Prolong Your Life with the True Message of Christmas by Dr. David Lipschitz on Creators.com

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Prolong Your Life with the True Message of Christmas

For me and millions of other Americans, the Christmas season is among the best times of the year. Even for those of us who do not follow the Christian faith, it is hard not to get swept up in the joy and enthusiasm of this special holiday. Unfortunately, a good Christmas is often typified by how much we spend and who gets the "best" presents. While the mercantile elements are obviously important, it is the spirit of the season, the message of peace and love, which sustains us and actually helps to improve health.

The link between faith and health is clearly documented through extensive research. So, no matter your religious belief, I urge that you take this holiday season to consider the importance of spirituality in your life. Health is promoted not because of which religion you belong to, whether you attend religious services or if read the religious texts, but rather whether you practice the principles of love, compassion and peace that are the cornerstones of every faith.

Here are the core elements of faith that contribute to your health:

First, seek peace, not only for the nation but also for yourself. The stressful life leads to illness. Stress is a major contributor to heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, depression and obesity. Learning to be peaceful requires commitment, time and education. A qualified therapist can help teach easy techniques to control stress and improve the ability to cope with challenging situations.

Second, be hopeful. Have more hope that the future will be better, our lives richer and our bodies healthier. Should you become ill, simply being hopeful can be a key element to responding to treatment. Along with hope comes faith — faith not only in a higher power but also in ourselves and in others. We must have faith that life will be fulfilling and goals will be realized. Without faith, we will never lose weight, commit to exercise and do what it takes to live a healthy disease-free life.

We must also have faith in our friends, neighbors and community members.

Next, have more love. More than anything, love is the essence of spirituality and the key to longevity. Love assures a better and longer life. Men who are in longstanding, loving, intimate and monogamous relationships live 10 years longer than those who are not. While women in relationships do not get quite such a large benefit, they live an average of three years longer. Love is not relegated only to the realm of intimate relationships. Love can be expressed in many ways: between parent and a child, student and teacher, doctor and patient, family, friends and community. Without love, there is no life.

A central component of every faith is to be charitable and more giving. Volunteering 14 hours a week (at any age) prolongs life for five years. Giving your time or your money to good causes is an insurance policy to a longer life. Research shows that more you give in relation to what you have, the greater the benefit. A man of faith once told me that if you are unwilling to give, you cannot receive. Give to others and we all benefit.

Finally, remember forgiveness. The willingness to forgive others and ask for forgiveness in return may be the most powerful linkage between spirituality and health. Most of us have great difficulty with forgiveness; it requires work. But bearing a grudge and carrying the weight of unresolved conflict is a heavy burden to bear. It weighs on your heart and mind, affecting more than just friendships. Striving for atonement, attempting to be a better person and forgiving the faults of others is a powerful motivator that leads to a longer, healthier and more fulfilled life.

To all of you who read this column, and no matter your faith, I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope that a New Year brings comfort, peace, prosperity and good health. Health is so much more than fitness and nutrition, so take advantage of the season of giving and do a little extra for your health.

Dr. David Lipschitz is the author of the book "Breaking the Rules of Aging." To find out more about Dr. David Lipschitz and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. More information is available at www.DrDavidHealth.com.