Faith, Health, and Protection

Q. “I am a new Adventist and am learning about the health message. It seems to help a lot with chronic diseases, but how about infection? Can the health message really help my family and me with that?”

A. Thank you for that very thoughtful question. Becoming part of the Adventist family means learning not only spiritual truths but also how to live a healthier, fuller life. The Adventist health message has always been about wholeness—caring for body, mind, and spirit. Unfortunately, many people think or even present the message as if it is only about preventing or reversing long-term illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. But this is only a part of the story. It also lowers the risk of catching such infectious diseases as colds, flu, and even more serious infections, and encompasses the complete well-being of the whole person.

Regarding infections, God gave us an immune system to fight off germs, and it works best when we support it with healthy habits. Effective immunity depends on eating wholesome foods, staying physically active, sleeping enough, drinking clean water, and spending time outdoors in fresh air and sunlight, among other things. Appropriate, effective, safe vaccination adds another layer of protection by training the body to recognize and attack germs before they make us seriously ill. Strictly following every aspect of the health message does not guarantee that we will never get an infection, but does reduce the risk, make us stronger, and help us recover faster, and doing so often prevents serious complications.

Even with strong defenses, it is wise, as the first principle of healthy living, to avoid contact with harmful germs whenever possible. Simple daily habits can make a big difference. Washing our hands before meals and after using the bathroom, covering our mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, and staying home when sick all help stop germs from spreading. When food needs to be cooked, it should be well cooked and properly stored. Drinking safe water, washing fresh produce, and opening windows for fresh air and sunlight are also easy ways to protect our families. Cleanliness, order, and hygiene in the home reduce pests and infestations that can carry harmful germs and are essential components of the health message.

We also need to remember that we are not fighting infections all by ourselves. The whole family and communities play a huge role in protection. What those around you do can affect your infection risk. Public health authorities and governmental agencies should provide for clean water systems, safe waste disposal, safe and effective vaccination programs, and clear guidance to protect neighborhoods and communities. But even when they don’t, community members can organize to carry out these functions. When health officials recommend isolation or quarantine during an outbreak, it is not to punish but to protect the most vulnerable. Global teamwork has already eliminated smallpox and nearly wiped out polio. Check out your community’s existing public health protections and teach these to your family, workmates, neighbors and church family. By following well-planned guidelines and supporting health efforts, families like yours help build safer environments for everyone.

Every healthy choice you make is a step toward a safer, more vibrant life for you, your family, and your community.

In a nutshell, the Adventist health message is about living in balance with God’s design and believing that what our loving Creator has revealed to us makes our lives better, not bitter! All aspects of the message strengthen our bodies and reduce stress, which makes us less likely to get sick. Think of each practice as a brick in a wall of protection. One brick alone will not stop every germ, but when we place them together—nutrition, water, exercise, rest, air, sunshine, temperance, faith—we create strong protection. When we trust God, we strengthen our spirits, finding peace and healing in Him.

As new Adventists, you and your family are learning to value one of God’s greatest gifts: the health message. Unseen infectious agents may be part of our world today, but they don’t determine your destiny. By combining personal responsibility, community cooperation, and trust in God, you can live longer, stronger, healthier lives. And remember that the health message includes mental, relational, and spiritual health, too. A calm, trusting outlook, being part of a supportive community, and faith in God reduce stress, and less stress means stronger immunity. People who live with hope and peace are less likely to get sick and often recover more quickly when they do.

So does the health message really help? The answer is a joyful yes. It helps us stay strong, lowers our risk of infection, and brings peace of mind, knowing we are living in harmony with God’s design. Every healthy choice you make is a step toward a safer, more vibrant life for you, your family, and your community.

CELEBRATIONS and Infection Protection