Calhoun Hispanic Members Accept, Share Health Challenge
Fibromyalgia, high triglycerides, energy depletion, extreme fatigue, and other debilitating health conditions used to be part of Norma Utz’s daily life. Utz, who had been a very active member of the Calhoun Hispanic Church, felt helpless and frustrated.
Utz’s prayer of finding a way to overcome her conditions was recently answered, and led to something much larger than she first envisioned. Working with a health coach, Utz began making small changes in her lifestyle and soon she regained lost energy, slept better, and was able to walk again without her cane.
Being used to serving and helping in her church, Utz felt God was leading her to share her experience with others who were suffering similar health issues. From this desire, Health Warriors was started: a health group that, assisted by her health coach, promotes lifestyle changes to improve health.
Health Warriors started “Back to Life,” a 21-day faith-based health challenge to regain health and wellness. Originally, about 15 women accepted the challenge, but during the 21-day challenge, husbands, children, and friends who were not Adventist joined as well.
Through weekly meetings, daily devotionals, and constant motivational support, each participant took baby steps by exchanging unhealthy practices for new and healthy habits.
By the 21st day, many pounds were lost, body measurements became lower, and many participants reported more energy and better-quality sleep. They were moving and exercising, learned how to prepare new foods, and began eating healthy and tasty meals that their families also enjoyed. Furthermore, these warriors reported that they regained and strengthened their daily connection with God.
For Utz, a few weeks after the challenge, her blood work came back with extraordinary results. For the first time in years, her triglycerides were back to normal levels!
With the help of the Calhoun Hispanic Church and René Hernández, pastor, Health Warriors started with the desire of helping others regain health. But, it will not end in Calhoun. Hernández has invited Health Warriors to come to other churches in his district to bring spiritual, physical, and emotional health back to life.
Georgia-Cumberland | February 2022
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