In the previous article I introduced the concepts of Diseases of Affluence and Blue Zones. In this article I want to advocate for a shift in mindset. As I like to scripturally anchor my articles, I will start by sharing a verse, Deuteronomy 30:15, from the Contemporary English Version. I find that in the very least, the text, if not the context, is quite relevant.
15 Today I am giving you a choice. You can choose life and success or death and disaster.
The choice is indeed yours. You can either accept with despondency what the world has to offer, or you can choose the right way, God’s way! What you will discover is that God’s way is not some sort of hocus-pocus religious exercise. Rather, as the people in the Blue Zones demonstrate, His way has been empirically and scientifically proven to be true. Remember the creator of a thing is the one who has the most intricate knowledge of said thing. Mankind has been living life ignoring the creator’s manual and counsel to their own detriment. Mankind has been driving down the freeway of life, in the high-speed lane, in a sophisticated vehicle with a super-charged engine, having very little understanding of how to operate said vehicle safely and effectively. Without the loving guidance of the Father, catastrophe is inevitable!
A word of caution: once you go down the rabbit hole of exploring and educating yourself about the pollutants that exist in the environment and our food, or the inadequacies of conventional medicine, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and exasperated. My advice to you is the title of this particular article, “You do your best and God will take care of the rest.” His grace is really sufficient for us and His strength is made perfect in weakness[1]. Remember that there were no feeble ones among the Israelites even before God had given them manna or strict dietary laws. His grace has and will always be sufficient, often even in our ignorance. Now that you are empowering yourself, I suggest that you borrow from one of the blue zone principles and attack the problem in community.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, some have reverted to their basest and most selfish natures and started to hoard, of all things, toilet paper and hand sanitizers. Some have commented that in the same stores where no hand sanitizers or toilet paper could be found, there remained on shelves lots of fruits, vegetables and other whole foods that promote health and wellness. Clearly, many do not have a clue of the link between diet and strong, healthy immune systems. My intent is not to be disparaging of the lay person, especially since it was also not a main point of focus in my formal conventional medical training. I expressed my intention at the start of this article to advocate for a shift in mindset. The next paragraph reveals said shift. Before you read it please ponder on the question, “Is the you I am advocating should do your best an individual or a corporate you?”
I submit to you today that you will always be overwhelmed if you try to do this on your own. It is not possible for the average family, and is perhaps no different from those who selfishly hoarded all the hand sanitizers and toilet paper. I really encourage you to find a group of like-minded people, and plan and strategize together as “You” consult the Father. It is only in this manner that you can sustainably grow your own organic food, live in safe and secure neighborhoods, access affordable, preventive, fully integrated health care, discover your individual and corporate gifts and callings, and support each other lovingly, emotionally and financially so that together “You” will thrive.
We can look to the example of Jewish and Hispanic communities for evidence of the power that exists in community. It has been observed that Hispanics that migrate to the United States are healthier and typically live longer than whites — a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “Hispanic Paradox“[2]. This epidemiological finding is paradoxical because newly immigrated Hispanics generally have lower socioeconomic status than whites, and the latter is typically associated with higher death rates and worse health outcomes. The reasons researchers offered for this phenomenon include better health at the start of migration, lower rates of smoking and especially stronger social networks compared to their white counterparts. Stronger social networks speak to a deep emphasis on family and community. Interestingly enough, by the second generation this phenomenon has been seen to evaporate partly because of the embrace of the Standard American Diet and because consumerism and individualism soon takes precedence over the maintenance of strong families and communities.
“We are one but we are many”, lyrics from a popular Australian song written in 1987 by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers and Dobe Newton of The Bushwackers, are relevant here. The many are empowered by an understanding of the strength in unity, and the shared need to embrace personal responsibility for their communal health and welfare. They are also willing to be a blessing to their fellowmen out of the overflow that will inevitably be produced. What do you think?
References
- ^ 2 Corinthians 12:9a –KJV, Monday April 20th 2020
- ^ Does the Hispanic Paradox Still Exist, Sunday March 29th 2020.
Disclaimer
The contents of article are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.