Program: The Wheel of Health

Objective: Get AY members  thinking about different aspects of health in a fun, engaging way.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this AY program is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substiture for professional medical advice.

For this program you will need:

paper & pens/pencils

Wheel of health diagram printed to distribute to each member

Opening prayer & Song service-

Welcome & Opening song (330- Take My Life and Let it Be) -

Aim/ motto/ pledge/ song-

Special music-

Participant 1- Introduction: Program Title: The Wheel of Health

 Young people in general are less concerned about their health and lifestyle than are older people, the influencing factor being taste for the young people and health for the older ones. There is wise and timely counsel in the Bible, however. According to Solomon, there is a blessing to the nation when we "eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness" (King James Bible, 2023, Ecclesiastes. 10:17). In this, the 21s century there is an increase in the number of persons diagnosed with non-communicable diseases [NCDs] also referred to as chronic diseases or lifestyle diseases.

NCDs such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer for example are lifestyle diseases because they are associated with our life choices. They are referred to as chronic diseases because they often progress over a period and manifest later in life. They are triggered by choices such as what we eat, drink, and our level of physical activity for example. The interesting thing is that even young people are being diagnosed with these chronic litestyle diseases.

We live in an environment that promotes unhealthy lifestyles. There is generally a preference for highly processed foods high in salt, fat, and sugar. Dining is associated with liming. Entertainment and activities extend late into the night. The age of technology, more specifically technology addiction, also contributes to late-night eating, mental stress, and other health disorders. How do we get the youth and adults to appreciate the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet in the face of these realities? This evening, we’ll explore the four wheels of health- physical, mental, social and spiritual. Just like the wheels of a car, all 4 need to spin in harmony for us to move smoothly toward optimal well-being. When one wheel wobbles or hits a pothole, the whole journey is affected- but when they’re all aligned, we can cruise through life at our best!

Participant 2- “God’s Blueprint for Health” 

Scripture Reading: 3 John 2 – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

  Message:

Just as a wheel needs all parts to function properly, our health relies on several aspects working together: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

I will share a story with you of someone from the Bible who demonstrated strength and endurance because of their faith and healthy habits : Can anyone make a guess?.

In Daniel 1, we see Daniel, along with other young men from Judah, taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king ordered that they be trained in the Babylonian culture and language, and to be given the royal food and wine. However, Daniel, out of faith and commitment to God’s laws, refused to defile himself with the king’s food, which was likely not in line with Jewish dietary restrictions.

Instead, Daniel requested permission to eat only vegetables and drink water. The palace official was hesitant, fearing that Daniel and his friends would look worse than the others, but Daniel suggested a 10-day trial. After the 10 days, Daniel and his friends appeared healthier and more nourished than those who ate the king’s food.

Because of his faith in God and commitment to healthy habits, Daniel demonstrated incredible strength and endurance. God honored his faith, and Daniel and his friends not only thrived physically, but were also found to be ten times wiser than all the king’s magicians and enchanters.

This story highlights how Daniel’s faith, discipline, and healthy habits set him apart, allowing him to endure and excel in a foreign land.

Closing Thought: God has a blueprint for our health, and we are called to follow it as good stewards of His creation. Today and onward, reflect on how you can invite God into your health journeys. 

Participant 3 - Icebreaker: “Wheel of Health” (video with spin the wheel- participants will come to the front and say when to start or stop the wheel)

• Activity: Create a large wheel (can be drawn or a physical one) with different health categories (e.g., exercise, rest, nutrition, prayer, fellowship). Have participants discuss how they currently maintain health in that area or what challenges they face.

Objective: Get ay members  thinking about different aspects of health in a fun, engaging way.

2.2  Main Presentation: “The Four Wheels of Health” (Powerpoint presentation for program) or feel free to create your own

• 1. Physical Health: The importance of exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances.

As was mentioned earlier in our introduction, we will be exploring the four wheels of health- physical, mental, social and spiritual health.

The first wheel we will spin is  Physical Health. In this wheel we will highlight the importance of exercise, balanced nutrition and avoiding harmful substances.  

Let’s  begin by talking about something that we all know is important, but often overlook in our busy lives: exercise

Exercise is more than just staying in shape—it’s about maintaining and improving every aspect of our health. First, physical activity strengthens our muscles, bones, and heart. It boosts circulation, helps maintain a healthy weight, and reduces the risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. But the benefits don’t stop at the physical. Exercise is amazing for our mental health too. It’s proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Regular physical activity can help us sleep better, think more clearly, and even improve memory and focus.

Although it might seem like exercise would tire us out, it actually boosts stamina and endurance, leaving us more energized throughout the day.

Our bodies are designed to move. Regular physical activity, whether it’s walking, cycling, or playing a sport, helps keep our muscles strong, improves our heart health, and boosts our energy levels.  Even just 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference!

Next, we have balanced nutrition. What we eat fuels our bodies. A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These provide the vitamins and nutrients we need to grow, repair cells, and maintain a healthy immune system. It’s like fueling a car—without the right fuel, we won’t perform at our best.

