Written by: Huang Chang-Bin & Wang Ying-Xiu Photographed by: Xue Gui-Ping Translated by: Lay Gnoh Chen

The Supt. of Taiwan Adventist Hospital Dr. Huang Hui-Ting talks about NEWSTART lifestyle concept to the participants.

On September 22, 2018, President of Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Dr. Huang Hui-Ting is invited by TIMA to deliver a keynote speech with topic 「Tackling lifestyle-related diseases with Adventist Health」 at Hualian Jing Si Hall.

Dr. Huang based in 8 principles found in the acronym NEWSTART, as the main focus of his speech. Nutrition (balance diet), Exercise (regular exercise), Water (drinking sufficient pure water), Sunlight (moderate sunlight), Temperance (balancing life style), Air (fresh air), Rest (physical and mental rest) and Trust (faith).This NEWSTART program is supported by empirical medical research to lead a new healthy way of living. This also creates a great impact for positive lifestyle modification and a new way of living.

Dr. Huang pointed out that through adoption of healthy lifestyle and health habit such as plant based diet, exercise, stress management, eliminating smoking, alcohol-free, etc., will result in preventing and reversing related chronic disease. He also introduced the establishment of worldwide NEWSTART sport center as well as the rapid development in various regions of the world. At the same time, he showed the participants the pictures of NEWSTART sport center in Yuchi, Nantou in Taiwan. This center combined with blood test, nutritional consultation, physician's health assessment, dietary health consultation, cooking class and other health service to the participants.

Further, Dr. Huang introduced the unique food culture of Taiwan Adventist Hospital and its promotion for healthy vegetarian diet, including no refining oil, no refined sugar, low salt, high fiber, avoiding junk food, no vending machine setting, reducing environmental impact, and reduce carbon emissions. At the same time, Taiwan Adventist Hospital is the first medical institution to pass the "PAS 2050:2008 carbon footprint" award verification, setting a good model to all of us.

Viewing from reduce carbon emissions through vegetable diets and the environmental protection, Taiwan Adventist Hospital has achieved remarkable results in this area in 2014~2017, the reduction of carbon emissions which is equivalent in planting 4,249 trees. The Nutrition Division of the hospital also developed creative cuisine, published out five books of NEWSTART cuisine recipes, including 100 healthy dishes and bakery recipes. Among them, one of the books entitled "NEWSTART cooking” was awarded good book of the year by Department of Health of the Executive Yuan Taiwan in 2004. In addition, Taiwan Adventist Hospital also established a medical-grade sports center, as part of continuous health quality program efforts, "aerobic in water" is an important part of health promotion in this sports center.

Based on the research data, Dr. Huang cited that daily doses of sunshine has benefits for human bones and cancer prevention, both physically and psychologically. In introducing the balance of life, he says that Buddhism "Heart Sutra" and Christian "Bible" (Genesis) as an example to illustrate the principles of different religious teachings on life. The benefits of the Mind Relaxation Course will help to calm down, forgiveness, moderation, value, gratitude, trust, sharing the joy of life and results to appreciate and cherish life, learning how to overcome difficulties, and achieve a happy healthy life. Further, he added that "If there is sunshine in the hospital, the treatment and recovery time for the patient will be shortened.”

Nowadays people generally sleep less than seven hours daily and tends to cause sickness in the long run. Priorities should be given to quality of sleeping time. Dr Huang explains that "The counteraction of Melatonin cycle begins at 10 o'clock in the evening. Sleep at this time will make you fully refreshed and regain strength.”

In the aspect of religion, Dr. Huang says that regardless of Buddhism or Christianity, through faith and prayer, one can regain strength and move ahead. Finally, Dr. Huang concluded that being a vegetarian, low fat diet, exercise, and has belief can be very helpful to reduces disease risk. The NEWSTART program not only prolongs people's lives, but also leads to a dynamic and fulfilling healthy lifestyle.

He Xuexian, a therapist from Penang, Malaysia, shared her feelings about the course: "Professor Huang's speech is very good. I am not a meat eater; however the surroundings are not encouraging me to strictly on vegetables food. Now I realize that with a willing and mindful heart, nothing is impossible, the same applies to environmental protection and being vegetarian.”

He Xuexian, a therapist from Penang, Malaysia is deeply moved by the comprehensive course conducted by TIMA. She expects herself to be more mindful.

Members from Tzu Chi Collegiate Association lead the participants to dance “Formosa Mambo” before the start of TIMA convention.