promote health of body and of soul than does a spirit of gratitude and praise.

Mental Influences

It is a positive duty to resist melancholy, discontented thoughts and feelings,—as much so as it is to pray. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, all tend to break down the life forces, and to invite decay and death. Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, promote health and prolong life. A contented mind, a cheerful spirit, is health to the body and strength to the soul.

The will, the power of decision, of choice, is the governing power in the nature of man. Let the will be kept awake and rightly directed, and it will impart energy to the whole being and will be a wonderful aid in the maintenance of health. It is a power also in dealing with disease. Exercised in the right direction, it would control imagination, and be a potent means of resisting and overcoming disease of both mind and body. Often disease can be resisted by refusing to yield to ailments. The will power places one in right relation to life. Will to live and to be well, for only as we appreciate this life shall we appreciate eternal life.

Physical Influences

The laws governing our bodies are as absolute as are spiritual and physical laws operating elsewhere. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." The first step in the maintenance of health or in its recovery, is to understand these laws and to render obedience to them.

An abundance of fresh air is required day and night, winter and summer. Sunlight is a vital stimulant, and it is almost as necessary as air. The body is sixty-five per cent fluid, and requires enough water daily to replace loss and to carry on normal function. Exercise, voluntary and involuntary, breaks down the tissues of the body. Our bodies are built up from the food we eat. A certain amount of a variety of food elements is required daily.

Fresh air, sunlight, pure water, and wholesome food make good blood. The blood is the life and the healing medium of the body. Eight or ten hours' sleep are required out of twenty-four hours. It is well also to relax a few minutes during the day.

Exercise

Exercise gives strength and vigor. Idleness tends toward decay and death. The fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah is a prescription for maladies of the soul and of the body. It provides exercise for the soul, mind, and body. Good deeds are twice a blessing, benefiting both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. The consciousness of right doing is one of the best medicines for diseased bodies and minds. When the mind is free and happy from a sense of duty well done and the satisfaction of giving happiness to others, the cheering, uplifting influence brings new life to the whole being. The daily labor should have ministry to others as its object.

Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. 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.

Rest

Abiding peace, true rest of spirit, has but one source. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." "My peace I give unto you." "The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds."

When the physical and mental strength is being exhausted and we are sick from overwork, rest, freedom from care, and a spare diet are essential to restoration of health. To those who are brain weary and nervous because of continual labor and close confinement, a visit to the country, where they can live a simple, care-free life, coming in close contact with nature, will be most helpful. Roaming through the fields and the woods, picking the flowers, listening to the songs of the birds, will do far more than any other agency toward recovery.