Children with Heart Problems

Perhaps nothing is more in important in the physical realm than good health. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Good health gives us the energy to study, pray, live joyfully in our marriages, help others, tackle problems, endure trials and temptations, love others and love God. Have you ever tried to study when you were sick? Do you know what it feels like to deal with a trial of persecution or upsetting relationship when you're not physically well? Even depression is related to poor physical health and lack of energy!

But the average person - even of those who believe that God is the Creator of all things - is woefully ignorant of the principles of good health. This is especially true when it comes to diet and selection of foods.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal illustrates a shocking American problem: "Heart Disease Hits the Preschool Set." The article points out that new research shows that the warning signs begin in early childhood. Among these signs are enlarged hearts in obese teenagers, pre-diabetes condition called metabolic syndrome and even Type 2 diabetes - once known as "adult-onset diabetes." Diabetics have increased risk of heart disease.

A recent report from McGill University School of Medicine in Montreal, Canada showed that critical indicators of heart problems were found in kids as young as nine years old. The indicators were: high rates of insulin resistance, elevated blood fats (triglycerides), and low levels of HDL (the good cholesterol). In addition to this the "percentages of Canadian children with significantly elevated blood pressure increased sharply as they progressed from age nine to age 16."

The Surgeon General has warned us that obesity is now one of the greatest health threats in North America. Most people eat fast foods or "junk foods" regularly. But some, trying to get away from other junk foods like hot dogs, hamburgers and potato chips, are often deceived into thinking that the chicken nugget is a much better food. The chicken nugget is one of the fastest-growing foods in the American diet, particularly among very young children according to a group that tracks consumer-eating habits. In restaurants alone, one out of every 20 orders is a nugget. More that double what it was in 1990. "After all, it's chicken," the parents think.

But an analysis of the nugget shows that a serving of 6 nuggets contains 310 calories (180 of them coming from fat). Fiber is only 2 grams while fat is 20 grams and protein is 15 grams. A professor at Tufts University said that the nugget is "somewhat analogous to cake with a little added protein. While chicken is the largest ingredient by weight, it is so laden with breading, fillers and fats that it's hardly chicken anymore.

It's disheartening to realize that people who profess a belief in the Creator God prefer to eat man-made foodless foods to the God-created natural foods. The have fallen for the commercially inspired superstitions they see in food advertisements. This is especially appalling for Sabbath observers! Those who observe the 7th day Sabbath are those who believe in the memorial of Creation that acknowledges the Creator!

Some will say, "We just can't afford all those natural foods. Fast foods are cheap. We can eat a whole meal for a lot less at the fast food restaurants. So it saves us money."

When I have clients who are having economic woes, I usually give them some help in their eating and purchasing. I tell them they can go to the grocery stores and buy brown rice. They can get good whole potatoes. They can buy many different kinds of beans. All these are very nutritious foods that are very inexpensive.

The brown rice is a great source of protein, B vitamins, and fiber. The potatoes contain protein, vitamin C, different minerals, some starch and a great deal of fiber if they are baked with skin on. Beans are also laden with fiber, B vitamins, and protein. All these foods can sustain life!

Save your children and yourself from the polluting man-made foods. An autopsy study done on those killed in the Korean War showed that young American men had advanced stages of arteriosclerosis. Severe placquing was found in their arteries. By comparison, the Korean men had no signs of arteriosclerosis. Those who analyzed this study concluded that it was the man-made fats - margarines, Crisco, Dream Whip, Cool Whip, hydrogenated peanut butters, Coffee Mate, etc. These do not digest properly and end up clogging up the arteries. Bad fats have been and are now highly suspect regarding cancer in the body.