Counseling Sheet

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.
Preventive Medicine

Physical work is a part of the therapy at Uchee Pines. Work is also a part of our recreation. Work is a part of the general conditioning that we invite our guests who attend seminars and other meetings to engage in with us. Work helps one to keep the appetites under control; bring into play all of the muscles of the body, promotes good judgment, mental resourcefulness, and decision-making. It brings relief from taxing mental labor by doing repetitious physical acts. Work also furnishes part of the basic needs of the institution for such things as cleaning, harvesting, building new structures, maintenance of existing structures, and many other practical functions.

We depend greatly on the work of our guests to assist us with the building up of the work here. We believe that the Lord specially blesses those who use mind and muscle in a practical way while visiting. We invite you to engage freely with us in the volunteering of time, energy, and strength in doing useful labor. God's plan for the maintenance of the body equipment includes purposeful labor, not mere calisthenics. Work with the hands should never be considered degrading of one's position. Adam was the only man who has ever been sole owner of all the earth, yet he was a farmer, getting his exercise in the garden.

Develops resourcefulness. As one focuses the attention to make the many small decisions involved in doing purposeful labor, the mental faculties of resourcefulness and efficiency are developed. It is a fact that many of our national presidents have been selected from among those who grew up doing much purposeful labor. The intelligence quotient of an individual who has been taught manual labor increases as the electrical circuits are brought into use and trained.

Circulation equalized (2T 569). The various activities required in purposeful labor, such as stretching, bending, running, jumping, stooping, etc., have a tendency to equalize the circulation.

Should be taught in childhood (3T 150, FE 417). Happiness is assured for any child who is taught to labor with his hands. Even though he may not like it during his early years, if he is taught how to do it, as he gets older he will look to this as a means of recreation. Since it brings with it the blessings of provisions for one's needs, it turns out to be a double blessing, and most people enjoy manual labor more than any other type of sport (CG 349; Ed. 278, 215; 3T 336).

In mental illness (3T 336). As the mind and the will are used in useful energy there is an efficiency imparted to the restless and dissatisfied mind that brings contentment. It is a powerful agent in the recovery of health (CH 627). It is a safeguard for the tempted (CG 345). Students should be kept constantly busy in useful labor.

Teaches self-government. The object of all education is that of self-government. Having never learned to govern himself with manual labor, the youth recognizes no restraint except the requirements of parents or teachers, or his own bodily needs. This removed; he knows not how to use liberty and often gives himself over to indulgence that proves his ruin.

‍PRINCIPLES OF EXERCISE

FOR EVERYONE‍

Men and women, young and old, who desire health, should exercise. (2T 526)‍

FOR OLDER FOLKS

‍Exercise for older people should be moderate and steady. (2T 530-531)‍

VARIETY‍

Variety in exercise will call into use all the muscles. (3T 78)‍

OUTDOORS

‍Outdoor exercise is the best. (MH 239)‍

IN SUNLIGHT‍

Exercise in the sunshine. (Ed. 208)‍

REGULAR‍

Exercise regularly in the open air and sunlight. (CD 444; Ed. 208)‍

DAILY

‍Exercise every day. (CG 342)‍

PLANNED

‍Exercise should be systematic and planned. (3T 76; MH 239)‍

VIGOROUS‍

Youth should have vigorous exercise. (Ed. 210)‍

ENJOY IT‍

Have a cheerful spirit and put the heart into it. (MH 239; 2T 530)