Health Talks

Part of Our Appointed Work

Property of Lay Institute for Global Health Training
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPIRIT OF PROPHECY COUNSEL ......................................................................................................................................... 1
KEY COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE HEALTH TALKS.................................................................................................... 3
ORGANIZE YOUR TALK.......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Health Talk Samples
HEART DISEASE......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
FEELING GOOD . AT WHAT RISK? - HEALTH TALK ABOUT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL........................................ 7
AIDS - THE DREADED DISEASE............................................................................................................................................. 9
MALARIA HEALTH TALK..................................................................................................................................................... 11


EVERY GOSPEL WORKER SHOULD FEEL THAT THE GIVING OF INSTRUCTION IN THE PRINCIPLES OF
HEALTHFUL LIVING IS A PART OF HIS APPOINTED WORK.
Ministry of Healing, p. 147

Spirit Of Prophecy Counsel

1. Health Talks are essential
6 Testimonies, pp. 378, 379. The Lord has presented before me that many, many will be rescued from physical,
mental, and moral degeneracy through the practical influence of health reform. Health talks will be given;
publications will be multiplied. The principles of health reform will be received with favor, and many . . . will
advance step by step to receive the special truths for this time.

Manuscript Releases, 21, p. 433. Health reform will reach a class, and has reached a class, that otherwise would
never have been reached by the truth. There is a great necessity for labor being put forth to help the people, believers
and unbelievers, at the present time by health talks and health publication.

2. Practical counsel for health talks
Christs Object Lessons, p. 335. The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts
we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and
persuade, with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer's love. How important,
then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.

A. Proper Posture
Spalding and Magan Collection, p. 199. Voice Culture should be taught in your school. Do not lightly pass over
this matter; for if the expression is defective, all the knowledge that shall be obtained will be of but very little use.
The cultivation of the voice is of the greatest importance, in order that grace and dignity may be brought into the
impartation of truth By learning correctly to use the voice in speaking, many who are weak-chested may save
their lives. Make the student stand erect, throwing back his shoulders. The ladies especially need to cultivate the
voice In every reading exercise, require the students to speak the words distinctly, clearly pronouncing even the
last syllable. Teach the students not to let their voice die away at the end of the sentence. Require a full, clear,
round tone of voice to the very close, including the last syllable.

B. Respiration
Education, p. 198. Next in importance to right position are respiration and vocal culture. The one who sits and
stands erect is more likely than others to breathe properly. But the teacher should impress upon his pupils the
importance of deep breathing. Show how the healthy action of the respiratory organs, assisting the circulation of
the blood, invigorates the whole system, excites the appetite, promotes digestion, and induces sound, sweet sleep,
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thus not only refreshing the body, but soothing and tranquilizing the mind. And while the importance of deep
breathing is shown, the practice should be insisted upon. Let exercises be given which will promote this, and see
that the habit becomes established.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 297. Voice culture is a subject that has much to do with the health
of students. The youth should be taught how to breathe properly and how to read in such a way that no unnatural
strain shall come on the throat and lungs, but that the work shall be shared by the abdominal muscles. Speaking
from the throat, letting the sound come from the upper part of the vocal organs, impairs the health of these organs
and decreases their efficiency. The abdominal muscles are to do the heaviest part of the labor, the throat being
used as a channel. Many have died who might have lived had they been taught how to use the voice correctly. The
right use of the abdominal muscles in reading and speaking will prove a remedy for many voice and chest
difficulties, and the means of prolonging life.

C. Clarity, Simplicity, and Other Mechanics

Education, p. 199. Careful attention should be given to securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modulated
tones, and a not-too-rapid delivery. This will not only promote health, but will add greatly to the agreeableness
and efficiency of the student's work.

Gospel Workers, pp. 86-88. The canvasser who can speak clearly and distinctly about the merits of the book he
wishes to sell, will find this a great help in his work. He may have an opportunity to read a chapter of the book,
and by the music of his voice and the emphasis placed on the words, he can make the scene presented stand out as
clearly before the mind of the listener as if it could actually be seen.
The one who gives Bible-readings in the congregation or in the family should be able to read with a soft,
musical cadence which will charm the hearers
Whatever his calling, every person should learn to control the voice, so that when something goes wrong, he
will not speak in tones that stir the worst passions of the heart. Too often the speaker and the one addressed speak
sharply and harshly. Sharp, dictatorial words, uttered in hard, rasping tones, have separated friends and resulted in
the loss of souls. . . .
When you speak, let every word be full and well rounded, every sentence clear and distinct, to the very last
word. Many as they approach the end of a sentence lower the tone of the voice, speaking so indistinctly that the
force of the thought is destroyed. Words that are worth speaking at all are worth speaking in a clear, distinct voice,
with emphasis and expression. But never search for words that will give the impression that you are learned. The
greater your simplicity, the better will your words be understood. Gospel Workers, p. 86-88

