Give principles for improving our quality of life
During much of the nineteenth century, health seemed to be a matter of luck. The majority of people had no idea about the existence of germs and believed that night air caused disease. Disease was treated by dangerous drugging, which more often than not aided in the patient’s speedy demise. 27Drugs used included arsenic, mercury calomel, and other deadly poisons. Yet, slowly but surely, some people began to note cause and effect in diet and hygiene. This led to a number of health reform movements that sprang up, each emphasizing a particular aspect of health reform. 28Peter Landless provides a concise overview of the development of the health movements of her day in “The Grace-filled Health Message,” Adventist World, November 2013, 24, 25.UEGW 247.5
What made Ellen White’s contribution so unique was the comprehensive concept of health laid out in her writings. It is interesting to note that even this health message was framed in an understanding of the great controversy theme. The early church pioneers, who struggled continually with poor health, came to realize that by following the guidelines set out in Ellen White’s health visions and by making lifestyle changes29Mervyn G. Hardinge, A Physician Explains Ellen White’s Counsel on Drugs, Herbs, & Natural Remedies (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald®, 2001), 203. their health and quality of life improved significantly. This in turn made them more useful in working for others. 30Arthur L. White, Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years 1862-1876 (Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald®, 1986), 2:110-127. By following and advocating a healthy lifestyle, they were following Jesus’ example of helping those who were sick and suffering. Health education and lifestyle change became the goals of the day. 31Hardinge, A Physician Explains Ellen White’s Counsel, 203.UEGW 248.1
Disease, health care, and quality of life are still relevant topics. It has been estimated that over a third of the world’s population suffers physically, mentally, or emotionally at any given time. 32Ibid., 9. And even with all the advances in medical science, sickness and disease are still a major problem.UEGW 248.2
Medical science, while still focusing on finding new drugs to cure disease, is beginning to realize that lifestyle change is the best remedy for changing overall health. The Adventist Health Study, which is one of the longest studies on lifestyles and their impact on wellness and disease, showed that members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church who practice the lifestyle principles Ellen White promoted significantly lowered the risk of killer diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and diabetes, and they live longer than other comparable groups. Following the dietary principles and using natural, simple remedies to aid nature in its work as a preventive medicine will promote well-being, reduce the incidence and severity of many diseases, prolong life, and, most important, improve the quality of life. 33Cf. Dan Buettner, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Whove Lived the Longest (Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2009), who discusses five international locations where people live the longest. He devotes a significant section (pp. 124-165) discussing the benefits of the Adventist lifestyle.UEGW 248.3