Ridgetop Church concludes month-long health seminar series

During the month of August, the Ridgetop, Tenn., church hosted weekly health seminars covering topics such nutrition, exercise, and sleep. The classes, attended by church and community members, is part of an upcoming push to offer health-related content for the community.

The idea for this project came when registered dietician and Ridgetop Church member, Daniela Little, noticed the lack of health education resources in the Robertson county.  

“I see a lot of patients from the area that have diabetes, heart problems, cancer and things like that,” Little said. “Many of them don't really know what to do. It made me realize that there's not much going on in the county as far as health promotion.”

As a result, Little, supported by her church family, coordinated a month-long health seminar series, which took place every Sunday from Aug. 7 to Aug. 28. The church promoted this workshop through their local newspaper, on local Facebook groups and businesses, and by word of mouth. On average, more than 35 individuals attended each meeting.

One of them was Yvonne Manners, a community member from Greenbier, Tenn., who found out about the program from a friend. Manners says she wanted to learn how to eat healthier, not just for herself but to help others as well.

“I volunteer with Meals on Wheels,” Manners said. Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization that addresses senior hunger and isolation. “So, by learning to cook healthy, I'm changing a lot of people's lives because now I can prepare them healthy food options, too.”

To prepare for the programs, leaders used the book “Secrets to Wellness,” by Ernestine Finley. After the presentation, they led practical activities, health screenings and coaching sessions where participants set weekly health-related goals.

Though the program concluded on August 28, the Ridgetop Church is already making plans to start a diabetes and heart-disease prevention series in November, as well as a weight-loss series at the beginning of next year.

“I strongly believe that the health message is right hand for the Three Angels’ Message,” Little said. “The end goal of these health seminars is to save people and show them that we care. When you think of the ministry of Jesus … he healed people; but at the end of the day, it wasn’t just about [healing] them, but about giving them hope.”