Your health matters to God. For this reason, the “Your Health Matters” program was held at the Southeastern Conference 2024 Camp Meeting. The program’s primary purpose was to provide education to increase awareness and empower individuals to take charge of their health. Onsite campers filled the worship center auditorium, which featured the highly knowledgeable and skilled spouses of the Conference’s executive team, and Jalessa Sainvil, licensed social worker. The program opened with a warm and enthusiastic greeting from Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., Southeastern health ministries director, who emphasized that the body is the temple of the living God, as well as the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which helps all to make healthy lifestyle choices.
The topics were mental wellness, polycystic ovarian syndrome, prevention of cardiometabolic diseases, and weight management. The presenters and panelists were Brenda Owusu, D.N.P.; Erica Francois, D.N.P., Carmina Charles, M.D., and Jalessa Sainvil, M.S. Each expert in their field gave a short overview of their selected health topic and participated in the panel discussion facilitated by Sankey-Battles.
The mental health topic was presented by Sainvil. Her topic, “Think on These Things,” covered why proper management of mental health is essential for Christians. She used biblical, scientific, and personal references to explain developing a healthy frame of mind. Her key message was that thoughts and feelings make up character, which means that thoughts, feelings, actions, and character should reflect the character of Christ.
The topic “Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome” (PCOS) was presented by Carmina Charles, board certified endocrinologist internist, and emphasized diabetes, metabolism, and nutrition. She gave a thorough overview of PCOS that results from hormonal imbalances, which may cause high testosterone levels, abnormal ovulation, and polycystic ovaries that produce immature follicles. PCOS is the leading cause of infertility. Also, PCOS places individuals at risk for diabetes, endometrial cancer, and sleep apnea. A diagnosis of PCOS requires a thorough workup and evaluation by an endocrinologist.
The topic of “Eight Essentials of Prevention of Cardiometabolic Diseases” was presented by Brenda Owusu, board certified adult nurse practitioner, certified family nurse practitioner, and professor at the University of Miami teaching in the bachelor of science, master’s, and doctorate of nursing program. Owusu reviewed in detail the eight essentials of cardiometabolic prevention: 1) eat healthy, 2) get active, 3) stop smoking, 4) get enough sleep, 5) maintain a healthy weight, 6) control cholesterol, 7) control blood sugar, and 8) manage blood pressure. She highlighted that these eight essentials of life mirror the eight health laws in the N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T. model. Emphasis was placed on practicing all eight lifestyle habits and knowing your numbers for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Owusu emphasized that when your numbers are out of range, you should seek medical attention.
The last topic was “Obesity and Weight Management,” presented by Erica Francois, board certified acute nurse practitioner, and the owner of New Vitality Health and Wellness, which has the motto, “Making You a Better You.” Francois shared that 40% of Americans are obese. Lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are options to aid weight loss. Each option requires a daily routine of eating healthy foods and exercising. She concluded that personal accountability in lifestyle changes contributes to successful weight loss.
After the presentations were completed, the panelists answered questions for in-person and online attendees. One online viewer, deeply impressed with the “Your Health Matters” program, indicated that she would consider becoming a Seventh-day Adventist because the health message was incorporated within the Gospel message, and she expressed that she wants to attend the 2025 Southeastern Conference Camp Meeting. This inspiring feedback is a testament to the program’s success and positive impact on lives.
Because the health message is the right hand of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, all are encouraged to use creative, innovative ways to share it. To view the entire program, go to the YouTube channel and search for Health Plenary, 2024 Southeastern Conference of SDA Camp Meeting.
Southeastern | November 2024
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