Monday, June 24, 2013

Modern medicine confirms biblical principles, again

JAMA Pediatrics 2013; 167(4):217-222

One hundred six (106) 10th grade high schools students who were fluent in English and free of chronic illnesses volunteered weekly with elementary school aged children for 2 months vs. a control group that did not but were on a waiting list (so their hearts were in the right place, so to speak).  After 4 months, they were tested and their cardiovascular risk facts had been reduced, compared to the control group.

The study suggests that those who increased the most in empathy and altruistic behavior also decreased the most in negative mood, and thus improved their cardiovascular risk profile.

The only problem I have with the study is the concept of “volunteering” now used in public schools.  It is required in many schools and thus is hardly volunteering.

Proverbs 11:17;  A man who is kind benefits himself,  but a cruel man hurts himself.”

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