Good article I got emailed to me:

Emotional Health Center

Power of Prayer

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Several large studies suggest that people with an active religious life tend to stay healthier, live longer, and be happier. For example, a review article published in 2000 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society cited an international study of nearly 170,000 men and women from 14 countries that found religious affiliation and attendance at services significantly increased the likelihood of happiness and satisfaction. Twelve years of data from 2,800 older adults enrolled in the Yale Health and Aging Study, reported in 1997 in theJournals of Gerontology, showed members of religious congregations had a slower onset of physical disability. Other studies on how religion affects health have noted less hostility and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and better quality of life among people with strong beliefs.But the power of prayer is not easy to document. A 2002 study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine sifted through research claiming religion and spirituality have positive effects on cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The investigators disputed these results, citing numerous flawed or irrelevant supporting studies.

But prayer offers solace and comfort to many people. Religious communities can be part of a larger social network that keeps a person afloat with emotional support and outright assistance (see Social Support). By reinforcing positive emotions, religious belief might stimulate healthy physiological responses through complex nervous system pathways much as a constant flood of negative thoughts may set the opposite reaction in motion. And, of course, certain religions encourage better health habits, such as avoiding alcohol and tobacco.

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If prayer is meaningful to you, it can enhance the relaxation response and perhaps your health as well. You may want to use your favorite prayer or a phrase from it to help you focus.

From the Harvard Health Publications Special Health Report, Stress Control: Techniques for Preventing and Easing Stress. Copyright 2002 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. Illustrations by Scott Leighton and Marcia Williams. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.

Anyways, I wanted to share that with you. See? prayer is a real health booster!

Ok, my day has been real good. I broke my record of 90 pushups, did 100 today!

Also, 150 crunches, and 60 minutes of weight loss yoga!

eating has been good, too. Ted saved me from a weak moment at Burger King, I was feeling abit sorry for myself, we had to finish up mom and dad’s storage today. But thanks to Ted, I got the grilled chicken sandwich, and a side salad! Came home and used my lowfat mayo and dressing on it!

Well, I have to give BIG kudos to Ted. He really saved me today. I thought we were gonna have to get a bigger storage unit, but he went and rearranged the one I had, and we got it all in!!

The guy who was supposed to moved the china cabinet, flaked on us, so my friend Linda is gonna move it for us next weekend, with her truck. But we are done! What a relief!

Tonite, I meet with the minister who is gonna do the memorial next week. I love her, her name is Carleigh, and she is awesome. So things are finally shaping up. I will have the obit put in this week, too.

So how are you all?

Oh and I am excited, going to Nicole’s daughter’s baptism tomorrow. So I won’t be on the morning.

Have a great day, buddies!