How To Avoid Illness and Stay Healthy

Romans 5:3-4  "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

Is it strange that I use this verse as I am going to tell you how to prevent illness? Yes and No. My husband and I took the boys on a surprise trip to Disney this long weekend while they were out of school. We only had two days to do the parks quickly. They haven't been since one was 18 months and one was 5, so this was a big deal. We decided to do it right, stay with the monorail, get the dining plan, go all out for a weekend. THEN.....day two, Joseph, my 12 year old becomes very ill, and has lots of vomiting, and ends up in the Disney clinic. That night, I start with the fever ( I already had stomach upset but was thought it was sympathy pains). That next morning (early morning, might I add) Jacob starts vomiting. The clinic said it was food poisoning. That is still questionable in my mind, because there were so many sick people down there. It made me think it was viral. 

At first, I was so mad! I had 2 days and paid all this money and was so excited for them, just to get poisoned by the place we so longed to go! We only got to go to the parks one day and we lost lots of meals we paid for that were never eaten. I was so upset and frustrated; I was ready to throw my sparkling Mickey ears across the desk at the lady while cancelling a Chef Mickey character breakfast. The others around me were making them and I was mad at them too. And then, the voice came. The one that brings you tears and reminds you.. "It's not about you, or the boys, or your plans, they are Mine." I truly believe that all things happen for a reason. It's so easy to tell others that, but when it happens to you, that voice of God has to tell you that. Sometimes, with me, I think He shouts it a few times before I listen. I tried to figure it out. Maybe we would have gotten some kind of horrific injury on a ride. Maybe he saved us from something much worse, like a monorail crash or a bus accident. Maybe by reporting the illness to Disney, we saved some little baby from the illness who would be hospitalized from the event. I have thought of all kinds of reasons to make my mind at ease. I really don't know the reason, because the reason isn't mine. So, I am trusting that God is building our endurance and our character like He promises through our sufferings.....after all..It’s not about me.

That's my little lesson that I got taught this weekend. As for advice on prevention of illness, there are many tips to keep your body strong and healthy, so it can fight the battle. Notice in my above story, Chad is still well and I just had a touch of something. I attribute that to all the prayers of all our friends and family that knew what was going on, and to our healthy lifestyle on a daily basis. Yes, my kids have a healthy lifestyle too, but they are small with a less than mature immune system. making them more susceptible to illness when it enters in the body.

For many people around the world, the flu and cold season is in full force. While the days become shorter (for those of in the southern hemisphere) there is less sunlight and thus warmth. As a result, we miss out on adequate vitamin D and tend to indulge in heavier meals and more food - not necessarily always making the healthiest choice.

Also, many people suffer from seasonal depression as a result of shorter days; this increases stress while depleting our body’s ability to fight off infection – one of the reasons why so many get sick this time of year. Despite all the colds and flu floating about, we all have the ability to avoid catching them if we take the time to strengthen our immunity through prevention.

10 Tips To Avoid Illness

DO'S

1. Always ensure that you're eating a diet of whole foods (mainly raw).

By giving your body what it needs (i.e. vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytonutriets), it has a greater ability to produce the necessary t-cells and white blood cells to ward off any foreign invader.

2. Get plenty of rest.

It is important to get your proper sleep. Some require more than others, but generally speaking, 7-8 hours for most is sufficient. Proper sleeping patterns give your body the ability to recharge; contributing to a stronger defense system so the body does not have to work so hard in keeping a foreign bacteria or virus out of the body.

3. Ensure that you keep exercising.

Our body is designed to move. In order to keep our internal organs functioning properly, we must ensure that we are assisting them in their job of eliminating waste and waste by-products. Exercising assists our body’s ability to rid toxins from our body much faster and improves the overall performance of our cardiovascular, muscular, and skeletal systems. It is also important to note that our lymphatic system is a very slow moving system; so moving at least 1 hour each day can help keep the fluids within this system moving, keeping the ducts clean and efficient.

4. Provide your body with an extra boost of nutrients.

It is not only essential to eat well, but we also must make sure we are receiving adequate supplementation. Increase your intake of vitamin D and C, zinc, magnesium, and a good quality vitamin B complex. Also ensure that your getting grounded to the earth and adding plenty of garlic, onions and mushrooms to meals.

5. Try to stay home as much as you can.

Avoiding illness can be as simple as staying put in your own home. It is important to avoid area such as pharmacies where you can easily come into contact with air borne pathogens from people waiting in line. Also, ensure that you make your best efforts to keep your hands clean – most bacteria and virus are spread through direct contact. Use hand sanitizers when you are in public areas this time of the year.

DON’T:

6. Stay away from the sugar (all forms, especially processed).

You have heard it before from me!! As 70-80% of your immune system resides in your intestines, it is important to keep them functioning properly. Sugar inhibits phagocytosis, the process by which viruses and bacteria are engulfed and then literally chewed up by white blood cells. The immune suppressing effect of sugar starts less than thirty minutes after ingestion and may last for five hours. That’s a long time to experience a glitch in your immune system, especially if you’re considering going into public places where there are sure to be germs all around. One of the area pediatricians has said this for years and people get so mad at him when he tells them not to let their kids eat any sugar while they are sick.

7. Avoid consuming processed foods.

Processed foods have little to no nutrient value. They usually do more harm than good to your body. By eating primarily processed/packaged foods, one becomes malnourished; this in turn weakens your immune system. Not only are processed foods void of any nutrients, they also have a host of unhealthy additives and preservatives which can further suppress your immune system from functioning properly.

