By Lubna Abdel-Aziz Who amongst us survive and thrive? We are all engaged in a struggle for existence, competing for a limited amount of space, food, water and other necessities of life. Those most likely to succeed, survive, and reproduce, are those who are able to adapt to whatever environment surrounds them. Charles Darwin's Origin of the Species (1859) covered the evolution of life from amoeba to man, and those animals and plants that disappeared are those that were unable to respond to changes in the environment -- and so it is with us. Survival of the Fittest, a phrase coined by Herbert Spencer, but generally attributed to Darwin, befits our struggle today under adverse economic, psychological, and physical conditions. We not only struggle to exist, but we battle against all conditions unfavorable to our species, whether we do it individually or collectively. Only the fittest survive -- the fittest mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our present focus on our health and fitness is an old concept, that holds more truth today than ever before. With every hazard brought about by environmental pollution, unhealthy environment, and stressful conditions, it has become harder for us to maintain healthy bodies. Those who do, survive, those who don't, disappear. Without a healthy body there can be no healthy mind, no stamina, no will, no strength. While a healthy body may not afford us such power, without it, there is no foundation. This basic foundation is the structure that can withstand the assaults of every aspect of modern life, poverty, injustice, persecution and disease. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, will only spare the fittest amongst us. Physically whole and healthy, we can proceed to cope, to profit and to enjoy the gifts of life. Physical fitness is achieved through regular exercise, proper diet and nutrition, as well as proper rest, sleep, and recreation. Of course there is that small matter of genes, but discipline and healthy habits can be a regulator, even in the face of genetic drawbacks. Proper nutrition is more important than exercise, and becomes even more important when we do exercise. Nutrition affects our health and performance, and has been known to cure, as well as prevent disease. Fibrous foods, for instance, can reduce the risk of colon cancer; vitamin C strengthens teeth and gums and improves the immune system. Such traits are eventually passed on to our offspring through the process of heredity. Traits are carried by the genetic material DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contain the coded information of our many traits. This may sound simplistic but we need to make the point that we are able to modify our genetic makeup through the evolutionary process. Exercise is a major component of an intelligent lifestyle, and together with good nutrition, it works best when hygiene practice is optimum. Bathing, brushing and flossing teeth, washing hands, washing foods, all prevent infection and disease. To sustain a healthy body, one must have a healthy mind. That is what Juvenal (56 -- 117 AD) meant when he wrote in his Satires : Orandum est ut sit, mens sana in corpore sano (We should pray for a sound mind in a sound body). To be mentally healthy is to feel capable and competent, able to handle the inevitable stresses of everyday life. Mental good health is also an ability to maintain satisfying relationships and to lead a full independent life . Most of all it means an ability to bounce back, to recover from difficult situations, and not to succumb under their severity. Mental health also involves a drive to succeed, excel and keep afloat against the tide. Sink or swim, it is all up to you, your mind, your body. Even if one component suffers the other comes to the rescue, willing the body to obey. Consider the case of cyclist Lee Armstrong, who despite a cancer condition was able to go back to his "Tour de France" race, and break all previous records held through the years. He is one of many athletes whose minds command their bodies to obey, and their bodies do. Mind over matter -- any day, every day! Even more powerful than mind and body is the power of the spirit, the third element for our survival. Included in every religious teachings, faith is a prerequisite for complete health and strength. "Faith and prayer can be more therapeutic than any religious remedy. In a study at Duke University conducted by Dr. Harold Koenig, researchers found that religious people live longer, and are physically healthier than their non-religious counterparts. Religious believers are 40% less likely to have diastolic hypertension. During physical illness, they are less likely to be crippled by depression or self-pity. They are hospitalized less often and have stronger immune systems. This theory was supported by various other studies which found that church-goers are 1/3 less likely to abuse alcohol or cigarettes. They also have lower levels of Interleukin-6 (Il-6) which is a blood protein indicator of immune system dysfunction when levels are high. Church attendants in 1986, 1989, and 1992, all showed lower levels of Il-6 compared to non-church attendants. Levels of Il-6 are generally high in patients with AIDS, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. The higher the spiritual faith, the stronger the immune system -- these are scientific findings -- do not scoff them. More than 300 religious studies demonstrate the medical value of spiritual commitment. Dr. Dale Mathews and his associates found that prayers cause an overall 20% decrease in the amount of pain experienced by arthritic patients. "It raises the possibility that the effect of prayer is not going through the inflammatory mechanisms, but is occurring at a cerebral level." The Holy Koran was sent as a form of "healing and mercy' to those who believe, ö healing of broken spirits, an inspiration of hope for the future, and a joy in the forgiveness of our sins." Faith, strength, and competence, are all necessary components for your survival. Does that mean that a super-race will evolve? Some scientists think so. Do we have to compete for survival? Maybe! But survive we must. In these times of toil and trouble, let us seek and practice every means of survival, and pass them on to future generations. For peace of mind, for a better life, a better world, and possibly a better species, let us focus on mankind's strengths today. Without them, tomorrow may never come, or if it does, it is destined to look dark and dismal, oppressive and ominous, hellish and horrific. This is the Law of the Yukon, that only the Strong shall thrive -- that surely the Week shall perish and only the Fit shall survive -- Robert W Service (1874 -- 1958)
