People from the South Pacific region gathered at Fulton Adventist College in Sabeto, Fiji, for the 10,000 Toes Health Summit held from September 2 to 4. This year’s health summit featured several national and international medical professionals who were there to raise awareness of health-related issues, equipping attendees with lifestyle strategies they can use to combat disease and illness.
The program featured a line-up of expert presenters from the General Conference (GC), South Pacific Division, Trans Pacific Union Mission, Fiji and New Zealand.
Throughout the presentations, attendees learned about the alarming statistics of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) the South Pacific region is currently facing, how lifestyle medicine can change one’s life and how someone’s spirituality can impact their mental wellbeing.
According to general practitioner Dr Loata Musudole, the “South-Pacific Region has been declared the fattest region in the world,” and eating a plant-based diet can prevent, arrest and reverse lifestyle diseases.
“It is clear that spirituality affects mental health and wellness, but the character and content of spiritual belief and practice could have a positive and negative effect on mental wellbeing,” said GC health ministries associate director Dr Zeno Charles-Marcel.
Booths were set up for attendees to try hydrotherapy, charcoal therapy, massages, and healthy juices. The Fiji Cancer Society also had a booth and was advising people on ways they can prevent and treat cancer.
Another highlight of the program was the recognition awards given to early ambassadors of the movement who had contributed to laying the foundations of the program. Taio Waga and Samu Komai were promoted from Zone Ambassadors to National Lead Ambassadors. “I am glad I have been given a big responsibility to serve the people,” said Samu Koroi, another national lead ambassador.
Throughout the summit, presenters encouraged attendees to follow the seven dimensions of health—to be emotionally, physically, socially, vocationally, intellectually, environmentally, and spiritually attuned—if one is considering living a healthy and long life.
At the end of the summit, more than 100 people had registered as ambassadors. “This meeting has encouraged me to go out and share the health message,” said ambassador Mere Lewarau.