8. Keep your stress levels down.

Too much stress in one’s life severely suppresses one’s immune system. Wherever possible, try to engage in some light stretching or yoga, or simply practice some deep breathing techniques to bring down your cortisol (stress hormone) levels.

9. Antibiotics should be used as a last resort.

Everything has its use, although some things tend to get abused. Ensure that you have exhausted all natural remedies possible before considering the use of antibiotics. If you have no other choice, make sure to follow-up your treatment with a good quality pro-biotic supplement to replenish the good bacteria in your gut as antibiotics both kill good and bad bacteria when ingested.

10. Avoid overworking yourself.

When we enter the fall and winter seasons, it is important to adjust our activity levels as well. Generally speaking, we should reduce our activity levels as we are supposed to rest more in the fall and winter months.

As I typed these tips for you, I laughed at myself. I wonder why we were sick at Disney. All these rules went out the window for a long weekend and thus we ended up sick. We were around lots of people during the start of illness season. We were cramming a week trip in to 2 days. We were lacking sleep from getting up early and staying up late. We ate foods that are processed and prepared ways we aren't used to, and couldn't find much to eat raw, like fruits and veggies. We counted walking around the park as "exercise". All of the lines and crowds and waiting for buses and rides definitely increased our stress levels. We disobeyed all of my own rules. I just thought I would share that with you all. Hopefully we will all be back to normal soon and next time, yes there will be a next time since we have to make it up to them, we will do things differently to avoid illness. Whatever the reason, we ended up sick and God was glorified somehow and some way through this process.

Brandy Kisner
Health & Wellness Coordinator

How to Raise Godly Children-By Example

Last week we talked about the importance of attending and being involved in church, among fellow believers. The conclusion was that if we don't make it a priority while the children are growing up, it certainly will not be a priority when they are grown.

The second half of this vital training is that we must reiterate what they learn at church in the home.  Being a Christian isn't only something we say or do, it is a lifestyle.  It means that we must be consistent in every area of our lives.  What we say, where we go, what we watch on TV or movies, the music we listen to, the friends we associate with, should be consistent, and not contrary to what the Bible teaches us to do.  God's intent in laying out commands and commandments was not to punish us, but to protect us.  When we step outside those commands and go it on our own, we are sure to stumble and fall, and there will be consequences.  

Reading the Bible to and with our children is a must.  We must teach them the Word.  Bible stories when they are smaller, and Bible study as they get older, will instill in them scripture with which to combat the enemy when he tempts and attacks them. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I may not sin against thee." - Psalm 119-11.   "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,…" Deuteronomy 6:6, 7

The way we treat our friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and strangers are a reflection of what's in our hearts.  Our children observe and learn from us.  What are we teaching them?  

What about your mouth?  Are you a gossiper?  Are you hateful to your spouse?  What about cursing?  "And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" - James 3:10

If you are a grandparent, it is your responsibility to help to train your grandchildren and teach them about Jesus.

Our lives are a recording that our children will replay in their own minds and lives.  What are you recording by the example that you set before them?

Pam Archer

Women's Ministry Director 

How to Raise Godly Children Part I

Jeni Morelock is sharing a series every Thursday, for the next few weeks, on how to love your husband as Christ commands you to do.  The perfect complement to her series is How to Raise Godly Children, so for the next few weeks, I am going to be sharing some Bible based tips on raising kids.  Now, I'm no expert on child-rearing, but I am an experienced mother of three.  My daughters are now 40, 37, and 31.  I made many mistakes in parenting, but I do know my heart's desire, above all else, was for them to know Christ as their saviour, and for them to love Him above all others. I often say that my children turned out great in spite of me.  They all love God with their whole heart, soul, and mind.  This is the most important accomplishment of my life!

I was raised in a Christian home, too.  Going to church on Sunday morning and Sunday night, Wednesday night, and every activity in between, was never a discussion. It was understood that come Sunday morning, we would all be in attendance.  We weren't asked if we wanted to go.  Our opinions didn't matter.  We went to church, no questions asked!  This is how my children were raised, too.  How can we expect our children to grow up loving Jesus and the things of God if they aren't taught that going to His house of worship is a priority? How can they fall in love with someone they only hear mention of on occasion?  It is our responsibility as parents to teach them the things of God.  We must teach it at home and reinforce it by going to church and having them involved in Bible Study and worship. I like the New Living Translation of Hebrews 10:25, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." 

I recently heard a sermon on parenting.  The pastor said "It's easier to build children than it is to repair a man (adult)."  How true this is! I've observed parents who made the mistake of putting everything else above attending church with their children.  I've seen the results of that through their children, who were the farthest thing from godly. The time to train up a child is when they are children.  It's very hard, and often too late, to try to repair the damage the world does to by the time they reach their teenage years.

Are you taking your children to church on a regular basis?  Do they understand the importance of worship and the fellowship with other Christians?  What message are you sending to them?  Is it one of love and commitment to Christ, or love and commitment to things of this world?  It isn't a grey area.  It's black and white.  Jesus says you are either for him or against him.  There's no in between.  

"Lord, I pray for the parents who read this post.  I pray that they would take a stand for you in their home and teach their children that you are the way, the truth , and the life. Open their eyes, Lord, to the importance of being in your house to worship and learn more about you.  May their children see YOU in their lives and turn to YOU for their own salvation.  Amen!"

Pam Archer, Director

ISBC Women's Ministry