Evangelism, p. 296. Cultivate earnestness and positiveness in addressing the people. Your subject matter may
be excellent, and just what the people need, but you would do well to mingle a positiveness with persuasive
entreaties

2 Testimonies, p. 215. They [ministers] should speak with reverence. Some destroy the solemn impression they
may have made upon the people, by raising their voices to a very high pitch and halloowing and screaming out the
truth. When presented in this manner, truth loses much of its sweetness, its force and solemnity. But if the voice is
toned right, if it has solemnity, and is so modulated as to be even pathetic, it will produce a much better
impression.
This was the tone in which Christ taught His disciples. He impressed them with solemnity; He spoke in a
pathetic manner. But this loud halloowing--what does it do? It does not give the people any more exalted views of
the truth, and does not impress them any more deeply. It only causes a disagreeable sensation to the hearers, and
wears out the vocal organs of the speaker. The tones of the voice have much to do in affecting the hearts of those
that hear.

Review and Herald, March 5, 1895. Jesus is our example. His voice was musical, and was never raised in high,
strained notes while he was speaking to the people. He did not speak so rapidly that his words were crowded one
upon another in such a way that it made it difficult to understand him. He distinctly enunciated every word, and
those who heard his voice bore the testimony that "never man spake like this man.
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3. Dress for Public Speaking

Education, p. 199. In teaching these things a golden opportunity is afforded for showing the folly and wickedness of
tight lacing and every other practice that restricts vital action. An almost endless train of disease results from
unhealthful modes of dress, and careful instruction on this point should be given. Impress upon the pupils the danger
of allowing the clothing to weigh on the hips or to compress any organ of the body. The dress should be so arranged
that a full respiration can be taken and the arms be raised above the head without difficulty. The cramping of the
lungs not only prevents their development, but hinders the processes of digestion and circulation, and thus weakens
the whole body. All such practices lessen both physical and mental power, thus hindering the student's advancement
and often preventing his success.

Key Components Of Effective Health Talks

Isaiah 50:4. The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season
to him that is weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.

Have a purpose and Key Thought
1. Begin with an illustration (story) or ask a question that you know many people have.
2. Use a real life example or personal experience.
3. Remember to use simple language.
4. Use visual aids whenever possible (posters, samples, blackboard, overhead, etc).

Present true scientific evidence about your topic
1. Present the evidence for and against.
2. Know the latest theories and how they compare with true science.
(ie. errors Caffeine is not harmful, a little red wine is good for you, etc.
3. Present the physiological truth.
(use examples and illustrations that will stick in peoples minds)

Answer the questions that you asked at the beginning of the talk.
1. Ask for audience participation.
2. Allow time for them to respond.
3. Think about some of the hard questions people may have and be prepared.
4. If you dont know the answer DO NOT make something up! Instead, take their contact information and get
back with them.

Conclusion
1. Briefly review your topic using simple words.
2. Give the reasons why you should or should not follow a particular lifestyle or fad.
3. Make a strong appeal to do what is right and most healthy.

Reinforce with the Bible or Spirit of Prophecy
1. Finish with the most powerful source what God says on the subject!

Give handouts or sample that reinforce your talk
1. You can give more details about your subject, the sources used, studies done, diagrams, etc. on
handouts. Be sure to include your contact information so people can reach you with questions.
2. Close with prayer! (when appropriate)




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Organize Your Talk

1. Choose a topic you are interested in
2. Form the central idea into one clear sentence.
3. Plan your research and start putting it together.

Sample Introductions and Conclusions

#1 INTRODUCTION
WHY SHOULD WE EXERCISE?
What do you think are the top FIVE reasons men and women give for exercising today? (Wait for responses)
Lets consider more fully each of the reasons give above for exercising.
BODY
CONCLUSION
In closing, I want to quickly SUMMARIZE the 5 main reasons given for exercising.
Weight loss
Increased energy and strength
Muscle Toning
Look good, feel good
Cardiovascular conditioning

My advice to each of you is: GET STARTED NOWTomorrow Never Comes
BEGIN EXERCISING TODAY!

