The Canadian Mission of St. Panteleimon the Healer has been established with the blessing of Vladyka Ioan, Archbishop of the United States and of Vladyka Martin, Bishop of the Midwest, and is a dependency of the Stavropighial Monastery of
Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Coleman, Michigan.

RT. REV. ARCHPRIEST CHRISTOPHER ERIKSSON, Ph.D

Dr. Christopher Eriksson was born into a British-South African musical family with English and Swedish grandparents. He grew up in Sussex England then lived in Sweden where he got married, before moving to South Africa and then Montreal. His mother was an opera singer and his father a clarinetist and Beethoven devotee.

Educated at Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine in London, he received an honors degree in Physics and a PhD for medical and dental research. Dr. Eriksson has been a researcher and professor at various universities including The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, University of Pretoria, South Africa, and McGill University in Montreal. His research findings have been published in Nature, Clinical Orthopedics & Related Research, The Journal of Individual Psychology, and other scientific, medical, and dental journals.  Additional post-graduate training led to the award of an M.A in Adlerian lifestyle counseling in Chicago. He is a member of The North American Society of Adlerian Psychology.  

Following orthodox theological training, Dr. Eriksson became a pastor in “The Autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America” and serves the local community in Halton Hills, Southern Ontario, Canada.  A major focus of his ministry is the teaching of the Eastern Orthodox practice of hesychia or inner stillness through the Jesus Prayer to promote union with God.

Last year he did an on-line TV interview on the subject of “Healthy Living and Successful Aging”, and represented The Orthodox Church in a T.V panel discussion on “Seniors and Retirement” from a faith perspective. His core message is that it is never too late to adopt a healthier lifestyle which is now well documented. This is because as we age to become seniors, the less important to our health become the human genes we carry, while our lifestyle and environment assume greater importance. Dr. Eriksson advocates tax and other meaningful incentives and rewards from government and corporations to help individuals, families, and employees take better charge of their health. Dr. Eriksson teaches mathematics at a private school in Toronto.

With 70+% of modern illnesses in North America  being lifestyle-related including hypertension, heart disease, diabetes (Type 2), and cancer, his ministry “Celebrating Faith In A Living God to Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes Work for You” helps individuals and families in a caring, supportive, environment successfully make the lifestyle changes they want or which they have been told they need to make for better health. Through providing services in local hospitals and long-term health care centers the parish helps individuals and families cope better with the responsibilities of growing children and aging parents.

In honor of his father, whom he did not have the pleasure of really knowing in his lifetime, Dr. Eriksson has written his first novel, a musical and spiritual mystery titled “Beethoven Turns to Prophecy”. This story was begun by his father in the late 1970’s. Dr. Eriksson is an admirer of Norman Vincent Peale and the prayerful positive attitude with service to family and others that so typified the spiritual values that guided Beethoven in his life. This is notable in view of the challenges that he faced through his deafness and ill-health, and his militant spirit characteristic of the master artist. This important spiritual knowledge about Beethoven is not widely known but is clearly brought out in this book. 

The Parish of
St. Panteleimon The Healer
(Brampton, Ontario, Canada)

“Celebrating Faith in a Living God
To Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Work for You”

Autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America
Diocese of Canada

www.uaocamerica.org 

Newsletter - Summer 2005

Pastor: Rev. Dr. Christopher Eriksson

Mailing Address: R.R 2 Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4S5 Canada

Tel/Fax: (905) 702-7304 ∑ Toll Free (USA & Canada): 1- 888-869-9858

E-Mail: theartofhealthyliving@rogers.com


This church is an outreach of Our Lady of The Most Blessed Sacrament Monastery in Coleman, Michigan

It acts under the direct authority of Archbishop +Ioan, Prime Bishop of the Autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, and the Abbot of the Monastery, Bishop +Martin

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LIVING AND BREATHING DAILY THE JESUS PRAYER
TO BRING UNION WITH GOD
(HESYCHIA)

The living words of Saint Theophan The Recluse (1815 to 1894) - one of Eastern Orthodox Christianity’s great modern Saints describe beautifully the process and goal of the hesychasts.

