Guatemala: Government launches Adventist health initiative during youth congress

Thousands of Adventist young people from across the Inter-American Division wave their flags before Guatemalan government officials launch the church’s health initiative “I Want to Live Healthy,” in the National Palace of Culture, in Guatemala City, July 31, 2014.  Images by Daniel Gallardo/IAD

July 31, 2014 | Guatemala City, Guatemala| Libna Stevens/IAD

Thousands of Adventist young people demonstrated their dedication to living a healthy lifestyle as Guatemala’s Ministry of Health officials launched a health initiative from the National Palace of Culture Plaza, in Guatemala City earlier today.

Guatemala’s Minister of Health Dr. Jorge Villavicencio thanks the Adventist Church and its thousands of young people gathered at the National Palace of Culture for joining in promoting “I Want to Live Healthy” initiative, July 31, 2014.

The event brought government leaders and health organizations together to promote the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s initiative called “I Want to Live Healthy”—a plan which promotes eight remedies or healthy habits such as drinking purified water, fostering a positive attitude, consuming fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of rest, no junk food, eating breakfast and less dinner, and being happy.

“Thank you for sharing this initiative,” said Dr. Jorge Villavicencio, Health Minister of Guatemala, as he expressed appreciation to church leaders and the more than 6,300 crowding the national plaza.

“Your support and concern for the health of our country will help us in the prevention of diseases affecting our nation,” expressed Villavicencio. “We really don’t know how to repay you for your support.”

Minister Villavivencio was joined by church leaders on stage and scores of young people on the plaza, who traveled to Inter-America’s Youth Congress, in a 30-minute exercise routine.

The launch was one of four locations throughout the capital city in the Mixco, Villa Nueva and San Miguel Petapa districts which saw mobile clinics offering free medical check-ups, health fitness activities, nutrition sessions and other health services led by the government throughout the day.

Church leaders join Minister of Health Dr. Jorge Villavivencio in an exercise session with the crowd.

Young people, who traveled to Guatemala for the church’s territory-wide congress, marched through the streets and distributed fliers on the “I Want to Live Healthy” initiative.

“The idea is for the young people to survey some 25,000 people and educate them about healthy habits and for a follow through by the government,” said Gustavo Menendez, communication director for the church in Inter-America.

It was perfect timing to hold the initiative during the territory-wide youth congress as the government adopted the health initiative recently after being prompted by the Pan-American Health Organization to contact the Adventist Church in Guatemala, explained said Menendez.

Seeing the “I Want To Leave Healthy” initiative come to this national level of government brings great satisfaction said Antulio Espinoza, health director of the North Mexican Union creator of the initiative.

“It’s great to see that the health message the church has had for more than 150 years put into these eight healthy habits is benefiting so many people across borders,” said Espinoza. The plan has been adopted across Mexico and plans are underway to enter in the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and several European countries, he added.

The objective of the initiative during the youth congress is for the youth to practice healthy habits themselves, share with the people in Guatemala that you can live a healthy life and take part in sharing the same health message in their churches and communities when they return home, Espinoza explained.

Bevann Douglas, 26, a youth delegate from Trinidad, was glad to see the church is taking a leadership role with this health initiative on a large scale.

More than 6,000 Adventist youth took a day during Inter-America’s Youth Congress to participate in the health inititiave throughout the city.

“We need to seriously practice a healthier lifestyle because most of the time, it’s hard to distinguish ourselves from others when it comes to our health choices,” said Douglas. “It is important that we eat right and be fit to prevent so many diseases.” Douglas goes every third Sabbath of the month with her church to offer medical check-ups in nearby communities.

For Mayrel Artiles, 21, from Puerto Rico, it is much more than eating the right foods. “This health initiative is about transmitting joy and happiness,” said Artiles. “I see a great need out there for emotional and spiritual health and with this initiative we can share so much more of the peace and hope we have in Jesus.

“I’m so excited to interact with everyone here in this health initiative on the plaza,” said Benedict Pascascio, 21, from Belize. “Health is our greatest wealth, and it is our responsibility to assist others in combating the diseases affecting people today.”

To view a photo gallery of “I Want to Live Healthy” community impact event in Guatemala City, click HERE.