# 2 INTRODUCTION: Story of My Young Friend

At 13 He first encountered the monster
At 14 The monster accompanied him to every Jr. High party
At 15 Because the monster attacked his brains, his grades fell off radically, and
At 16 He wrecked his car when it rolled over 3 times into a field off a country road, smashing his nose and face back
into his head, and yanking his right eye way out of its socket!

Yes, my topic today is on Alcohol, the Monster. Please listen to me very carefully while I tell you more.

BODY

CONCLUSION: Alcohol kills stay away from this monster!!!















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Heart Disease
Adapted from Abundant Living Village

Introduction story:
The man was 58 years old. That night, after he ate his dinner, he felt some pain in the lower part of his chest. He had
eaten a bit more than he should, and he thought this was stomach trouble (indigestion). The pain got a bit better after his
wife gave him a spoonful of white medicine. At about 9 oclock he went to sleep but was still feeling some pain. He
thought the pain would get better during the night. In the middle of the night, he woke up with very severe pain across
his chest. It felt like someone was standing on top of him, like a heavy pressure. He thought he was going to die. He was
sweating a lot and the pain went right up to his neck.
His wife gave him some water with sugar but it didnt help. They called the neighbour, who had a car, and asked him
to take them to the hospital. But on their way the pain got worse and he fainted. His wife called him and threw some
cold water on his face, but he did not answer. When they got to the hospital, they took him inside quickly. The doctor
tried to give him strong treatment but it was too late. He was already dead. The doctors said that he had died from a
heart attack because the pipes or arteries around his heart were blocked with fat.
Maybe you have heard a story like this. Isnt it frightening to think that death can come so quickly and so
unexpectedly? Unfortunately, every day, many people die from heart attacks around the world. In Europe and America,
heart attacks kill more people than any other disease. In Asia and Africa more and more people are dying from it too!

Transition:
You may ask: Why are more people dying from heart attacks than ever before? Todays talk will give us the
answer to this question.
The heart is in the middle of the chest. It is a strong muscle, about the size of your fist. The heart pumps blood. This
is very important - it keeps the blood moving inside the body. From the day we were made, till the day we die, the heart
never stops working, even when we are sleeping. For something to work, it must have power. Think of a motorbike. It
needs gasoline to work. It is the same with the heart. But the power for the heart is not gasoline or paraffin. It is the
good food we eat and the air we breathe.
How does the power get to the heart? You can see in this picture that there are small pipes, or arteries, on the outside
of the heart. They carry power to the heart in the blood. We need very clean arteries for the heart to work well.
What happens when the arteries get blocked? If they are just slightly blocked, a little bit of blood with food and air
can still go through and the heart can work, but not very well. The person may start having pain in the chest when they
walk faster or run, or when they work hard. This pain can spread to the neck and the left arm. When the person rests, the
pain quickly goes away. This is the first sign that the arteries of the heart are getting blocked.
If the arteries get completely blocked, the heart stops, and the heart muscles give up, just like the engine of a
motorbike would stop if the gasoline pipe were blocked.
What blocks the little arteries of the heart? The answer is: FAT! Fat slowly blocks these pipes until the blood cannot
go through them so easily or the blood stops entirely. Where does the fat come from? Fat comes from what we eat
and drink. The kind of fat that blocks the arteries in the heart is called cholesterol. This fat only comes from eating meat,
fish, eggs and drinking milk. In other words, we get this kind of fat from food that comes from animals. In the countries
where people eat a lot of foods like this, many people die from heart attacks.
A long time ago people didnt eat so much of these kinds of food; they ate more vegetables, fruits and grains like corn
and wheat. In some places of the world, like Africa and southern Asia, people still eat very little food from animals. Very
few of these people die from heart attacks.
But this is changing. More and more countries are beginning to eat like the people in America and Europe. They are
beginning to eat more meat and fish and eggs and more people are dying from heart attacks than before! More people
are also getting overweight and suffering more from high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
What else blocks the arteries of the heart? Smoking this makes the fat stickier. Smoking is extremely dangerous for
our health. It causes lung cancer and other cancers, makes the blood pressure go up and can cause heart attacks and
strokes. More and more people are smoking, especially young people. Because of this, more and more people are
getting sick with these terrible diseases.
Lack of activity Physical activity, like working in the fields, construction, carrying water and walking helps use the
fat we eat. When people spend a lot of time sitting down and little time being physically active their heart arteries can
become blocked and they may also become overweight. This is what happens with many people living in countries in
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Europe and America. They walk very little, do most of their work sitting down behind a desk, and spend a long time
watching TV.
They also eat food with a lot of fat in it. Thats why so many people in these countries die from heart attacks. You
must avoid doing this if you want to live long and be strong.
Anxiety Who has never been anxious or worried? We have all worried about something in life. Some worry
because they dont have enough money or enough food. Others worry because they have too much money and they are
afraid someone will steal it! Others worry about their children, or their families. Worry is very bad for our health. It
makes our bodies weak and we can get sick more easily. Worry also makes the arteries around the heart get blocked
more easily. Now we know the main reasons why so many people are dying from heart attacks.

