God's temple

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The idiom “health is wealth” is one that has survived the test of time.

It has now been 38 years since it was decreed that July be commemorated as Nutrition Month and for this year, the theme is so down-to-earth that practically all Filipinos can identify with it: “Pagkain ng Gulay Ugaliin; Araw-Araw Nating Itong Ihain.” Whoever formulated this theme not only rhymed the words in a pleasant fashion, they were able to hit the issue right on its head.

The keys to good nutrition are variety, balance, and moderation. Since the body needs a lot of nutrients, a varied selection of food is advisable. Because of the number of vitamins and minerals needed to sustain us, one's daily intake needs to be balanced to provide for the needs of our bodies. Moreover, too much or too little of everything is bad, thus, the dictum is moderation.

Statistics has revealed that the average Filipino family rarely sets aside a portion of its income for health and wellness needs. The family may save up to buy the latest television model or the latest technological gadgets, but never for the eventuality of what may happen in case a family member gets sick. Such is the essence of the sound advice that says an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

In order to avoid exorbitant hospital bills, people need to be made aware that sophisticated equipment or gadgets cannot provide a healthy lifestyle. It is a good thing that being fit and healthy is currently fashionable.

We are what we eat, thus, our physique and outlook are but manifestations of how we put premium on health and proper nutrition. If we care for ourselves, it is tantamount to honoring God. Our body, after all, is the temple of God. *