Bern, Switzerland. [CD-EUDNews. Valérie Dufour]. Besides economic challenges related with shutdowns, the most important questions for individuals and governments today revolve around health and “the health of nations” will be a long-lasting topic.
Even though we don’t know when the pandemic will end, we know that it will last, because much is still to be understood about it and the way it could be controlled or eradicated. The length of the Covid-19 pandemic is only one of many open-questions. Others are:
- What is the real number of people infected?
- Is the virus airborne?
- Can people become re-infected?
- What is the role of children in the viral transmission?
- How should the Covid-19 patients be treated?
- Will the virus mutate?
- Etc.
In this context of crisis, uncertainties, unanswered questions and absence of real treatment for Covid-19, there are nevertheless some certainties.
1. Enhance their health and immune system
At this point, besides hygienic measures and social distancing, the most critical for each person irrespective of age or medical history, is to enhance their health and immune system. If there is a time, when each one should integrate into his life all the elements of a healthy lifestyle, it is now!
This is not only essential in regard to the pandemic but also considering the times in which we are living as “the body is a most important medium through which the mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character,” as stated by E.G.White, American writer about one century ago.
Healthful habits will not guarantee the absence of infection through Covid-19 but a better condition to fight it and a better global health status to face the challenging times ahead.
Valérie Dufour, Health Department director of Inter-European Region (EUD) of Seventh-day Adventists, quoting E.G. White, affirm: “We ask to be kept from the pestilence that walks in darkness, that is stalking with such power through the world; each one is to cooperate with God, observing the laws of health and life. Having done all that we possibly can, we are to keep asking in faith for health and strength.”
2. Message and mission
The Adventist message and mission have not changed, they have only gained in importance and urgency. People are more than ever in need of help for their physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases etc. are still a major killer and are as well among the main risk factors for severity when someone is infected by Covid-19. “As a church we have known since a long time not only how to prevent but also improve or reverse those conditions” so Valérie Dufour.
Also due to Covid-19, people experience more stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. Moreover, the pandemic has serious effects on people with preexisting mental health disorders like depression, anxiety disorders or addictions.
This is why besides strengthening our personal health, this crisis is a renewed and amplified call for each one of us, to be engaged, as Jesus was, in bringing health, in facilitating healing and in sharing hope.
Here after in the Adventist Health Ministries Newsletter, you will find many elements to strengthen your own health and minister to those around you, such as:
1. Keep eating a healthy diet
2. Keep using water as a remedial agent
3. Keep moving, moving, moving
4. Keep enhancing your resilience
5. Keep your risk factors low
6. Keep the faith in trying times
7. Keep informed
For more information, contact Valérie Dufour
