Studies have shown that the end of January is among the worst times of the year in terms of health, with the stress of having to pay credit card balances accrued during Christmastime, the depression caused by shorter days spent indoors, and the sense of resignation felt in the failure to succeed at yet another New Year’s resolution topping the list of reasons.
To counteract this common health slump, Heartwise Ministries Director Dr. James Marcum chose Saturday, Jan. 30 as the date to introduce his non-denominational ministry’s new health program for 2016, Biblical Prescriptions for Life.
A free kickoff event to introduce the seven-part Bible study will be held at the ICCM Theater in Brainerd from 2-5 p.m. and will feature three seminars with Marcum as speaker.
Marcum said the series follows a similar format to those of authors Beth Moore and Dave Ramsey, only with health principles; connecting biblical passages applicable to one’s physical and emotional health with scientific evidence he has gathered and observed that supports them.
“It’s groundbreaking in that no one else has put the spiritual and physical together in an evidence-based way and taught people how to apply it to their lives,” he said.
Biblical Prescriptions on Life is something he has been working on throughout the course of his life, he said. As a cardiologist at Chattanooga Heart Institute for 25 years, Marcum said he came to recognize that healing involves more than just modern medicine.
“When, in my personal life, I went to the Bible as a source of truth, my patients started getting better,” he said.
Marcum said just about anyone can benefit from the program, whether they are interested in losing weight or concerned about their blood pressure, diabetes or mental health. The series is also great for those who care for others experiencing poor health and looking for ways to help, he said.
The topic of the first seminar is “Why We’re Sick,” and examines the reasons humans are in generally poor health, which Marcum explained is the result of people ceasing to do things such as walking, going outside, talking and having relationships.
“We’re moving against the way we were originally designed,” he said. “By getting back to the way God made us, we get at the cause of chronic health problems that plague our country.”
The next seminar, “Biblical Prescriptions for Life,” focuses on how-to verses in the Bible and how to use them to benefit one’s health.
“It’s taking what God has said, finding evidence behind it and teaching how to apply it,” said Marcum.
“The Physiology of Worship” is the day’s final seminar, when he will explain the positive effect worship has on the body’s chemistry.
He said he hopes attendees will afterward want to be involved in the seven-week Bible study, but even those who just attend the seminars will leave with valuable information. The event is intended to go over the basics of the Biblical Prescriptions program, with a focus on things attendees can do right away to improve their health, he said.
Marcum said several area churches are already planning to host the Bible study series, and he encourages local church leaders interested in the program to attend the seminar to learn more.
ICCM Theater is at 5746 Marlin Road, near the intersection of Lee Highway and Highway 153. To reserve a seat, call 238-0048 or visit biblicalprescriptions.com.