Conclusion:
Can blocked arteries open again? Yes. Sometimes they are so blocked that it becomes very dangerous for someone to
live like that. Doctors in some places can do expensive operations to open them. The good news is that you can help
open the pipes! Yes, and you can do it at home and it costs nothing! In this way you can prevent getting a heart attack
and if you already had one or have pain in your chest it can help you get better!
Eat vegetables and fruit, beans and nuts; they have no cholesterol and actually help clean your pipes or arteries. Also
avoid eating much meat, chicken, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and milk. Use very little fat or oil when you cook. Fat in
vegetables is much better for us. Avocados and nuts have fat, but it is very good fat. What about sunflower or corn oil?
They are much better than butter but we should not use a lot - only a little.
Be physically active. If you work in an office, you must also do some work in the garden or go for a walk for about
half an hour, every day.
Be smart! Dont smoke. Smoking can kill you.
Ask God to help you solve your problems. In the Bible we read, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help
in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear Psalm 46: 1, 2. God is truly our refuge and strength. When we eat the best
foods available and follow the best lifestyle possible, He can bless us with a good heart and with good health. Why not
let God be your refuge and strength today?




























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Feeling Good . At What Risk? - Health Talk about Drugs and Alcohol
Adapted from Abundant Living Village

Today we want to talk about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. In todays world, so many people find their
lives so full of problems, and disappointments that they will do almost anything to feel good! Sniffing cocaine,
glue, or some other substance will make them feel like they are in the clouds on their way to heavenfor about
twenty to thirty minutes. A shot of heroin, or some other drug may last a little longer. But for most people, alcohol
is the drug of choice. At first alcohol seems so innocent, so comforting. But alcohol is actually one of the most
dangerous drugs in the world.
It kills more people, causes more disease, wastes more money and destroys more families than all the other
drugs put together.

Consider what alcohol does to your body:
1. Alcohol affects Your brain Even small amounts of alcohol cause permanent harm to brain cells; some die
and others are damaged. Alcohol affects our judgement and weakens our ability to make correct moral
decisions. As a result, the people we love the most are often hurt.
2. Alcohol affects Your heart Alcohol increases the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and damage to the
heart muscle.
3. Alcohol affects Your liver Because your liver must clean alcohol out of the blood, alcohol affects it more
than any other part of your body. Healthy liver cells die from alcohol poisoning. Scars replace the dead cells,
eventually ruining the liver (this is called liver cirrhosis). Cirrhosis of the liver starts with feelings of
weakness, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and pain on a persons right side below the ribs. As the illness gets
worse, the person gets thinner and thinner. He may vomit blood. In serious cases the feet and stomach can
swell with liquid until the stomach looks like a drum. There are no medicines that help much, and most
people with severe cirrhosis die from it. The best cure is never drink alcohol again.
1
Another disease of the
liver is hepatitis. Hepatitis means an inflammation (or swelling) of the liver. Alcohol can cause this disease,
making the liver to swell and become inflamed.
2
4. Alcohol affects your immune system Alcohol weakens the bodys defences against infection and disease.
This makes it easier to get sick with many diseases, including cancer and AIDS.

