The study was done, and the evidence conclusive. In the early 1960s, heart disease in the community of Roseto, PA, was almost non-existent. Researchers converged on the town, studying each person.
Blood samples were collected, interviews were done, social and religious patterns observed, and high cholesterol dietary habits noted. Despite toxic fumes inhaled in the slate mines, obesity, lack of exercise, and frequent smoking, the people of this small Italian town were protected against heart disease.
In 1964, the unbelievable results were published in the Journal of American Medical Association and by Malcolm Gladwell in his bestselling book Outliers.
What was their healthy heart secret? Families were close-knit; often, 3 generations lived together. Older members of the community were treated with honor. Children were cherished, and they respected their parents. The Rosetans strong Christian values included church attendance.
The pressure to keep up with one’s neighbors was absent. If you were wealthy, it was disrespectful to display wealth. Crimes were non-existent. Stress levels were low because God was trusted to meet needs. People were there for each other in adversity.
However, by the late 60s, the heart protection they had experienced started to dissipate. Families began to spend less time together or move away. Spiritual complacency replaced spiritual disciplines. The pursuit of materialism became more of a priority to younger generations.
“It’s not possible to protect one’s heart like that today!” you say. I don’t see it this way. Heart healing and protection can happen, one person, one family, and one community at a time. Courage, wisdom, and a change of spirit-heart are necessary to embrace this counter-culture lifestyle.
For years my blood pressure was elevated even though I exercised, ate nutritious foods, and maintained a healthy weight. My blood pressure normalized when I began embracing some of the Rosetan’s spiritual and social disciplines.
Fears, frustrations, and unforgiveness are now less likely to set up residence in my thought-life. Instead, I cooperate with God’s direction and presence by pondering biblical words focusing on trust, forgiveness, and inner peace. With meditation, they burn truth and health in my physical and spiritual heart.
Being grateful, giving honor and respect to elders, promoting peaceful family relationships, and helping the needy rewards with normalized blood pressure. Pursuing a simpler lifestyle frees time to pursue fulfilling hobbies and interests.
I’m not advocating unhealthy diets. I’m suggesting you consider the heart-protective choices of the early Rosetans. Experiencing peace with self, God, and others seems to provide health to the physical body. It frees the mind from oppressing thoughts and sparks a spiritual fire to share this quality of life with others.
CONSIDER:
How are you guarding your heart? Are your relationships with family and friends peaceful? Are you pursuing your relationship with God more than entertainment, material success, and yes, even more than your relationships with spouse and children?
Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart, for they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning. Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do. (Proverbs 4: 20 – 23)
Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”( Matthew 22: 37 – 40)