First, balanced nutrition supports our physical health. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods helps boost our immune system, keeps our heart and bones strong, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Next, a balanced nutrition is crucial because it  affects how we feel. Consuming whole, nutritious foods can improve our mood, concentration, and memory, while junk food can leave us feeling sluggish and unfocused. In fact, some nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, are known to support brain function and reduce the risk of depression.

By eating the right kinds of foods—like complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats—we fuel our bodies for the entire day. This helps avoid the energy crashes that come with eating too much sugar or processed foods.

And here is where we can highlight the importance of avoiding harmful substances, but we're not just referring to the usual dangers like drugs or alcohol. There are many everyday things we come into contact with that can be just as harmful to our health if we’re not careful.

First, let’s consider processed foods. While they might be convenient, processed foods are often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives. Consuming too much of them can lead to obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. By avoiding or limiting processed foods, we can protect our bodies from long-term damage and maintain healthier weight and energy levels.

In addition,even something as simple as too much screen time can harm our health. It can strain our eyes, disrupt our sleep,. And let’s not forget the harmful effects of chronic stress. While stress is a natural part of life, too much of it can negatively affect our physical health. It’s important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, prayer, and rest.

In short, taking care of our physical health through exercise, balanced nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances help us live better, stronger, and longer lives. It’s a form of self-care that honors the bodies God has given us.

Let’s hop off the wheel and head into the physical health station to see what challenge awaits us there.

Physical Health Station: Engage the congregation in a quick workout challenge (stretching, sitting & standing etc)

Participant 4

1. Mental Health: How to manage stress, cultivate gratitude, and maintain a positive mindset.

The second wheel we will spin is Mental health. And within this wheel, we will highlight how to manage stress, cultivate gratitude and maintain a positive mindset. 

Let’s talk about mental health and, specifically, how to manage stress. Stress is something we all experience, whether from school, work, or personal challenges. While we can’t always avoid stress, we can learn how to manage it in healthy ways.

First, one of the best ways to manage stress is through exercise, since physical  activity releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body that improve our mood and help relieve stress. A simple 20-minute walk or a few stretches can make a big difference in how we feel. So right from the start, we see how mental health and physical health work hand in hand.

Another important tool is practicing mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment and focusing on your breathing or surroundings, which can help calm the mind. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and of course prayer can reduce stress and bring peace to a chaotic day.

-Time management is also key. Often, stress comes from feeling overwhelmed by everything we have to do. Creating a to-do list, prioritizing tasks, and breaking larger tasks into smaller steps can help reduce anxiety and make your workload feel more manageable.

Also, Within this mental health wheel, we cannot forget the importance of rest and self-care. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time to relax are essential for managing stress. If we don’t take care of our bodies, our minds will feel the strain as well.

So, we’ll share 4 simple yet effective strategies for cultivating gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset in order to help our mental health. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to focus on the negatives, but developing a grateful and positive outlook can significantly improve our mental health and overall well-being.

1. Practice Daily Gratitude

One of the most effective ways to cultivate gratitude is to keep a gratitude journal. Each day, take a few moments to write down three things you are thankful for. They can be as simple as a warm cup of tea, a kind word from a friend, or a beautiful sunset. This practice shifts your focus from what’s lacking to appreciating what you have.

2. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people we spend time with can influence our mindset. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting individuals who encourage you and support your growth. Engage in conversations that foster optimism, and consider limiting exposure to negativity, whether from social media or certain relationships.

3. Acts of Kindness

Engaging in acts of kindness can enhance feelings of gratitude. Helping others, whether through volunteering or simply offering support to a friend, creates a sense of connection and fulfillment. It reminds us of the positive impact we can have on others and encourages a positive outlook.

4. Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk

Practice positive self-talk and affirmations. Start your day by affirming your strengths and expressing your intentions. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones by consciously choosing to focus on solutions rather than problems. This can create a shift in your perspective over time.

Cultivating gratitude and maintaining a positive mindset require intentional effort, but the rewards are immense. By practicing daily gratitude, being mindful, surrounding ourselves with positivity, performing acts of kindness, and using affirmations, we can foster a more grateful and optimistic outlook on life which will help us to take care of our mental health. 

So, let’s head into the station to see what awaits us there!

 Mental Health Station: Take 2 deep breaths. On a paper, write 2 things you are grateful for and 2 positive things about yourself. (Ask some members to share what they have written)

Participant 5

3. Social Health: The value of healthy relationships, fellowship, and community support.

Let’s examine our third wheel, which is social health. We will highlight the importance of social health and the profound value of healthy relationships and fellowship in our lives.

Understanding Social Health

Social health refers to our ability to form meaningful relationships and interact positively with others. It plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, influencing our mental, emotional, and even physical health.

