The Health Benefits of Ice Cream – Rev. Jennifer Geary
No matter where you get your news, you might be feeling a little or a lot of anxiety. While most of us have lived through several wars, the world seems more volatile right now. We hear or read conflicting news reports. The issues such as immigration, budget and LGBTQ rights feel too big and beyond us. What can we do to stay healthy in body, mind and spirit during such times? What do you do when you are stressed out? Me? I eat, usually things with lots of sugar and fat. I engage in number puzzles. I go for a walk or run. I pray and listen to Christian music. Sometimes, I just complain and complain – I’m not sure that helps but somedays…
I was noodling around the internet, reading about the health benefits of different things. Here’s two I’d like to share. Please note, I did not do research, I am just quoting other folk’s articles.
For the 30% of the world’s adult population whose bodies can process lactose, there are several benefits to eating ice cream. It contains calcium, protein, a variety of vitamins, and eating it releases some feel-good hormones. For the majority of the world’s adults, whose bodies don’t digest lactose, there’s not so much benefit and for many some real discomfort. (Maybe not the best info to share when we are planning a Sundae Sunday. See related article).
I also did some reading about the health benefits of attending worship on a regular basis. One study showed that daily prayer/worship increased the volume of the cingulate cortex which leads to a person being kinder and more empathetic. It also showed a decrease in the activation of the fight or flight mechanism thus reducing stress. Another study showed that folks who regularly attend worship services have a stronger belief in a higher power. The attendance is what increases their belief, not their belief increasing their attendance. Folks who believe in a higher power whose focus is love and caring, are more likely to have calmer experiences during tough times.
Another study conducted by Vanderbilt University shows that middle-aged (40 – 65) adults who regularly attend religious services reduce their risk for mortality by 55 %. The researchers state: “increased religiosity as determined by attendance at worship is associated with less stress and enhanced longevity.”
Here’s the really good news, these benefits are for 100% of the world’s population. Unlike the benefits of ice cream, everyone can benefit from weekly worship attendance.
As schedules shift and change during the summer months, as you travel more, consider making/keeping regular weekly worship a part of the rhythm of your life. Whether here or on the other side of the world, find a community of believers to join in worship. It doesn’t have to be on Sunday morning. (See related article.)
Another study I read many years ago showed that children who regularly attend worship during the first 3 years of their life are more likely to continue to participate in church as adults. So, bring those kids – children, grandchildren, neighbors- along with you too. We can all share the joy of nurturing their faith. Placing ourselves in the company of worshipers of all ages, while focusing our praise on God, is a proven way of helping us to cope with the stresses of the world.