Now consider the effects of alcohol on other people:
1. Alcohol is involved in higher crime rates. About two out of three people involved in murder are under the
influence of alcohol. Violence and alcohol go together. Alcohol clouds (impairs) our judgment, it causes
people to do things they would normally be ashamed to do otherwise, and it increases aggressive behavior.
2. Alcohol is known to cause mental retardation and many other serious problems in newborn babies.
3. Alcohol destroys families and hurts the community. It is responsible for much physical and emotional
abuse. We see this most often with the abuse of children and of wives.
3
How many fathers have spent their
last money on drink when their children were hungry? How many sicknesses result because a man spends the
little bit of money he earns on drink rather than on improving his familys living conditions? How many
people, hating themselves because they have hurt those they love, take another drinkto forget?
4

With all of its terrible results, why is it that alcohol use is becoming more popular?
1. Advertising is one reason. Alcohol is often linked to the Western way of life and made to seem exciting and
attractive. In the past twenty years the production of alcohol has increased by 50 percent in the developing
countries of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This has helped to cause a rapid rise in alcoholism.
5

2. Many times drinkers encourage other people to just try a little. Unfortunately, some people are addicted to
want more from their first drink. The only sensible approach to alcohol is the no alcohol plan. Christianity
has been far too tolerant of alcohol; Hinduism condemns it, and Islam totally prohibits it.
6


Alcohol has so many problems, that we should avoid it entirely. God certainly doesnt approve of alcohol. In
Proverbs 20:1, He tells us Wine produces mockers; liquor leads to brawls. Whoever is led astray by drink
cannot be wise. Proverbs 20:1 NLT
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Once a man realizes that alcohol is harming the health and happiness of those around him, what can he do? First,
he must admit that his drinking is a problem. He must be honest with himself and with others. Some individuals are
able to simply make a decision to stop drinking. More often, people need help and supportfrom family, friends,
and others who understand how hard it may be
to give up this habit. Besides alcohol, there are many other addictive drugs.
Many people turn to tobacco because they experience relaxation and a good feeling after they smoke. This good
feeling has a high price, however. Smoking kills 10,000 people every day; people who otherwise could have
lived.
7
One result of smoking is emphysema, which makes it extremely difficult to breathe and eventually leads to
death by slow suffocation.
During the past five years American tobacco companies have increased their sales to other countries by 300%.
Most adults know tobacco is not good for them, but the saddest fact is that teenagers make up 20% of all new
smokers.
There are other drugs people use to make themselves feel better; the most popular of these is caffeine. Caffeine
is additive, though not usually deadly. Caffeine produces a high, with increased energy and alertness, usually
followed by a let down. This causes people to want to drink another coffee, tea, or cola. This is basically how
caffeine gets its hold on people. There are many bad side effects to caffeine; it can increase blood pressure, cause
nervousness, anxiety, tremors, and irritability. It can cause stomach trouble by increasing acid secretion in the
stomach. Many times it also causes a person to be unable to sleep.
You need to be careful even with the drugs your doctor orders for you. Even these medicines, can be abused by
taking them longer than necessary, taking the wrong amount, or taking them too often. When doctors order drugs,
they usually balance the risk with the need. For example, with a serious bacterial infection, the risk you take by
using an antibiotic is usually safer than the risk of not taking it. But, if you have a tension headache, you would be
better off taking a brisk walk or a nap than taking medicine.
A good rule to follow is to only use drugs for certain problems that cant be relieved by natural methods. In
other words, dont use a big-gun medicine like antibiotics for a fly-swatter problem like a head cold.
Today we have learned the hidden dangers of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and other drugs.
Many people who live healthy and happy lives dont feel any need for these things. And by living a healthful life,
you will rarely get sick, and hardly ever need any medicine. Here are some suggestions for living a healthy, drug-
free life:
1. Eat healthy foods
2. Get active exercise every day
3. Avoid all addictive drugs, including alcohol
4. Keep a normal weight (and)
5. Pray to God daily for the strength you need to follow the best way of life

In the Bible, God promises to help us It says in Isaiah, He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no
might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 NKJV

1 Werner, D. Where There Is No doctor, The Hesperian Foundation, 1999 p. 328
2 The Family Encyclopedia of Disease: A complete and concise guide to illnesses and symptoms, Bryan Bunch, 1999, Scientific Pub., Inc. Pub by W.H.
Freeman and Co., NY
3 Unhooked Science Readings, Zpdinv 1995 NCADI Inventory No. Ml001, www.unhooked.com/sep/alcodome.htm
4 Werner, D. Where There Is No doctor, The Hesperian Foundation, 1999 p. 149
5 Alcohol in the Third World, The Cup Runneth Over, Jacques Dupont, http://idrinfo.idrc.ca/Archive/ReportsINTRA/pdfs/v15n1e/111060.pdf
6 Mrs. S. Ranganathan, Honorary Secretary of the TT Ranganathan Clinical Research Foundation, at TTK Hosp., Madras, India, The Most Sensible Thing is
not to Drink, http://www.unhooked.com/sep/thirdworl.htm
7 BBC News Online, Health, Medical notes, Friday, 19 Nov. 1999, Smoking increases the risk of a range of diseases, says WHO.,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/health/medical_notes/newsid_473000/473673.stm








