 | Robb Rose is Director of Marketing Operations at Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital of Wichita. Robb is also a Respiratory Therapist, Boarded Disability Analyst and Adjunct Faculty for Wichita Sate University. He holds a Masters in Human Resources from Webster University. Robb serves on the American Lung Association Regional Council and the American Heart Association Board of Directors. Robb is married and has 2 children. He can be reached at (316) 729-9999 |
Health & Rehabilitation
2004-08-01 11:28:00
Good attitude = health benefits
: Does our attitude affect our health and even our response to diseases?
ANSWER: Absolutely. Unfortunately our culture doesn't see or hear as much about positive attitude as it does negative news. It is a simple fact that it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. An excellent practice is to force yourself to reach down deep and put a smile on while looking at yourself in the mirror for at least 30 seconds. I mean really smile! Your body releases endorphins when you are happy, smiling, in love, doing something healthy that you love to do, and when you exercise. When you have the right attitude you can tap your own health potentials.Numerous studies exemplify the power of a positive attitude. A book entitled "The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People", by David Niven, PhD, shares short and sweet examples of how to be happy and thus healthy. The book is a short essay of vast amounts of research. Surrounding ourselves with close friends, family, having purpose and perspective, and giving of yourself in the community will produce positive health effects. Numerous studies specific to cardiovascular disease and oncology (i.e. cancer) show positive benefits of a positive attitude. A positive attitude comes from turning off the TV and exercising, and looking at the big picture instead of ourselves. One could argue; is it the exercise, is it turning off the news, or is it focusing on helping others? The fact is all of them work, and together they work even better. Our autoimmune system works better when we are happy and have a sense of purpose in our life.Prayer is a well documented benefit for our health. When we pray in a positive manner for ourselves or with, and for others, it does have documented positive effects. The rule is to be in love, have positive focus, have a positive spirituality with our maker, and take care of what our maker gave us. Laugh more, even at yourself. Hope this helps, and God Bless!
