Montemorelos University Awarded Silver Medal by the French National Academy of Medicine

Dr. Ismael Castillo (center) president of Montemorelos University receives silver medal from Dr. André Parodi (right) president of the French National Academy of Medicine, as Dr. Armando Barriguete (left) president of the EPODE International Network in Mexico City looks on, during a Healthy LIfestyle Summit held at the Montemorelos Church, North Mexico, Nov. 2-4, 2017. Image by Belkis Archbold/IAD

November 10, 2017 | Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico | Montemorelos University/IAD Staff

Montemorelos University, an institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist in Inter-America, was granted a special Silver Medal from the French National Academy of Medicine last week. The medal was presented to Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University, during the institution’s first Healthy Lifestyle Summit on Nov. 2-4, 2017, in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

“This Silver Medal represents special recognition to the institution for its contribution to the advancement of medicine and marks a further step in the relationship that we share,” said André Parodi, honorary president of the French National Academy of Medicine.

Dr. Peter Landless (left) health ministries director for the Adventist world church speaks during the summit. Image by Belkis Archbold/IAD

Parodi said the recognition was “an extension to what was signed months ago,” referring to the memorandum of understanding made earlier this year on the collaboration of health projects and events being developed with the “I Want to Live Healthy” network of organizations.

The “I Want to Live Healthy” initiative consists of a plan which promotes eight remedies, or healthy habits, such as drinking purified water, fostering a positive attitude, consuming fruits and vegetables, getting plenty of rest, eliminating junk food, eating breakfast and less dinner, and being happy.

“Moving forward with our integrated health projects is a real honor for us,” said Castillo, as he received the medal.

More than 200 medical students, health professionals and church leaders attended the Healthy Lifestyle Summit where Parodi and other speakers shared scientific findings, reviewed the Adventist health message, reported on interventions made to promote a healthy lifestyle, and provided training on the prevention and cure of chronic non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory complications and diabetes.

Among the speakers was Dr. Peter Landless, health ministries director for the Adventist world church, who spoke on the importance of health and spirituality, as well as the role prevention plays in the health challenges that young people face.

Summit experts and speakers pose for a group picture. Image courtesy of Belkis Archbold/IAD

“The summit was very important because it highlighted the fact that we need to bring about more awareness as to how lifestyle affects the health of every person,” said Belkis Archbold, health ministries director for the church in Inter-America and coordinator of the “I Want to Live Healthy” programs across the Inter-American Division (IAD).

“Our [Adventist] health message is based on the Bible, the spirit of prophecy, and science, and we must actively promote it.”

Archbold spoke on the importance of rest, healthy living, and the benefits of the prevention of non-communicable diseases, a message she has been sharing across churches and institutions every year in the IAD.

Other topics discussed during the summit included plant-based nutrituion, vegetarian diets and longevity, food and genetic expression, intervention of anxiety and depression, exercise, obesity intervention, the role of health in the plan of salvation, and more.

Additional speakers included Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, Armando Barriguete, Winston Craig, Michael J. Orlich, Francisco Eduardo Ramírez, Neil Nedley, Dominique Bummelt, Dona Cooper-Dockery, Luijhon Guillermo Florez, Errol B Bryce, Jochen Hawlitschek.

To learn more about Montemorelos University’s programs, initiatives, and activities, visit um.edu.mx