The NEWSTART program was the focus of the recently concluded Christ for the Crisis Health Fair held at the Family of God Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sunday, September 18. NEWSTART is a scientifically researched lifestyle change program based on eight fundamental principles proven to help you achieve optimum health. These are Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust.
The health fair was hosted by the Central Jamaica Conference (CJC) of Seventh-day Adventists as part of its Christ for the Crisis Evangelist efforts. Participants attending the health fair were invited to visit eight (8) tables that each represented one letter of the new start program. At each table they would be evaluated to determine to what extent they were following that specific health principle and they would be given suggestions as to how they can improve in that area. Deon Henry, Assistant Director of CJC Health Ministries, said that the goal of the fair was to introduce the eight (8) health principles to those in attendance and help them learn about their health status. “The information collected would help determine the persons health age. Most people know their biological age but they don’t know how they are doing health wise. Once you put that in a software it shows you how well they are doing and it also makes recommendations”, she explained.
One of the tables visited by the participants was the health principle of rest. Karen Watson, who was one of two persons volunteering at the rest station, explained the importance of rest. “Rest is vital and is very very important because you cannot ignore rest and not expect to get the best out of your day,” she said. She added that in seeking to assist persons to determine if they are getting enough sleep, they ask questions. “We ask how many hours of rest do they get, and advise them how much they should actually get and how important it is for their well being,” she added.
After traversing all tables the participant would then meet with a health counselor who would evaluate them and make suggestions that can help them improve their health. Dr. Charmaine Cameron and her husband, who specialize in naturopathic medicine, were the counselors accessing the health age of the participants and offering advice. “We look and see what are the problems that they are facing and then we encourage them to do a little program, she said. Adding that, “Depending on the feedback, we will determine what is best for that person.”
In an effort to create a well rounded fair and to supplement the NEWSTART program, the CJC also had other stations to help participants in their spiritual, intellectual and culinary development. Ms. Henry said these included prayer, books and food stations. “We have the publishing department, so our health literature, and other material is here, there is a food demonstration to help them know what a plant based dish tastes like,” she said.