September 17, 2008

A Tale of Two Lifestyles

2008 1526 page6 cape were a few days into watching the evening telecast of the 2008 Olympics when my 4-year-old daughter inquired, “How do they do that?” We had watched gymnastics, swimming, and volleyball, and after mimicking one of U.S. athlete Shawn Johnson’s floor exercises (think lopsided somersaults, not back handsprings), my daughter marveled at the amazing things the human body could do.
 
Seizing the opportunity I gave her a fairly pat answer: practice, exercise, rest, and good food. “Definitely not a lot of candy,” I added.
 
The next day we watched a bit of handball and one equestrian event. Same question, same answer.
 
Three nights later we watched track and field events and women’s diving (more mimicry—this time it was of China’s Ruolin Chen). With raised eyebrows she asked me again as she avidly watched runners leaping over hurdles and thundering across the finish line. This time I asked her to answer the question. She responded: “They eat their vegetables, and they practice . . . and they go to bed before midnight.”
 
2008 1526 page6“Yes,” I encouraged, “I’m sure they do those things. They work really hard at practice so they can run so fast and jump those hurdles, but they also need to rest and eat foods that give them good health and energy. They eat lots of the things you do, I’m sure, like broccoli and carrots, rice and beans . . . do you think they drink water, or soda?”
 
“Water,” was the answer. Then our conversation deteriorated into what else they might drink: mint or chamomile tea, orange juice, etc. I was glad the Olympic Games had given me a chance to reinforce a few of the healthful lifestyle habits I’m trying to impart to my children. While I don’t deny them the occasional lollipop, scoop of ice cream, or brownie (one of my weaknesses), I try to put these treats into context—as with other foods (even the “good stuff”), we don’t overeat just because we like them.
 
I have to admit that I found the conversation tinged with irony as I recognized that these athletes were showcasing, with finely honed bodies, the fruits of their labor to a global audience of billions sedentarily watching in front of a screen. And I envisioned many family rooms across America occupied by less than ideal human specimens munching away as they watched Jamaica’s Usain Bolt break records.
 
A 2008 study suggests that most adults in the U.S. will be overweight or obese by 2030 (www.jhsph.edu/publichealthnews/press_releases/2008/wang_obesity_projections). “The researchers conducted projection analyses based on data collected over the past three decades from nationally representative surveys. Their projections illustrate the potential burden of the U.S. obesity epidemic if current trends continue,” the study reveals.
 
The press release doesn’t go into details as to why waistlines are expanding, but in many cases, 
I think the answer is pretty simple. Lifestyle. Yes, genetics, mental and physical challenges and disease, and certain health conditions do factor in—some are not able to achieve or maintain “ideal weight.” But the majority of people tipping the scales to the far right do not live healthful lives.
 
As Adventists, we have a fantastic health message. Not only do we have the Bible to remind us (Daniel and his three friends are but one example) what good diet choices can do toward keeping our temples in good shape for Him, we have Ellen White’s prophetic vision and timeless advice (see The Ministry of Healing and Counsels on Diet and Foods). We have temperance pledges (go Pathfinders!), the NEWSTART program, and our health-care institutions, which are brimming with helps for wellness and prevention—just to name a few ways we support the health message.
 
So what else do we need in order to be examples to others? Is it enough to have the aforementioned principles and programs available?
 
No, we must live it. Not only corporately—individually. We must practice what we preach. As I acknowledge the extra baggage I’m carrying, I ask this: We have an amazing gift to give humanity; are we using our opportunities to impart this gift? Are we enjoying the benefits of the gift ourselves? What are we sharing? What are we showing?

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Kimberly Luste Maran is an assistant editor of the Adventist Review.

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