When it comes to asking questions about how to live and make the most of life, we’ve got a guy! Dr Darren Morton is a writer, teacher and researcher who knows his stuff. Not only is Darren well qualified as an exercise scientist (he’s considered the world expert on the “stitch”), he also lives what he teaches. He’s a former national level athlete, an enthusiastic hang-glider pilot and still competes in triathlon and multisport events. So in among his position as a senior lecturer with Avondale College of Higher Education as a commercial consultant, EDGE got a chance to ask him what he’s learned about healthy living.
How can physical health impact on spiritual life?
One thing that science is clearly showing is that the health and wellbeing of us humans is multifaceted—physical, emotional, social and spiritual—and all these components help and hinder each other. If you want to really thrive you need to have all of them going for you.
“Being healthy is eating a vegan diet while doing crossfit.” Are “extreme” health fads sometimes making good health seem unachievable?
What we know is that when it comes to improving our wellbeing, taking small steps in the right direction makes a difference. For example, a New Zealand study showed that just eating more fruits and vegetables one day results in a happiness boost the day after. Fascinating stuff. The point is that while it is true that the more you put in (in terms of your healthy behaviours) the more you will likely get out (in terms of health outcomes) but don’t be put off by thinking that you have to go to extremes to get any benefit.
Why is health ministry so important?
It is pretty simple to me. God is interested in life and He wants us to live our best life. Being healthy is foundational to that.
Health is so trendy these days with celebs like Miranda Kerr and Jessica Alba leading the way—do Adventists have anything unique to offer?
Here is something that I would like every Adventist young person (and old!) to know. When our church was set up about 150 years ago, God gave the fledging church a unique and cutting-edge perspective on how to experience optimal health and wellbeing. The message was and is so cutting edge that it took more than 100 years for some of the principles to be validated by science. Now the scientific and medical community hold up the Adventist church as a model for healthy living.
The point is, the Adventist church has a rich heritage when it comes to understanding how to live well—it is our distinctive flavour as a denomination. Today, there is more interest in the principles that underpin this “Adventist Health Message” than ever before. It provides a great opportunity that we need to take up. Be proud of who we are and share these life-enriching insights.
Does my health and fitness matter much when I am young?
Yes, it matters no matter how old you are. Who doesn’t want to live life to the full?
What are the big things affecting the health of younger generations?
I think screen time is the big issue. Screens make people (young and old) a lot less physically active and this is having a massive impact on the health of our bodies and brains. Second, screens contribute to us not really connecting. Staring at a screen will never compare to staring at someone’s face.
What was it that got you interested in being fit and healthy?
I used to compete at a fairly serious level in sport and I was always wanting to know how to get the most out of myself in terms of athletic performance. In time, this grew to a passion for understanding how to get the most out of life in general. I discovered that the Adventist perspective on how to live your best life was so profound that I am captivated by it. I feel so blessed to work in the Lifestyle Research Centre at Avondale where I get to immerse myself in this space.
What would be a simple plan to get myself fit and healthy again if I am not?
That is a good question and of course depends on what you are presently doing. For most people however, moving more, eating more plant foods and connecting more with others (in the old-school way, face-to-face way) is a great way to boost your wellbeing.
AUTHOR: Dr Darren Morton is the course convenor for Postgraduate Studies in Lifestyle Medicine at Avondale College of Higher Education. He loves life and is passionate about helping others to get the most out of it!
PHOTOGRAPHY: This photo was taken by Lauren McColl, and modeled by Alannah McColl. For more of her work, visit <www.lawnphotography.com> or @lawnphotography on Facebook and Instagram.