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AIDS - The Dreaded Disease
Adapted from Abundant Living Village

Today we are going to talk about that dreaded disease called AIDS is a disease spread from person to person. It is
caused by a germ or virus called HIV. There is no cure for AIDS, but the good news is that almost everyone can avoid
getting it. AIDS is now found in all countries of the world. Almost everyday you can hear something in the news about
how manypeople are dying from it. According to the World Health Organization, at the end of the
year 2000, worldwide there were almost 40 million people infected with the germ that causes this disease.
1

More than 20 million people have died from AIDS since it appeared in the 1970s.2 That is more than the people who
have died in all wars since that time. Most people living with the disease are in Africa and in Asia, but the disease is
also found in rich countries throughout Europe and North America. Since it kills mainly people who are young there are
now thousands of orphans left without a father and mother.

What does AIDS do to the body?
AIDS destroys our bodys power to keep us well. All people get sick from time to time with common diseases, such
as the flu and diarrhoea. Have you wondered why, most times, we get better from these diseases even without medicine?
This happens because the body has ways of fighting against diseases. One of the ways is by using (white) blood cells that
kill germs. However, when the AIDS germ (HIV) enters a persons body, it slowly destroys many of these blood cells
that protect us.
In the beginning, people with the AIDS germ in their bodies feel completely well and most dont even know they
have it. This is very dangerous because they can give the germ to other people if they have sexual relations with them.
Gradually the person starts getting sick very often, even with simple diseases like diarrhoea and ear infections.
Infections like TB (Tuberculosis), pneumonia and others are also very common in people with AIDS. After some time
these infections get worse and even strong medicine cannot treat them; then the person dies. The sad news is that every
person who has the AIDS germ in their body will get sick from it and eventually die.

How is AIDS spread from person to person?
1. Having sexual contact with an infected person. Most people who have the AIDS germ (HIV) in their blood got it
from having sex with someone who was infected with the germ, even though they looked completely healthy.
There are other ways through which one can get this disease. These are:
2. Using the same needle or syringe that someone infected with AIDS used.
3. Receiving a blood transfusion with blood from an AIDS infected person.
4. An infected mother can give it to her unborn child.

AIDS is not spread through -- shaking hands, eating, playing, or living together.
Also, AIDS is not spread by -- food, water, toilet seats, or insects.
3


How can we know if someone has AIDS?
Because it is becoming a common disease in the world, we need to think about AIDS when someone starts getting
sick very often, and has two or more of the following problems:
4

*If a person becomes thinner and thinner, *Has diarrhoea for a long time, or *Has a fever for more than 1 month.

They may also have:
*A bad cough that lasts for a long time (more than one month)
* A yeast infection in the mouth, or Swollen lymph glands (anywhere in the body)

Besides this they can also get:
*Rashes or painless dark patches on the skin
*Warts or sores that keep growing and do not go away with treatment, especially around the genital area
*And people with AIDS may feel tired all the time

Persons with AIDS are more likely to get tuberculosis or shingles. In shingles, painful blisters appear, usually on one side
of the body.
What about AIDS in children?
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If a woman who has the AIDS germ (HIV) in her blood becomes pregnant and has a baby, that baby can also have the
germ in their blood and become sick with AIDS. Most times the germ gets into the child when he or she is still inside the
mothers womb or during birth.
5 6
As it is with adults, children who have the AIDS germ are not sick in the beginning.
They may live for one or two years without getting sick with AIDS but by the time they reach four years of age, the
sickness becomes obvious.
7
Most children with AIDS do not grow well. Like with adults, we should suspect AIDS in a
child who is often sick with some of the sicknesses we mentioned earlier. Whenever AIDS is suspected in either adults
or children, a blood test must be done to confirm it.