PRAYER

"Prayer is a spiritual barometer for self-observation. Just as a barometer shows us how heavy or light the air is, so prayer shows us how high or low our spirit has gone in its relationship to God."

"A truly spiritual life is not possible without prayer - which is spiritual life in action. Prayer is the raising of our mind and heart to God. One may say that to pray means bringing right feelings and attitudes into actions."

"The aim is to strive towards God, but at first this is done only in intention. It must be made into our actual life - a natural gravitation that is sweet, voluntary and permanent. This is the kind of attitude that shows us we are on the right track; that God accepts us and that we are moving towards Him.

When iron clings to a magnet it is because the power of the magnet draws it. In spiritual matters the same thing is true; it is only clear that God is touching us when we experience this living aspiration, when our spirit turns its back on everything else and is fixed on Him and carried away.

At first this will not happen; the zealous person is still turned wholly to himself. Even though he has "decided" for God, this is only in his mind. The Lord does not yet let Himself be tasted, nor is the man yet capable of it, being impure. Then as his heart begins to be purified and set right, he begins to feel the sweetness of a life pleasing to God, so that he begins to walk in His ways gladly and with love. It becomes his natural element, in which he delights. Then the soul starts to withdraw from everything else as from the cold, and to gravitate towards God, Who warms it.

This principle of gravitation is implanted in the fervent soul by divine grace. By its inspiration and guidance the attraction grows in natural progression, inwardly nourished even without the knowledge of the person concerned. The sign of this birth is that where the spirit in someone previously acted compulsively, it now begins to abide in God's presence willingly and quietly without strain, with feelings of reverence, fear, and joy. Once the spirit was cramped within him, but now it is settled and stays there permanently. Now it is bliss for him to be alone with God, away from others and oblivious to external things. He acquires the Kingdom of God within himself, which is peace and joy in The Holy Spirit. This immersion in God is called "silence of the mind" or "rapture in God"... "

The Orthodox Parish of Saint Panteleimon the Healer in Southern Ontario Canada that is part of Diocese of Canada of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America is pleased to offer practical help to all those who wish to start this practice and discipline described above by Saint Theophan The Recluse. To this end, those interested are invited to contact Archpriest Dr. Christopher Eriksson at the e-mail address: - HYPERLINK "mailto:  theartofhealthyliving@rogers.com.

                                                ++++++++++++

FACULTY OF MEDICINE
DIVISION OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
University of Calgary

July 11, 2004

Risk Factors for One Illness Are Often Risk Factors for Others

Of Canadians with high blood pressure, 84% are poorly controlled and 42% do not even know that they are hypertensive and this places them at risk for stroke, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and peripheral vascular disease. 22% of Canadian adults are hypertensive. The incidence rises with age and for seniors between 65 and 74 years of age it reaches more than 1 in 2.

The good news is that hypertension is a reversible risk factor for these diseases and can be controlled through medication and lifestyle modification.

More good news is that losing excess weight, limiting alcohol intake, stopping smoking, eating fruit and vegetables, or becoming physically active to lower blood pressure is also recommended for reducing the risks of developing heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

General practitioners will find this patient education material useful as an aid to counseling their patients on lifestyle changes and compliance strategies to control blood pressure. This will reduce the risks to their patients of developing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Appropriate references are made in the material to the recommendations of The Canadian Diabetes Association for the prevention of diabetes, and to The Seven Steps to Health of The Canadian Cancer Society.

Since facilitating lifestyle changes has been shown to be more effective than just giving out information, physicians may wish to refer some patients to The Art of Healthy Living which specializes in facilitating individuals, families, and employees to successfully make the recommended and appropriate lifestyle changes.

I have reviewed this educational material and find that it conforms to the most recent Canadian guidelines on lifestyle modifications to prevent and control hypertension (CMAJ 1999; 160 (9 Suppl) Canadian Journal of Cardiology 2002: 18; 604-24), and the Canadian Journal of Public Health, Volume 89, No. 5, October, 1998.