The Benefits of Healthy Relationships

Healthy relationships provide us with several key benefits:

• Emotional Support: Having friends or family members we can turn to during difficult times is invaluable. They offer comfort, advice, and reassurance, helping us navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

• Increased Happiness: Positive relationships contribute to our happiness and satisfaction in life. Engaging in social activities, sharing experiences, and celebrating successes with loved ones enhances our joy and fulfillment.

• Improved Mental Health: Healthy relationships can significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. When we feel connected and supported, we are more resilient and better equipped to cope with life’s ups and downs.

Let’s examine the Role of Fellowship as it relates to our social health. Fellowship, whether within a community, church, or group, further enhances our social health:

• It gives a sense of Belonging: Being part of a community fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we have a support network.

• Shared Values and Interests: Fellowship allows us to connect with others who share similar beliefs and interests, deepening our relationships and promoting personal growth (just like how we do here at church).

• There are opportunities for Service: Engaging in fellowship often includes opportunities to serve others. Acts of kindness and community service strengthen our bonds and create a positive impact on both individuals and society.

Healthy relationships and fellowship are vital components of social health. They provide emotional support, enhance our happiness, improve our mental well-being, and foster a sense of belonging. By investing in our relationships and seeking out fellowship, we can enrich our lives and promote our overall health.

Let’s get off this wheel and head into the station!

Social Health Station: Team building activity: Group Story Creation

-How to Play: Participants sit in their seat and use a roving mic. One person starts a story with one sentence, and then each person takes turns adding one sentence to continue the story. This continues until everyone has contributed. At the end the story should make sense. 

-Debrief: Reflect on how the story evolved with everyone’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the value of each team member’s input in building something collectively meaningful.

Participant 6

Spiritual Health: The importance of prayer, Bible study, and living according to God’s Word for overall well-being.

Our final wheel is the Spiritual Health wheel. We often focus on the physical and mental aspects, but there’s another critical component: spiritual health. This area, often overlooked, is foundational to our overall well-being. It’s through our relationship with God that we find purpose, direction, and peace.

Let’s consider three key elements of spiritual health:

1. Prayer: Prayer is more than just a ritual—it’s a lifeline. It’s our direct connection with God, allowing us to speak to Him and, more importantly, listen. Through prayer, we gain strength and comfort, especially during life’s challenges. When we pour our hearts out to God, we release burdens we were never meant to carry, leaving room for His peace to fill us.

2. Bible Study: The Bible is God’s Word, His guidebook for our lives. Just as our bodies need food for strength, our spirits need nourishment from the Bible. Regular Bible study gives us wisdom and direction. It shapes our thoughts, aligns us with God’s will, and keeps our spiritual “compass” pointing in the right direction. When we study Scripture, we deepen our faith and gain the tools we need to handle life’s storms.

3. Living According to God’s Word: It’s one thing to read the Bible, but it’s another to live it out. Spiritual health requires that we not just be hearers of the Word, but doers. When we live according to God’s Word—loving others, forgiving, and acting with integrity—our actions reflect God’s character, and our lives become a testimony of His grace. Living this way brings inner peace and joy, no matter what happens around us.

In essence, spiritual health—through prayer, Bible study, and living by God’s Word—is the cornerstone of true well-being. When we nurture our relationship with God, we experience a deeper sense of purpose and peace, and our physical, mental and social health often follow suit.

So, let’s make spiritual health a priority in our lives, trusting that when we put God first, He will guide and sustain us.

Let’s go over to our station and see what awaits us!

Spiritual Health Station: reflect on the Bible verse 3 John 2. Quietly say a prayer for someone’s health Or find a partner and pray for their health. 

Participants 4&5 . Open Discussion: “Potholes in the Road”

• Objective: Discuss the challenges that can cause setbacks in maintaining health in each area (physical, mental, social, and spiritual). 

• Physical: Lack of motivation or time for exercise.

• Mental: Dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Social: Isolation or unhealthy relationships.

• Spiritual: Disconnection from God, lack of prayer or Bible study.

Solutions: How can we support one another in overcoming these “potholes”? What are some practical ways to stay on the path to health and wholeness?

Participants 1 &3 - . Commitment Ceremony: “Rolling Forward with God”

-Activity: Give each participant a paper  of a wheel where they can write down one health goal they want to commit to improving—whether physical, mental, social, or spiritual.

-Pledge: As a group, recite a health commitment pledge together, focusing on trusting God for strength and motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pledge: “I commit to taking care of my health as a way of honoring God. With His help, I will strive to nurture my physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being, knowing that my body is His temple.”

Participants 6 Conclusion & Closing Prayer

The program this evening emphasized  a holistic view of health in a fun, interactive way. The “wheel of health” theme symbolizes movement toward well-being, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, all under God’s guidance. We pray that you would have benefited from this evening’s program and that you would commit to achieving your health goals. 

Closing prayer: Pray for God’s continued guidance and protection over everyone’s health, asking for strength, discipline, and encouragement as they pursue a balanced, healthy life in all areas.

Optional: Healthy Snack Fellowship 

-Share healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and water, while encouraging conversation and fellowship among members.