Kindness is the key to health
Good deeds are good for the heart
Their study (Effect of Volunteering on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Adolescents – A Randomized Controlled Trial) is published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Hannah Schreier and her colleagues from the Faculty of Education and the Department of Psychology wondered whether volunteering can affect the physical health of adolescents and young people. During the study, they divided 10 Vancouver College students into 2 groups. The first group regularly participated in various charity events for 10 weeks, and the second group was on the "waiting list" for such actions all this time. Before and after the study, the researchers measured the body mass index of each participant, the level of cholesterol and inflammatory proteins in the blood and some other indicators. With the help of special tests, they also assessed the mental state of students, their mood, the ability to empathize and a sense of self-esteem.
After 10 weeks of volunteer work, the participants of the first group had lower levels of cholesterol and inflammatory proteins in the blood, as well as a lower body mass index than the participants from the second group. All these factors have a positive effect on the health of the cardiovascular system. Tests have shown that the participants of the first group have a much higher ability to sympathize, they are more prone to altruism and are not prone to stress, and also have better mental health.
Cardiovascular diseases remain the No. 1 cause of death in Canada and the USA. Their first signs may appear even at a young age. Numerous studies have proven that psychosocial factors such as stress, depression, overweight and insufficient physical activity play an extremely important role in the development of these diseases.
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru01.03.2013