LITTLE ROCK — For me and millions of other Americans, the Christmas season is among the best times of the year. Even for those of us who do not follow the Christian faith, it is hard not to get swept up in the joy and enthusiasm of this special season.
Unfortunately, a good Christmas is often gauged by how much we spend and who gets the best presents. While the mercantile elements are obviously important, it is the spirit of the season, the message of peace and love, which sustains us and actually helps to improve health.
The link between faith and health is clearly documented through extensive research. So, no matter your religious belief, I urge that you take this Christmas season to consider the importance of spirituality in your life. Health is promoted not because of which religion you adhere to, whether you attend religious services or read the religious texts, but rather whether you practice the principles of love, compassion and peace that are the cornerstones of every faith.
Here are the core elements of faith that contribute to your health.
First, seek peace, not only for the nation but also yourself. A stressful life leads to illness. Stress is a major contributor to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, depression and obesity. Learning to be peaceful requires commitment and education. A qualified therapist can help teach easy techniques to control stress and improve the ability to cope with challenging situations.
Second, be hopeful. Have more hope that the future will be better, our lives richer and our bodies healthier. Should you become ill, simply being hopeful can be a key element to responding to treatment. Along with hope comes faith - faith not only in a higher power but also in ourselves and in others. We must have faith that life will be fulfilling and goals will be realized. Without faith, we will never lose weight, commit to exercise and do what it takes to live a healthy disease-free life. We must also have faith in our friends, neighbors and community.
Next, have more love. More than anything, love is the essence of spirituality and the key to longevity. Love assures a better and longer life. Men who are in long-standing, loving, intimate and monogamous relationships live 10 years longer than those who are not. While women in relationships do not get quite such a large benefit, they live an average of three years longer. Love is not relegated only to the realm of intimate relationships. Love can be expressed in many ways: between parent and child, student and teacher, doctor and patient, family, friends and community. Without love there is no life.
A central component of every faith is to be charitable and more giving. Volunteering 14 hours a week (at any age) prolongs life for five years. Giving your time or money to good causes is an insurance policy to a longer life. Research shows that the more you give in relation to what you have, the greater the benefit. A man of faith once told me that if you are unwilling to give you cannot receive. Give to others and we all benefit.
Finally, remember forgiveness. The willingness to forgive others and ask for forgiveness in return may be the most powerful link between spirituality and health. Most of us have great difficulty with forgiveness and it requires work. But, bearing a grudge and carrying the weight of unresolved conflict is a heavy burden to bear. It weighs on your heart and mind, affecting more than just friendships. Striving for atonement, attempting to be a better person, and forgiving the faults of others is a powerful motivator that leads to a longer, healthier and more fulfilled life.
To all of you who read this column, and no matter your faith, I wish you a merry Christmas and hope that the new year brings comfort, peace, prosperity and good health. Health is so much more than fitness and nutrition, so take advantage of the season of giving and do a little extra for your health.
Dr. David Lipschitz is the director of The Longevity Center at St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center. More information is available at
drdavidhealth.com
Northwest Profile, Pages 43 on 12/20/2009