What is the treatment for AIDS?
There is still no medicine to cure AIDS, but because persons with AIDS have difficulty in fighting infections, they
should be given treatment for those infections. This means for example, that if they get TB they should get treated for it,
and if they have diarrhoea they should also be treated for that. In some countries there are medicines that may help the
body to become stronger again and fight infections. These medicines however, do not cure AIDS. Besides this, these
medicines can make a person feel very sick, they are expensive, and not freely available to everyone.After some time the
infections become too strong for the body to fight, even with medicine, and when this happens people die.
It is not possible to say how long a person with AIDS will live. This can vary from months to years. The body can be
helped to be stronger and fight infections more easily. This may help the person to live longer and healthier. Here are
some things that can be done to help the body become stronger:
1. Eat well. If you can get plenty of vegetables, fruits, beans and nuts, eat more of these and less of meat and fish.
2. Keep as active as possible. Physical work, such as working in the garden or doing manual labour is excellent for
our bodies. To sit at home makes us weaker. Even a walk of 30 minutes every day is very good exercise.
3. Get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
4. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. People in hot countries need more.
5. Dont smoke. Dont drink alcohol. Dont use drugs. These will weaken your body.

Get help from your health worker as soon as you get sick with an infection. Because there is no cure for AIDS, we need
to do everything we can to prevent getting it. Here are some things we should do to avoid getting this disease:
1. Have sex only with your faithful partner.
2. Use a condom if you or your partner has had other sexual partners. You may want to speak with your local health
worker and ask about having a blood test done on you and your partner.
3. Remember, Gods way of one man for one woman for life is the best and only safe plan. Anything apart from this
will make you and others unhappy and may lead to a lot of suffering and an early death.
4. Do not get an injection unless you are sure the instruments have been boiled (sterilized) or are new.
5. Make sure that tools used for circumcision, ear piercing and acupuncture are boiled or new.
6. Avoid blood transfusions except when absolute necessary.
7. Educate people about AIDS. We need to understand that AIDS is real, and is causing much physical and emotional
suffering in the world. Many millions of people are now waiting to die from AIDS. They need to know that God can
forgive them for whatever they might have done that gave them the disease. Many others are suffering innocently,
having done nothing wrong to get it. They need to know about Gods plan for a better life with Him in the land He is
preparing for us. In the Bible we read: For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present
age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ Titus 2:11-
13 NKJV

1 AIDS epidemic update December 2000. World Health Organization/UNAIDS, Geneva.
2 AIDS epidemic update December 2000. World Health Organization/UNAIDS, Geneva.
3 Werner, D. Where There Is No doctor, The Hesperian Foundation, 1999 p.399
4 Werner, D. Where There Is No doctor, The Hesperian Foundation, 1999 p.400
5 Approximately 85% of children with HIV are infected before or during birth.
6 Heese, H.de V. Handbook of Paediatrics, Oxford- Southern Africa, Cape Town, 1997 p.258.
The virus can also be passed on through breast milk. In countries where mothers can easily bottle feed their babies and where hygiene is good, mothers with
HIV may be advised not to breastfeed their babies. If hygienic conditions are not suitable for bottle feeding and children are at higher risk of getting diseases
such as gastroenteritis, the risks of not breastfeeding are greater than getting AIDS/HIV and mothers with HIV may be advised to breastfeed their babies.
7 Heese, H.de V. Handbook of Paediatrics, Oxford- Southern Africa, Cape Town, 1997 p.258



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Malaria Health Talk
Adapted fromAbundant Living Village

Malaria is a serious disease found in warm countries. It is an infection of the blood that is spread by certain mosquitoes.
More than 2 billion people live in countries where there is malaria.
1
Every year 300500 million people get sick from
malaria in the world and over 2 million die.
In Africa, for example, every 30 seconds a child under the age of 5 years dies from malaria.
2

Because there is no vaccine against malaria we need to know this disease well so that we may prevent it and treat it when
necessary.

What causes Malaria?
Malaria is caused by germs called parasites. These parasites are so small they cant be seen without special
machines called microscopes. There are four kinds of malaria germs. The one called Plasmodium falciparum
(pronounced fal-siparum) is the most deadly. The other three can make a person very sick but they usually dont kill.
Mosquitoes spread malaria from one person to another. This is how it happens: When a mosquito bites a person who
has malaria, it sucks a bit of blood with the malaria germs in it. When the mosquito bites another person, a few malaria
germs move into that persons blood.
In the beginning that person does not feel sick because there are only a few germs in the blood. These germs,
however, grow and multiply and after a few days make the person very sick.