Dr. Norman Campbell, Room 1435, Health Sciences Centre
3330 Hospital Drive NW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1
www.ucalgary.ca

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Professional lifestyle coaching that follows Canadian and U.S medcal practice guidelines as explained under "The Art of Healthy Living" for the prevention and treatment of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and cancer is available to all through our church and is absolutely free, without any charge whatsoever.

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The Art of Healthy Living TM
“Making Lifestyle Changes Work for You”

Behavior Does Affect Health –
Risk Factors for One Illness Are Often Risk Factors for Others

GOOD NEWS! Losing Excess Weight, Limiting Alcohol Intake, Stopping Smoking, Eating Fruit & Vegetables, Reducing Your Stress or Being Physically Active to Lower Your Blood Pressure Will Also Lower Your Chances of Developing Heart Disease, Cancer, & Diabetes!

OVERWEIGHT? DECIDE TO LOSE WEIGHT!

Losing just 10 pounds (4.5 Kg) through eating better and becoming physically active may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and help to reduce your risk of heart disease. This will also help to lower your risk of developing diabetes and cancer. Losing excess weight promotes general well-being and helps to improve self-esteem. To see if you are at risk, check your Body Mass Index on the next page, and discuss with your physician.

DRINK ALCOHOL?

To lower your blood pressure drink daily no more than 2 standard drinks-men to a max of 14 drinks/week, women to a max of 9 drinks/week. Recent evidence suggests this may also lower the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. It will also help lower some fats (triglycerides) in the blood. If you drink, limit your intake to no more than 2 drinks per day (from The Seven Steps to Health of The Canadian Cancer Society). This is also recommended by The Canadian Diabetes Association.

DO YOU EXERCISE ?

Regular physical exercise such as walking 4-5 times per week
for 45-60 minutes can lower blood pressure, and helps to maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise also treats other causes of heart disease eg. high cholesterol levels, and helps to lower your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes (Canadian Diabetes Association). Parents who are physically active are also more likely to have children who are physically active. Being physically active is part of The Seven Steps to Health of The Canadian Cancer Society. If in doubt, talk to your physician.

EAT FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

You need a significant amount of potassium and calcium in your daily diet. Eating fruit and vegetables and low fat dairy products will help to lower your blood pressure. A diet low in animal fat is important to prevent cardiovascular disease such as heart attack or stroke. Eating 5-10 servings every day of fruit and vegetables is part of The Seven Steps to Health of The Canadian Cancer Society, and coupled with a diet high in fiber (eg. whole grain cereals and breads, legumes, brown rice, fruit and vegetables) is also recommended to prevent and manage diabetes. Membership in The Canadian Diabetes Association leads to discounts on supplies plus you obtain valuable information. Tel: 1-800-BANTING.

Cutting down on excess salt intake is effective in lowering blood pressure. This is also recommended by The Canadian Diabetes Association to prevent and manage diabetes. Substituting potassium for salt can be effective. Ask your physician.

Make a plan to stop smoking, and avoid second-hand smoke. This is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent cardiovascular disease (eg. heart attack or stroke). Being a non-smoker, and avoiding second-hand smoke will also lower your chances of developing cancer, and is part of The Seven Steps to Health of The Canadian Cancer Society.

STRESSED OUT?

To help lower your blood pressure if you are stressed out, consider
customized cognitive behavior therapy from a psychologist-it is more effective than biofeedback, relaxation therapy, and meditation. Reducing stress also helps to control your blood sugar if you are diabetic (Canadian Diabetes Association). Schedule time for things you enjoy, use humor, and don't try to do too much. Like physical exercise, they all help to relieve stress. Being physically active is also an effective stress reliever.

CHECK IF YOU ARE OVERWEIGHT

Your Body Mass Index (B.M.I) is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. A result in the range 20-25 is acceptable (19-22 are reported to live longest). 25-29.9 suggests you could lose some weight, greater than 30 indicates obesity. Don't be rigid in interpreting these figures - especially for growing children, pregnant women, and for very muscular individuals such as athletes.

Some Additional Steps to Lower Your Risks of Developing Cancer
Discuss with Your Physician

How best to protect yourself and your family from the sun.

