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In this concluding episode of the lifestyle series, Dr. Steve Wells and Dr. Stephan Hanna explore how the daily choices we make profoundly influence both the quality and length of our lives. They discuss the immediate benefits of healthy habits—including adequate sleep, regular physical activity, proper nutrition, avoiding tobacco, and limiting alcohol—and emphasize that even small, consistent changes can produce lasting improvements in health and well-being. Drawing on medical research and clinical experience, they remind listeners that lifestyle is one of the most powerful factors within our control when it comes to preventing chronic disease and promoting abundant living. 

From a biblical perspective, the conversation highlights that true health extends beyond the physical body to include emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellness. Referencing Scripture and Dr. Scott Morris' Healthcare You Can Live With, Dr. Wells and Dr. Hanna encourage listeners to embrace healthy living as faithful stewardship of the body God has entrusted to them. They conclude by reminding us that lasting transformation is not achieved overnight but through intentional choices, daily discipline, God's grace, and a renewed commitment to honor Him in every area of life. 

Key Takeaways

•  Healthy lifestyle choices today determine both our future health and our quality of life. 
•  Adequate sleep, nutritious eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol provide immediate and long-term health benefits. 
•  Small, consistent changes can produce significant improvements over time. 
•  Emotional, spiritual, and psychological health play a vital role in physical wellness. 
•  Healthy habits are built through daily discipline, not quick fixes or overnight success. 
•  Our personal choices affect not only ourselves but also our families, communities, and healthcare system. 
•  Scripture reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and should be cared for as faithful stewards. 
•  Lasting transformation begins with a renewed heart, intentional choices, and dependence on God's strength

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In this insightful episode of Soaring In Health & Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells welcomes family physician Dr. Stephan Hanna to discuss how our daily lifestyle choices profoundly influence not only how long we live, but how well we live. While advances in medicine, sanitation, vaccines, and antibiotics have dramatically increased life expectancy over the past century, the greatest health threats today are no longer infectious diseases but preventable chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and chronic respiratory disease. Dr. Hanna explains that many of these conditions are closely tied to the choices we make each day regarding nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sleep, and weight management.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Wells and Dr. Hanna encourage listeners not to feel condemned but empowered. They emphasize that even small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly improve health, reduce disease risk, and increase healthy life expectancy. Particular attention is given to West Virginia's growing obesity epidemic and its impact on future generations, reminding us that true wellness involves caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. As believers, we are called to be faithful stewards of the bodies God has entrusted to us, trusting Him for strength as we pursue healthier habits that allow us to live with greater purpose, vitality, and hope.

Key Takeaways

•  Advances in public health and medicine have increased life expectancy, but chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death. 
•  Lifestyle choices—including nutrition, exercise, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, sleep, and weight management—have a tremendous impact on long-term health. 
•  Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and other chronic illnesses. 
•  Healthy habits established in childhood often determine health outcomes later in life. 
•  Even modest improvements, such as losing a small percentage of body weight or quitting smoking, can produce meaningful health benefits. 
•  True wellness requires a balanced approach that includes physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and social well-being. 
•  Prevention is far more effective than treating disease after it develops. 
•  God has entrusted us with our bodies, and honoring Him through healthy lifestyle choices enables us to serve Him and others more effectively.

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Podcast Summary: Suicide Awareness – Finding Hope in the Valley

In this important episode of Soaring In Health & Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells is joined by licensed professional counselor Michael Moore and addictions counselor Dr. Stephen Givens to discuss suicide awareness from both a clinical and Biblical perspective. The conversation explores the reality that suicide is often the result of mental illness—particularly depression—rather than a rational or selfish decision. The guests explain how depression affects the brain, emotions, and thought processes, causing individuals to lose sight of hope and their ability to make healthy choices. They discuss the influence of family dynamics, genetics, neurochemistry, trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions, emphasizing that depression and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, status, or background. 

The episode also focuses on hope, prevention, and practical ways to help those who are struggling. Listeners are encouraged to recognize warning signs, take suicidal statements seriously, and have the courage to engage in difficult but life-saving conversations. Michael and Stephen stress the importance of walking alongside individuals through their valleys, helping them connect with trained professionals, family, pastors, and support systems. Drawing from Scripture and inspiring comeback stories, the discussion reminds listeners that their value comes from God, that no one has to face depression alone, and that healing is possible. Just as Isaiah 40 promises, those who place their hope in the Lord can find renewed strength and soar above life's darkest challenges. 

Key Takeaways

•  Suicide is most often linked to mental illness, particularly depression, rather than a rational choice. 
•  Depression can distort thinking, obscure hope, and make everyday life feel overwhelming. 
•  Risk factors include family history, genetics, substance abuse, chronic illness, trauma, bullying, loss, and major life transitions. 
•  Warning signs include hopelessness, withdrawal, mood changes, increased alcohol or drug use, sleep disturbances, and talking about death or suicide. 
•  Take all suicidal comments seriously and never dismiss them as attention-seeking behavior. 
•  Early intervention and professional counseling can significantly improve outcomes and save lives. 
•  Family members, friends, pastors, and healthcare providers can play a critical role by offering support and encouragement. 
•  No one should walk through life's valleys alone; simply being present can make a tremendous difference. 
•  God-given worth and purpose remain unchanged, even when depression causes individuals to doubt their value. 
•  There is hope for a comeback, healing, and renewed strength through faith, support, and appropriate care. 

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In this encouraging episode of Soaring In Health & Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells addresses the serious topics of depression and suicide awareness through both a clinical and biblical lens. Drawing from the work of Dr. Matthew Stanford and other respected mental health resources, he explains that depression is far more than a temporary feeling of sadness—it is a real condition that affects millions of people and can impact every dimension of life. Dr. Wells reminds listeners that no one is immune to emotional struggles, but neither is anyone beyond hope. With proper support, counseling, treatment, and the encouragement of caring individuals, healing and restoration are possible.

Most importantly, this episode points listeners to the enduring hope found in God. Using the life of King David as an example, Dr. Wells shows that even faithful followers of God can experience deep emotional pain, yet God's love, faithfulness, and presence remain constant through every trial. David found strength by bringing his sorrow to the Lord, and that same invitation is available to us today. Whether you are facing depression personally or walking alongside someone who is hurting, this episode offers a message of compassion, hope, and encouragement: seek help, stay connected, trust in God's promises, and remember that with His strength, you can continue to rise above life's challenges and soar toward healing, purpose, and wellness.

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In this episode of Soaring in Health and Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells interviews Kevin Ritter, a historian, educator, and Washington County Commissioner, about the history and influence of socialism, communism, and Marxism. Ritter traces the development of socialist thought from the French Revolution through Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto and the rise of Soviet communism under Vladimir Lenin. He explains Marx’s theory of history and discusses his belief that socialism and communism seek to replace religious faith with a political ideology centered on the state rather than God. Throughout the conversation, Ritter argues that these systems diminish individual responsibility, private property, personal freedom, and religious liberty.

The discussion also explores the importance of understanding history, preserving individual rights, and remaining engaged in civic life. Ritter encourages listeners to educate themselves on political and economic philosophies, participate in the democratic process, and support leaders who uphold religious freedom and constitutional principles. Both Ritter and Dr. Wells emphasize the role of faith, prayer, personal responsibility, and informed citizenship in addressing cultural challenges and promoting a healthy, free society.

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In this episode of Soaring in Health and Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells and Dr. Bonnie Buchman welcome Helen, a breast cancer survivor, who shares her personal journey from diagnosis to recovery. Helen discusses how a routine mammogram led to the discovery of an aggressive but localized breast cancer and how, after careful research, prayer, and consultation, she chose to focus on nutritional and lifestyle changes alongside ongoing medical monitoring. The conversation highlights the importance of faith, a strong support system, personal responsibility for health, proper nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and informed decision-making. Helen credits her trust in God, support from her church and family, and commitment to healthier living as key factors in her journey, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

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 In this inspiring episode of Soaring in Health & Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells and Pastor Jim Hodges explore the powerful connection between lifestyle choices, spiritual growth, and lasting wellness. Drawing from research showing that many chronic diseases are linked to lifestyle behaviors, they emphasize that true health involves more than physical habits—it includes the well-being of the spirit, mind, and body. Through the biblical story of the Prodigal Son, listeners are reminded that change begins when we honestly recognize where we are, take responsibility for our choices, and turn toward God's loving provision and guidance.