How does someone with malaria feel?
1. Most people with malaria have fever and chills. The fever and chills can come and go every one to two days but it
can also stay all the time.
2 . They do not feel like eating (No appetite)
3. They have a headache
4. They feel tired
5. They may even have a slight cough and pain in the stomach

In the beginning this disease may look like a bad flu. As the disease gets worse, the urine may turn dark (Dark urine)
and the person may become pale (Pale skin) This is because malaria germs destroy the red blood cells. These are
danger signs and the person needs medical treatment urgently.
Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria germ, can also affect the brain.
3
This is very dangerous, as many
people who get it may die. They may become confused, agitated or very drowsy. These people need medical attention
immediately. The best way to prevent this is to treat malaria early and be sure that there is improvement on treatment.
Pregnant women who get sick with malaria should be treated immediately. The future mother can get very sick from
the disease and the baby may be born before the time or even die inside the mother. Do not delay going to see a health
worker if you are pregnant and think you might have malaria.

What about malaria in babies and young children? They cant tell us how they feel so how do we know they have it?
They usually have fever.
They may stop sucking or drinking,
They may vomit,
be very sleepy
or even cry a lot

Once again, we can see that malaria could look like so many other common diseases. If the child lives in or has
recently visited an area where there is malaria, he or she should be taken for medical care as soon as possible.
How can we be sure if a person has malaria?
There are blood tests that can confirm it. These tests do not always show the malaria even in a person who has the
disease. Because of this, once other diseases are ruled out, one should always treat the person for malaria if it looks like
they could have it. (This is even more important in areas where there is Plasmodium falciparum because this kind could
get worse and dangerous very quickly.)

What is the treatment for malaria?
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12

There are a few medicines that can be used. Health workers usually start by giving the kinds of medicine that are
more likely to kill the malaria germs without making one feel very sick from the medicine itself. A big problem exists;
in many countries, the medicines that were very good in treating malaria, now, are not so good anymore. This happens
because the germs are getting stronger and because of this, stronger medicine is needed. Because of this, the health
worker must watch the sick person to see if he is getting better. If not, stronger medicine must be given. This happens
many times. Be sure to get the help of your local health worker.

As we can see, malaria is a very serious disease and it is becoming harder to treat. The best thing is to prevent it.
1. Kill the mosquitoes that may carry the malaria germs.
2. Avoid being bitten by a mosquito in areas with malaria. (wear proper clothing and repellants)
3. Treat people with malaria quickly so that they may not spread the disease.
4. Strengthen your immune system by following the laws of health.

Mosquitoes breed in water. They can multiply and grow even in small amounts of water; like small ponds or any
object that traps and holds water such as old tires, tins and drains. After they grow bigger, mosquitoes look for people
and animals to bite so that they can suck some of their blood. This is their food. Because of this, we find many
mosquitoes around the houses or where animals are kept.
Mosquitoes fly mostly in the evening because during the day it is usually very hot and they would die of thirst and
heat. Get rid of all containers where water could collect and become a breeding place for mosquitoes (Consider)
spraying. Governments in countries with malaria often have programs to spray homes and water tanks/dams. People
should allow them to spray when they come. Avoid going out in the evening and if you go, try to wear long sleeves and
long pants.
Sleep under a mosquito net. This is very important. Mosquito nets can be bought almost anywhere where there is a
problem with malaria. Some mosquito nets are covered with a medicine that also kills mosquitoes. If you can, cover
your windows with mosquito net. You may also build an extra door with mosquito net. In this way less mosquitoes will
go into your home. Before going to sleep each night, shake a piece of cloth or a towel under your bed, tables and
cupboards. These are the places where mosquitoes hide. Then, chase them and kill them!
In many countries people can easily find poison coils that burn slowly and kill mosquitoes. These are very useful.
Burn the coil for one hour, late in the afternoon. Then, take away the coil, close the door and wait at least one hour before
going into the room to sleep.
Insect repellents for the skin may keep mosquitoes away. There are some medicines that may protect people against
malaria. Some of them work well but others dont. Besides this, they all can make one sick, especially if taken over a
long period of time. If you are visiting a country with malaria you may choose to take medicine. Consult your health
worker regarding which one to take.
Lastly, seek medical advice if you think you may have malaria. This is very important and it may save your life,
especially if you live in an area where there is Plasmodium falciparum. Remember: Malaria can look like a bad flu.
Let us continually pray that Our Heavenly Father may give us wisdom to know how to protect our families from this
disease; and if we do get it, to do all we can to overcome it safely.
For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, Fear not, I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 NKJV

1 Eddleston M, Pierini S. Malaria. In: Oxford Handbook of Tropical Medicine. Oxford, UK, 1999 p. 20.
2 http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/centres/malaria/Gateshome.html (London School of Hygiene and Tropical
Medicine, Gates Malaria Programme)
3 The kidneys, liver, spleen and lungs can also be affected by malaria.