Diet, exercise, vitamins and volunteering.
For your overall good health.
4-1-09

    "People who volunteer have lower rates of heart disease and live longer than peers who don't volunteer", according to the January 2009 issue of The Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource Magazine.   The article goes on "Volunteering can boost mental health; it's a great way to stay connected socially; and those social connections help buffer stress and get a person through hard times." Did you catch that last part? "Helps buffer stress and get a person through hard times."

This article caught my attention along with a recent front page story in The Philadelphia Inquirer.  It focused on a Canadian couple who spend a vacation week each year volunteering at the St. Francis Inn.  St. Francis Inn is a food and shelter mission in Philadelphia's tough as nails Kensington section.  I've mentioned several times before about the value in serving each other as volunteers in various capacities throughout our towns, boroughs and region.

Some examples to further make the case.  In our volatile economy some of our clients have been reassigned or laid off.  Among those who were laid off, some choose to step up volunteering efforts with more time on their hands.  Obviously priority number one is to get cracking towards finding a new job.  Past that there's still more spare time than a regular work routine allows.  Those displaced clients have proven the point that volunteering does a few things that help a person cope with losing a job.  First, there's the health benefits. Volunteering is also a great way to network.  A variety of different people from area companies, industry and business affiliations are active in various cause related organizations.  Non-for-profits and charities which benefit our communities are filled with caring people of all ages and affiliations.  People from all walks of life and life stages.  Think about the incredible access you have in volunteering.  Combine that access to being able to connect with people on a personal level.  You have the ability get to know people in a way you may not otherwise.  

Some school districts around the state have felt so passionately about volunteering and service work that despite some severe criticism are mandating volunteering as part of students' curriculum. This is the policy in some Lehigh Valley area school districts.  My son's, who've long been indoctrinated into volunteering, have as a requirement service hours. At federal and state levels of government, regardless of politics all of our elected officials are increasingly focusing on the need for all of us to step up and  give back in our communities.  In this time of financial crisis where cutbacks are forcing many programs to 'go it alone' without government funding, volunteering now becomes even more critical.

You never know what can happen when you volunteer.  I know of one couple who met at St. John's hospice. Another charitable enterprise which helps thousands in our region.  A relationship grew and ultimately the two got married. Volunteering indeed has brought many people together. Despite the benefits the need for volunteers is greater than its ever been.

The standard objections to a lack of volunteering remain and can easily be debunked.  You do have time, it doesn't take much.  You don't need a special skill or experience.  Everyone can bring something to an organization that benefits others.  You won't be expected to do everything, volunteer organizations are great at making sure people aren't given more than they can handle.  

There are a few important things to remember when deciding on how and where to volunteer. Decide on how much time you can give.  Do this first!!  Make sure you can handle your commitments!!  Chances are many of us can spare a couple to a few hours a week helping out.  Some volunteering is short term around different events.  Some commitments are more long term.  Decide what suits you best. 

Determine your interests.  Think about what's enjoyable and makes you happy or focus on an issue you care deeply about. Consider skills you've developed over the years and can share, or skills you'd like to learn.  Another great benefit to volunteering, you may actually learn something new!! 

Finding organizations and opportunities is easier than ever with the internet.  I discovered a site that may be of help.  www.buckscountyalive.com/volunteer.  Another great way to learn more can be found right in Quakertown.  You can check in with Quakertown Alive, the food bank, historical society, the library or senior center in Milford Township, I'm sure all these places can direct you.

Make your move!! Go online or visit the organization and set up a meeting. Meet with staff, ask questions, voice any concerns and let them know how you could be able to help out. The evidence that volunteering is good for you is all around us. Sources to back up claims are available online and include articles in the Mayo Clinic News, U.S. News and World Report, Medical News Today and more. Simply google up 'Why volunteering is good for you' and a variety of sources is at your fingertips. Diet, exercise and a regular dose of volunteering. All needed for your overall good health. Good for you and good for all of us. Volunteer and make a difference. Who knows you may get a lot more than you give. See 'ya around town.