"I see myself as a tap-turner," says Dr. Leonard Gibbons. "Visualize this: There is a sink that has a stop in it. There are little people standing at the edge of the sink, and there are little people on the floor. The tap is turned on, and the sink is overflowing. The people on the floor are frantically trying to mop up the mess. The people on the edge of the sink are not trying to pull out the stopper or turn off the tap, and so the problem continues. I want to help turn off the tap."

This very visual analogy perfectly captures the mission of a man who just wants to see people living healthier, better, long-lasting lives. He has big dreams of seeing a "lifestyle centre" and even a vegetarian restaurant as tools to be educational, relaxing and even enjoyable. In the meantime however, he is doing what he can in spreading the word on how to be a better you.

Dr. Gibbons works in the Wellness Programme at King Edward Memorial Hospital. He tries to motivate people to action to live healthier lives. In addition, he does health programs and workshops if invited, and has a real passion for living well. His credentials include a Doctorate in Preventive Care, certificates in herbal, massage and hydro-therapies as well as being a registered dietician. He is also an active member of the Health Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and does presentations for both the community and the church.

This week he has been conducting a seminar at the Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Church. The last portion of the seminar is today at 11 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. For those who have missed his informative workshop, he will be presenting on the topics of health care and natural methods of Care.

When asked if he thinks there's an important connection between faith and health, he responds enthusiastically with, "Yes, there's a connection in the sense that people who have a faith-based relationship with their community, marriage or church tend to live longer and better than those who don't."

He further explains: "When you have a belief system, it impacts your body. If you're stressed or not doing well and have no belief system, your body doesn't react as well. A belief system helps with health and healing."

Dr. Gibbons references a study done where, even with placebo, people who have a belief system in place have engaged the body's healing systems the best. Of course, there are factors in diet and the belief system that affect your body: spirituality, diet, exercise, etc. Ultimately , however, there is strong evidence which supports Dr. Gibbons viewpoint. (Check out the specials done even by CNN & Time magazine!) It's been shown that be making lifestyle changes, even in as little as 30 days, people have seen positive results in changes in their weight, sugar, blood pressure – and ultimately their whole outlook on life.

Dr. Gibbons has a real concern for Bermuda, where he sees obesity and diabetes levels on the rise, health care costs rising as well, chronic diseases occurring younger and younger, and not enough being done about it. He admits, however, that a lot has to change to reverse the trend and better equip us to make better decisions.

"First, we've got to change the environment. Make it easy to live right, and harder to live wrong. Secondly, we've got to raise awareness and let people know how they can change. Lastly, we've got to give people a kick start by providing consistent, long term programmes that address key areas of need."

Some other suggestions include having neighbourhoods, churches or communities to get together to help each other. Providing sidewalks so that people can exercise is a simple solution. Offering support groups to encourage regular exercise and healthy eating is another.

Come out and be informed on some simple changes to live better.