How can the church help address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

The rising number of non-communicable disease (NCDs) is a global health challenge. According to WHO, non-communicable diseases account for 38 million of the 56 million deaths each year. That is more than half of the cause. This includes cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. Of all death due to NCDs in low to middle income countries, 48% were considered premature deaths as they occurred before the age of 70. More than 80% of premature heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be prevented (WHO, 2015).

In the church community, clergy are not spared from NCD. A 2013 survey among United Methodist pastors in the US showed “40% of respondents are obese and 39% are overweight—much higher percentages than a demographically-matched sample of U.S. adults. Nearly 51% have high cholesterol, also much higher than comparable benchmarks” (GBOPHB, 2013).

Here in the Philippines, of the total deaths in 2008, “57% are due to the ‘fatal four’ NCDs, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. It is estimated that 35 to 50 percent of NCD deaths occurred before age 60 years. (WPRO, 2015). Aside from modifiable death, NCD is cause of poverty and hindrance to economic development. A growing number of individuals, families and communities has been burdened by this problem. Common modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, inactivity, obesity, raised blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol underlie the major NCDs. (WPRO, 2015).

In a local survey we did among pastors in the United Methodist Church in the Visayas, it showed that all clergy respondents were found to have at least 1 risk factor for developing NCD. Most of them are either hypertensive or overweight.
Health promotion can address the problem brought by Non-communicable diseases. Health promotion empowers people to take control of their health (WHO, 1986) The NCD threat can be overcome using existing knowledge. The solutions are highly cost-effective. Comprehensive and integrated action at country level, led by governments, is the means to achieve success. (WHO, 2015)

Health promotion requires all sectors to cooperate in creating an environment conducive to health.  This is something the religious sector can do. Health promotion should be the focus of church health ministries. Health education and information is one subject area of health promotion (WHO, 1986). Increasing people’s knowledge about health gives them a good foundation for making health choices. Churches can be the venue for health education.

Health promotion also can also increase access to health. Health promotion advocates for health policies in the local, regional and national level. Churches can even have their own policies advocating for health. Example will be the kind of food served during church potluck or fellowships. Health promotion also includes promotion of healthy behavior patterns. Churches are in a position to influence their members to take care of their body by avoiding healthy risk behaviors. Health promotion can also occur in strengthening networks with other organizations as a social support for each other in maintaining good health of the community (WHO, 1986).

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How to start a Christian church health ministry?

Church leaders and pastors always have an idea about starting a health care ministry to the community. There are many different ways to do a health care ministry. The most important Christian health ministry the church can do is health promotion. An example of a health promotion program is the “Getting to Zero” campaign on HIV and AIDS. Churches and faith-based organizations like the NCCP, World Vision, UMCOR, Red Hat and Micah Challenge, advocates for this ministry.

But how do we start a health ministry? Below is an adapted strategy from Saddleback Church we implemented in several local churches.  Here are 5 simple steps you can do:

1.       Learn about the issue.
·         Know about the health needs of the community.
·         Review resources and similar programs addressing this health concern.
·         Talk to your pastor and get his support. The program will not work without church leadership support.

2.       Assemble your team.
·         Talk to your congregation and share the scriptural foundation of the health ministry you are planning.
·         Identify key persons and the responsibilities they will perform.

3.       Meeting and tasking
·         Meet your team. Meet regularly for updates.
·         Delegate the task to your team mates.
·         Planning starts here. Set a date for launch.
·         Meet with other groups working on the same health issue. Collaborative work is important.

4.       Introduce the program to the church.
·         This is where you start making a buzz in the church about the new health program.
·         Start campaigning and get people excited about the program.

5.       Launch the program.
·         Implement the plans and strategies you have developed.

These steps are general in scope and can be used in any other similar church health program. These are not meant to be definitive but are guides to get you started. Getting everybody involved and talking with them is key to the success of starting a health care program.

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Join the Church Health Ministry FB Group Page to know other church health ministries.  
Learn how to start a Health Ministry in your church. Invite us to help you conduct seminars and workshops. 
I'd love to hear from you. Share your insights and thoughts in the comment below. 

Why churches must move beyond doing medical missions?

Last week, I was invited to join a medical mission in celebration of a church anniversary. I politely declined. The organizers insisted that I reconsider because the date is fast approaching and most doctors they have approached also declined. She wondered what was the reason doctor's often do not join medical missions anymore. I wrote about this previously so I shared to her the 3 reasons why doctors don't join medical missions.

For the same reasons, churches must move beyond this approach and "level up" their Christian health care ministries. Here are three reasons why:

1. There is a better health care ministry. "Better" means there is an approach to health ministry that addresses the current health concerns of individuals and communities. Medical missions have their own place and purpose but it has limitations. If we want to have churches that ministers with impact to the needs of the people, we must shift to a better ministry.

2. It is not sustainable. Medical missions are usually one-and-done events. It is a Band-Aid approach to health care system problem that has a deep wound. Churches need to empower people and communities to take control of their own health. This ensures the health impact of the ministry is sustainable beyond the life of the event.

3. It is not the strength of the church.  There are different health activities in the health spectrum. Medical missions are usually secondary health care activities performed by professional healthcare workers. How many of them are members of the church ready to volunteer their service? It is not surprising that outside volunteers are needed, sometimes hired. Med missions are useful in situations where the health care system is disrupted or absent like during disasters. This is actually the primary function of the state. I wonder how many med missions are coordinated with the state. The church has a role in people's health, that is primary health care. Researches have shown that the Christian health care programs are effective and efficient in health promotion and disease prevention activities.

The church must continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in ministering to the sick and needy. The church must do its work excellently and responsibly. Churches must have better health care ministries that are sustainable and appropriate to the needs of the people.

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Join the Church Health Ministry FB Group Page to know other church health ministries.  
Learn how to start a Health Ministry in your church. Invite us to help you conduct seminars and workshops. 
I'd love to hear from you. Share your insights and thoughts in the comment below. 

Welcome to Theology and Medicine

This blog will share about my reflections about matters concerning church ministries on health, faith and spirituality and the practice of medicine. As I am involved in faith-based organizations doing health ministries, I would like to share some insights in the work that we do as a church. I will also share relevant concepts and principles on family and community medicine which is my specialty.

I hope to be able to encourage churches, para-churches and faith-based organizations to continue the work of Jesus Christ in touching lives of the people and bringing change towards a full life (John 10:10).

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Join the Church Health Ministry FB Group Page to know other church health ministries.  
Learn how to start a Health Ministry in your church. Invite us to help you conduct seminars and workshops. 
I'd love to hear from you. Share your insights and thoughts in the comment below.