The Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma is raising concern over the health of its ministers and the impact of preventable illnesses.

Reverend Dr. Semisi Turagavou highlighted that poor nutrition, unhealthy eating, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and insufficient rest are contributing to chronic health problems.

Reverend Dr. Turagavou added that these illnesses can affect ministers’ ability to travel, preach, visit families and lead worship.

“Medical evidence continues to remind us that poor nutrition, unhealthy eating habits, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and insufficient rest contribute significantly to diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease and other chronic illnesses” Reverend Dr. Turagavou highlighted. 

The President has emphasized that ministers need to take greater responsibility for their health because illness can affect not only them, but also their families and congregations.

“When disease weakens us unnecessarily, our ministry suffers, our families suffer, our congregations suffer” he added.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA