Healthy Food, Sex, and Fatigue

“Sexual health,” Nerida McKibben said when asked what is different about the new season of the show Go Healthy for Good. McKibben, an obstetrician and surgeon, is host of the show on Hope Channel New Zealand.

“Chronic fatigue, new exercise and food sections, new format, and, oh, one really big new thing! All of our previous seasons were filmed in the U.S. This time? We have shot the show on location here in beautiful New Zealand!”

Does a Christian channel have any business talking about sex? McKibben smiles. “Listen, I am a doctor who specializes in women’s health, and the one thing I know is that Christians, just like everyone else, have our share of questions and issues with sex. Sex is part of a healthy life, but that means ensuring we deal with STIs [sexually transmitted diseases], contraception, sexual problems, and, of course, working towards an active sex life that is satisfying to both people in a relationship. 

“God created sex, so, yes, Christians more than anyone should talk about sex openly and constructively, advocating for God’s ideal and providing practical advice that deals with the realities we are faced with. If you wonder how we will do that, you will have to tune in.”

Is chronic fatigue just depression? “Of course, chronic fatigue is related to depression because when a person is chronically tired, they often get depressed — but that does not mean they are the same thing,” McKibben said. “Lots of diseases are correlated with depression because when we feel bad physically, it takes a toll on our mental health. Chronic fatigue is a unique diagnosis that requires specific care. 

The Go Healthy for Good show includes a segment with a spiritual reflection. [Photo: Hope Channel New Zealand]

“I have wanted to tackle chronic fatigue productively on the show, explaining the issues involved and providing hope. I am so thankful that I have a physician on this season’s show who specializes in treating chronic fatigue. It is one of the most important episodes we have ever done, as this is such a massive issue.

“I said the show is shot on location in New Zealand,” McKibben said. “I should add that the food and exercise segments are shot in Australia. We have terrific new presenters for those segments that viewers will love. And the main portion of the show is shot on location in [New Zealand’s] Waikato district. The show will be distributed globally, and as a [New Zealander], I am proud to be sharing a little taste of our wonderful country with the world.”

Hope Channel New Zealand was planning to shoot 13 episodes for the new season, but the filming went so well that the team filmed 16 episodes. The new season of Go Healthy for Good premiered on Hope Channel New Zealand on September 7, and a new episode will play every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. NZST. The programs will also be made available to view on demand via the Hope Channel NZ website and Facebook page once broadcast.

McKibben’s unique ability to communicate God’s plan for people to enjoy a happy, fulfilled, and healthy life is the big appeal of the show, which features up-to-date health and wellness information. 

The original version of this story was posted by Adventist Record.