Pastor Hodges shares that lasting transformation is not accomplished through human effort alone but through God's grace, strength, and power working within us. Whether overcoming unhealthy habits, addictions, discouragement, or past failures, listeners are encouraged to take one step at a time toward wholeness and abundant living. The episode highlights the importance of faith, prayer, supportive relationships, and Christian community in helping us persevere through change. Above all, it offers hope that no matter where we find ourselves on life's journey, God stands ready to welcome us, empower us, and lead us into greater health, purpose, and spiritual renewal.

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On today’s episode, we revisit a previously recorded podcast featuring Dr. Hanna and other guests as they discuss the important topic of breast cancer awareness. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, aside from skin cancer. Currently, the average lifetime risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer is about 13%, meaning there is a 1 in 8 chance she will develop the disease during her lifetime. Conversely, there is a 7 in 8 chance she will never develop breast cancer.

Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women, surpassed only by lung cancer. The likelihood of a woman dying from breast cancer is approximately 1 in 38, or about 2.6%. Encouragingly, breast cancer death rates among women declined by 40% between 1989 and 2016. Since 2007, death rates have remained stable for women younger than 50 while continuing to decrease among older women. These improvements are believed to result from earlier detection through screenings, increased public awareness, and advances in treatment options.

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Today’s episode comes from the archives and was originally recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Gayle and her husband, Karl. Since that recording, Karl has passed away.

Karl was a wonderful man who deeply loved God, Gayle, and the game of pickleball. During the pandemic, Dr. Gayle faithfully served on the front lines while working in the Emergency Room at a local hospital.

We are honored to revisit this meaningful conversation and remember Karl’s life and legacy. I believe you will truly enjoy this special episode featuring Dr. Gayle and Karl.

In this encouraging episode of Soaring in Health & Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells welcomes emergency physician Dr. Gail Galen and her husband, Carl, for a heartfelt discussion on stress management from a biblical perspective. Drawing from both medical experience and personal faith, Dr. Galen explains how stress can affect the body, mind, and spirit, often contributing to physical symptoms and emotional struggles. The conversation also reflects on the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, including fear, isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty, while emphasizing the importance of seeking appropriate medical care and maintaining healthy relationships during difficult times.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Galen and Carl remind listeners that true peace is not found in circumstances but in God's presence. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and daily dependence on the Holy Spirit, believers can find strength, hope, and rest even in life's most stressful seasons. The discussion encourages listeners to trust God's promises, cast their cares upon Him, and remember that no situation is beyond His reach. Whether facing health concerns, financial pressures, loneliness, or personal struggles, this episode offers a powerful reminder that God is faithful, His peace surpasses understanding, and His presence is available to guide and sustain us through every challenge.

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 In this episode of Soaring in Health and Wellness, Dr. Steve Wells welcomes Pastor Dan Stevens to discuss the sensitive and often misunderstood topic of suicide, mental illness, and faith through the lens of Dr. Matthew Stanford’s book Grace for the Afflicted. Together, they explore the biblical and clinical perspectives surrounding suicide, addressing questions such as whether suicide is an unforgivable sin and whether a believer can lose their salvation. Drawing from Scripture and real-life experiences, they emphasize that while suicide is a serious matter, salvation is based on God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ—not on a person's final act. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding mental illness as a complex interaction of biological, emotional, spiritual, and environmental factors rather than simply a lack of faith.

Dr. Wells and Pastor Stevens also stress the need for churches, families, and communities to respond with compassion, grace, and practical support toward those struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or the loss of a loved one to suicide. Using examples from biblical figures such as Moses, Elijah, Job, Samson, and the Apostle Paul, they demonstrate that even faithful servants of God experienced deep despair. The episode concludes with a message of hope, encouraging listeners to seek help, remain connected to supportive relationships, and remember that God's love, comfort, and presence are available even in life's darkest moments.

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