Patterns: Better Health for Religiously Observant
Religion has always had a role in societal structure. Think about it, everyone is born in a religion. In our secular society, we are afforded the opportunity to not practice religion. More so now has religion gained popularity for boosting health. The non-profit National Institute for Health Care Research (NIHR) has published several studies revealing that spiritual balance is good for the body.
- Religious people usually exhibit healthful behavior and make positive lifestyle choices. Devout people are more likely to wear seatbelts, take vitamins, and visit their dentists.
- The active social support groups within the church allow for promoting a positive towards life. Religious involvement promotes wellness with improved self-worth and confidence in the one's self-efficacy.
- "One study shows generally that people add seven years to their lives simply by regular attendance at church or synagogue or mosque. For African-Americans alone, the figure is 14 years. That's not small." (David Larson, MD of NIHR)
It's impossible to put a price on religious belief. Do what comes naturally to you. The most devout practitioners - perhaps the 15% of Americans who attend services faithfully - are profoundly impacted. Religion guides how they make, spend, and invest their money. At the same time, it seems religion positively affects health outcomes as well. So pick up a healthy belief system, and enjoy the higher levels of wellness.
