This is probably the beginning of the most important decision of improving your overall health. We begin a multi-part series consisting of different guest discussing what you and I can do to change our lifestyle behaviors from negative to more positive. It's important that you listen to each part if you are able because it will definitely change your life.
In our previous episodes we have discussed lifestyle behaviors and their effect on our overall health and well-being. Dr. Huber explains of all the contributors to health and disease, lifestyle represents 50.3%. Dr. Hanna and I discussed the leading causes of death shifted to chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted that chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, responsible for 7 out of 10 deaths. Dr. Huber explains that chronic degenerative diseases are primarily disease of lifestyle. Additionally, Dr. Huber notes that life insurance companies reported that 83% of deaths before age 65 could have been prevented with a health lifestyle. Studies at the University of Tennessee and at the Massachusetts General Hospital revealed that lifestyle was a major contributing factor in more than 78% of the hospital admissions.
As I and my guest have mentioned, improving our health behaviors comes through lifestyle management. It is important to note that through the power of prayer, God's mercy, God's strength and God's love for us is also needed in helping us make this change.
My guest today is Pastor Jim Hodges. Pastor Hodges is the founder and President of FMCI (Federation of Ministers and Churches International), a multigenerational network of Ministers, Churches, Market Place Leaders, Intercessors, and Worship Leaders. FMCI's emphases are Spiritual Awakening, Reformation of the Church and Cultural Transformation. Pastor Hodges and his wife Jean and their family have been friends of mine for many years, since 1980.
Moving towards optimal health and wellness means establishing healthy behaviors and working to overcome unhealthy ones. Dr. Morris notes in his book, "Health Care You Can Live With," that many people do want to help themselves, but finding the right starting point isn't always easy. We some times chase the wrong information because we haven't stopped to ask the right questions. If God wants wholeness for us as whole beings, what gets in the way of experiencing it? What can I do to remove the obstacles in my own experience? What can I do to make myself healthier? What shifts do I need to make in my own life? What kind of health do I want for myself?
Change starts with individuals. Change in your health starts with you.