I sometimes like to take more credit than I should when it comes to my health. Sure, I try to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, but I also realize that some aspects of my health are strongly swayed by my DNA. It is common knowledge that many health conditions run in families. When we go to the doctor for our annual physical, many questions revolve around family history. But did you know that the psycho-emotional experiences of your childhood have as strong an effect on your current health as your family tree? Let me explain.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study is an ongoing collaboration between the CDC and Kaiser Permanente. The purpose of the study is to determine the relationship between abuse and/or neglect in childhood and chronic health conditions. The findings are astounding. There is evidence of direct correlation between the number of Adverse Childhood Experiences and the incidence of conditions and behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, diabetes and heart disease. The environment in which a child is raised has profound and lasting measurable impact on his physical and mental health.
On Sunday, November 4, Cathy Hasty will be speaking during the formation hour in Wood Fellowship Hall. She will discuss the findings of this study and what we can do as a church to prevent ACEs in our most vulnerable communities. I hope you can make it to hear her-you will not be disappointed!
