The World Health Organization defines health as a state or condition of being in complete physical, mental, and social well being and not merely the absence of disease. This definition suggests that in order to achieve health one must find a harmonious balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual components of existence. In an effort to facilitate healthy life there must also be some purposeful thought and actions on our part. The word of God in III John 1:2 teach us that there is no separation in the physical and spiritual well being/prosperity. In fact, they are intrinsically tied together and you cannot achieve one without the other. For the believer this is important to note because through the principles of GOD's promises and health education holistic health can be achieved.
The church plays a vital role in the lives of people. Religion and religious institutions over the years have been expected to serve the needs and interest of many. The church remains the inspirational source and resource to overcome many of life’s physical, mental, and emotional problems. However, despite this fundamental truth Americans continue to die prematurely and have higher incidents of health disparities and addictions. Therefore, health and wellness must be at the forefront of our agenda to bring about a positive change and outcome to our lives. The Church can play a key role in eradicating health disparities and addictions that plague our communities.
The most common health disparities facing the American communities are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, unintentional accidents, homicide, HIV/AIDS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, Kidney disease, and Septicemia (infection), and addictive behaviors. Although these diseases occur in all races similarly however, some ethnicities have a higher incidence of being diagnosed and having poorer outcomes. There are several factors affecting these disparities, many are social, cultural, and economic in nature. Eradicating these health disparities and addictions entails more than relying on individuals to visit their local doctor.
Many of the above noted illnesses can be linked to unhealthy lifestyles, lack of health education, and noncompliance with physical and spiritual resources. The seriousness of these disparities must be addressed through heightened awareness, education, and a call to healthy actions on all 10 Dimensions of Health.
With the above information in mind, it is imperative for congregatonal health to be at the forefront of the Kingdom agenda. Congregational health on all 10 dimensions help to aide it's members, ministries, and surrounding communities with abundant living. ALHWR stands ready to assist with congregational health assessments, recommendations, education and training.
The church plays a vital role in the lives of people. Religion and religious institutions over the years have been expected to serve the needs and interest of many. The church remains the inspirational source and resource to overcome many of life’s physical, mental, and emotional problems. However, despite this fundamental truth Americans continue to die prematurely and have higher incidents of health disparities and addictions. Therefore, health and wellness must be at the forefront of our agenda to bring about a positive change and outcome to our lives. The Church can play a key role in eradicating health disparities and addictions that plague our communities.
The most common health disparities facing the American communities are: heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, unintentional accidents, homicide, HIV/AIDS, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease, Kidney disease, and Septicemia (infection), and addictive behaviors. Although these diseases occur in all races similarly however, some ethnicities have a higher incidence of being diagnosed and having poorer outcomes. There are several factors affecting these disparities, many are social, cultural, and economic in nature. Eradicating these health disparities and addictions entails more than relying on individuals to visit their local doctor.
Many of the above noted illnesses can be linked to unhealthy lifestyles, lack of health education, and noncompliance with physical and spiritual resources. The seriousness of these disparities must be addressed through heightened awareness, education, and a call to healthy actions on all 10 Dimensions of Health.
With the above information in mind, it is imperative for congregatonal health to be at the forefront of the Kingdom agenda. Congregational health on all 10 dimensions help to aide it's members, ministries, and surrounding communities with abundant living. ALHWR stands ready to assist with congregational health assessments, recommendations, education and training.