"Religion demands attention and focus on physical and spiritual health."

By Rev. Reginald S. Floyd, Esq.

"Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health even as your soul prospers.” 3 John 2 As we read in scripture, John tells us the great importance of good health and spiritual health. God states that “above all things,” indicating the priority and significance of good health for the human being as something He wants for all of us.

Because of this charge from God and this emphasis on health, both physical and spiritual, people of faith are challenged to respond in practical ways to increase their good health factors. We have risen to the challenge at Allen A.M.E. by creating a health ministry and outreach effort to ensure that we put into effect the directive to have good physical and spiritual health.

The Allen Health Ministry is involved in the following activities to provide better health.

Developing health seminars and workshops on obesity, hypertension, HIV/ AIDS, cancer prevention and stress. Encouraging better health practices in the church membership — regular doctor visits, weight control, proper nutrition and exercise.

Providing a forum for community health education and awareness.

Working with Nubian® Health Products to provide health education and awareness through distribution of the Nubian® Health Products newspaper, and vitamin and supplement availability.

The Allen Health Ministry also stands ready to partner and develop coalitions with health advocacy groups and healthoriented agencies.

If we keep our physical bodies in the best possible shape, we are honoring God’s creation as well as extending our quality of life and ability to “prosper.”

In this modern day and age we are blessed to have many God-inspired and man-made communication tools. Allen Health Ministry is now using the internet in a partnership with Nubian® Health Products to advance good health.

Allen A.M.E. Church now has a website (www.allenameatlanticcity.com) that provides health updates, education and health tips, information from agencies, resources for materials and availability of vitamins and supplements.

Additionally, using the internet, Allen in conjunction with Nubian® can now offer houses of worship the opportunity to have their own website with a web page dealing with health issues.

The severe health issues facing Black America today requires leadership, involvement and focus to develop better health practices and to increase the health of our community. To learn more about setting up your own church website go to www.church-websites.org or call 1-800- 303-0073

Rev. Reginald S. Floyd, Esq., Pastor, Allen A.M.E. Church, Founder and Executive Director Allen Community Life Center, Atlantic City, NJ.