Times are rough for a lot of people with financial hardships, unemployment, and poverty unusually pervasive. There has been a search among many people for non-drug, non-toxic manners to better cope with these hardships. It is suggested in a recent report that altruism can greatly benefit people being confronted with such hardships. American Medical News has published an article by Christine S. Moyer, "Volunteering can boost physical and mental health."
Study author Stephen G. Post, PhD has suggested that during these unusually stressful times primary care physicians should discuss with patients the physical and mental health benefits of volunteering. The report, which has been published in the December 2011 issue of The International Journal of Person Centered Medicine, discovered that people who give back to others lead more happy and healthy lives than those who do not volunteer.
Dr Post is director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York. He has said "People in general are happier and healthier, and may even live a little longer, when they're contributing" to their community or an organization which they are passionate about. The research on the benefits of giving is extremely powerful, to the point that suggests health care professionals should consider recommending such activities to patients."
Primary care physicians are being encouraged by Dr Post to ask patients 12 and older during office visits if they volunteer in their communities. He has gone on to suggest that patients who do not volunteer should be encouraged to do so. Dr Post has noted that volunteering is particularly beneficial for patients with mild to moderate depression, the elderly and those with chronic diseases and substance abuse problems. Dr Post has said "Just by taking a vacation from your stress and problems and turning your attention to helping someone else, it's a tremendously healthy thing,."
Furthermore, Dr Post has added that volunteers often develop friendships and feel a sense of satisfaction that they are making a difference. The impact of altruism has been under investigation by Dr Post who has found that people who volunteer often feel physically healthier. Volunteers often say their activities enrich their sense of purpose in life and lower stress levels. And people who volunteer for a worthy cause are less likely to feel hopeless and lonely than people who do not volunteer. Dr Post has a great idea to encourage altruism for good health which physicians and patients alike should take notice of.
Photographer: David Castillo Dominici
