Programs
The GoodNEWS Approach
A Program of Hope, Health, and Healing Conducted in Communities of Faith
The GoodNEWS Life Enhancement Program curriculum is based on understanding the mechanism of the human gene (gene expression). Scientists have recently discovered that genes respond to many different factors – including biopsychosocial, behavioral, environmental, and spiritual factors – through the activity of the epigenome. Simply speaking, the conditions of our lives and the way we live can affect the function of our genes and our well being.
The GoodNEWS program attempts to correct common misperceptions about chronic disease, educate participants about the value of health, explain how specific lifestyles factors are related to health outcomes, and promote practical ways for adopting a healthier lifestyle. As a wellness program, our curriculum emphasizes the importance of healthy lifestyles rather than concepts of illness avoidance. The wellness model exists in many forms and our model substitutes environmental health for occupational health, in order to emphasize how participants’ can overcome the challenges that may negatively affect the health of their neighborhoods and communities. Finally, we believe it is not possible to achieve wellness or well-being without attending to the six dimensions in health: intellectual, mental, physical, spiritual, social, and environmental. We believe that all of these work together – they are a package deal!