The importance of visiting your physician and dentist if you notice a change in your normal state of health

Read the seven steps to health of The Canadian Cancer Society or the recommendations from your national, state, provincial, or cancer society.

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ASK QUESTIONS
Make sure you understand what your physician tells you. Whether it's about high blood pressure and how it makes the heart work harder, or whether it's about monitoring your blood sugar; or whether it's about the importance of checks on your total cholesterol, good cholesterol, and bad cholesterol, plus triglycerides. Partner with Your Family Physician and ask questions-especially if you notice a change in your health.

LITTLE THINGS ADD UP TO MORE
Exercising just 30-45 minutes every day makes a difference,
as does eating an apple or two every day. You may be eating fruit and vegetables daily to lower your blood pressure. But this will also help to reduce your chances of developing cancer and diabetes. Set up some
system that rewards you when you do these things, and make them into habits.

ONE STEP AT A TIME TO BETTER HEALTH
Modifying your lifestyle to adopt healthier habits may be challenging! Sometimes you may feel like quitting. Don't quit!
But equally don't try and change all your behavior patterns at the same time. Set realistic objectives, and
enlist the support and encouragement of family and
friends. This way you are more likely to succeed.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE IMPORTANT – GET THEM INVOLVED !
Involve members of your household in supporting you. Get them to respect the healthy lifestyle changes you are making. Involve family and friends and work colleagues when you set your objectives and timelines. Practical everyday support from family, friends, and colleagues will help you to keep on track, and to not give up if the going seems tough. Encourage them to make healthy changes too.
 
ANTICIPATE POTENTIAL ROAD BLOCKS - THIS MAKES THEM MORE MANAGABLE
Thinking about potential obstacles and how we can avoid or sidestep them will help to ensure that you are not surprised and discouraged by them. For example, make fruit and vegetables visible and readily available on counter tops in your home. Take them to work too and snack on them. Easy to carry are apples, pears, bananas, baby carrots, and cherry or plum tomatoes.

DEVELOPING PERSONAL LIFESTYLE GOALS AND MONITORING PROGRESS IS FREQUENTLY HELPFUL
Indicate 2 lifestyles you would like to change over the next year. Under Goals 1 and 2 fill in the changes you would like to see at 6 months and 1 year. Mark these in your calendar. This will help you to see if you are meeting your goals. Gradual changes can be sustained over a lifetime. Drastic changes generally are short-lived, and are not recommended

Goal 1 at 6 months at 1 year

Goal 2 at 6 months at 1 year

Copyright ” The Art of Healthy Living Inc.
All rights reserved – unauthorized reproduction in any manner is prohibited.
∑ Tel/Fax: (905) 702-7304 ∑ Toll Free (USA/Canada): 1- 888-869-9858 ∑ HYPERLINK "mailto:theartofhealthyliving@sympatico.ca" theartofhealthyliving@rogers.com

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A Life for A Life
by
Rev. Dr. Christopher Eriksson M.A, PhD

“The autumn of the years is nigh,
But not in sorrow, nor dark hue,
But rather to say that God is true.

The Ideal seen was sure the power
That took the bad from out the hour.
God made the outcome astonishingly bright,
For those I loved were held in the Light.

Light, oh yes, but with it to see
The fears and darkness lurking in me.
Again the Ideal pulls me free
As Faith in Life means victory.

A magnet is an iron bar the schoolboy moves his mouth.
It comes in twos to push and pull –
a true Pole North and South.

Yet strived-for ideals make us magnets too,
A ticket to the Beloved’s goal in mind.
It leaves its message clearly, to those with open ears -
To those then still found in class with diminishing fears.

But who is keeping watch
Or trusts that God is even kind?
Is it those still found in class who hearken to their find?
My goodness I am bigger than this piece of rind.

It’s all so simple once we see.
Problems are doors to bring success and victory.
Ring the bells! Spread the Good News.
The message is old but the hue always makes news.

Business and life mingle in good faith.
The unknown is only us and the trap to play it safe.
The cross of life is not to break us,
But rather in wholeness to remake us.
No pain no gain the body speaks in the gym.
But so does life even when dim.
How else would new come out from old
if valor and sacrifice were not the tale eternally told.”