Maranatha SDA Church holds community Health Fair Weekend

Posted
Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church held a three day health fair this past weekend. The event was held outside under a tent where people were gathered to participate in health screenings, physician consultations and massage therapy. A kids' booth with games was also set up. Phyllis Lawson is the health ministries coordinator for Maranatha SDA Church. Her motivation is to give back to the community. “Our message is different from others,' said Lawson. “Instead of focusing on remedies, we focus on prevention and reversal of lifestyle diseases such as heart disease, many cancers, high blood pressure and others.” The purpose of the fair was to emphasize that a healthy lifestyle can be maintained through making small changes to daily habits and diet adjustments. Seminars were given by health professionals about many of the areas that were of concern. The theme was the acronym N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T. The topics were nutrition, exercise, water, sunlight temperance, air (fresh), rest, and Trust in God. Dr Avril Campbell Sims from Columbus, GA was also in attendance and was instrumental in bringing the message to the local participants. “Everyone needs to realize how vital these topics are to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Sims. “Things as simple as daily water intake and a healthy amount of sunlight each day are very important. Hypertension and diabetes are also a concern and can be improved by these changes.” Robert Johnson was also in attendance to provide support for the health fair. He is a missionary that was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma in January 2012. “Drugs don't heal us,” said Johnson. “It only changes the form and location.” Johnson said that he is now cancer free, and contributes that to prayer, taking natural treatments such as reducing sugar intake, eating wholesome foods, and following the lifestyle teachings that was presented at the fair.