May 15, 2006
"When you do good
things for others, you do good things for your health. You may also
be doing good things for the health of your community, research
now shows. An Ontario study on the health benefits of volunteering
reveals that it not only improves self-esteem and combats social
isolation, but also reduces the impact of stress on the body, lowering
blood pressure and even bolstering the immune system." To be specific... "Participants identified
the following key benefits of volunteer work: skill development,
coping with isolation, the chance to 'give back' to the community,
to meet people, to enhance job prospects, personal growth, personal
empowerment and to gain a new perspective on one's own problems. While volunteering, teens have the opportunity to improve their own health, but also learn about -- and assist with -- various health care careers. "The U-M [University
of Michigan] Health System Teen Volunteer Program is a great place
for young people to learn about different health care careers, develop
new skills and serve people in need. Teens 16 years of age and older
are invited to explore opportunities in Hospitality Services, Information
Services, Retail Operations or Gifts of Art, Physical Therapy, Pediatrics
and Pharmacy among others." Different hospitals offer different opportunities, and even have different age requirements. "Sarasota Memorial
Hospital [Florida] has special volunteer opportunities for teens,
ages 14-18. Teens are assigned to the departments of Child Care,
Central Transport, Central Service, Gift Shop, as well as serving
at the Waldemere Service, where they deliver flowers, mail, and
run errands for the nursing staff." Volunteer opportunities exist all over the country for those who are interested in working in health care, but many additional opportunities exist for teens (and pre-teens) with other interests, as well. "Service Learning
Program: This program provides individual youths, ages 12-15, a
long-term volunteer opportunity at the Oregon Humane Society. While
in the shelter, Service Learning Volunteers participate in basic
animal care and other shelter activities while under the supervision
of the Service Learning Coordinator. Youths are encouraged to give
four hours of service monthly and must be able to squat, twist,
bend, lift and/or stand for long periods of time. This program requires
that children be 12-15 years of age and have current medical insurance.
... Children 11 years old and under can contact the Education Department
... to find out about opportunities available to them at the shelter." While the many benefits of volunteering (for both the volunteer and those who the volunteer is assisting) go far beyond what can be recorded on an application, they also apply to more than just teens. "Older adults who
volunteer in troubled urban schools not only improve the educational
experience of children, but realize meaningful improvements in their
own mental and physical health, say researchers at the Johns Hopkins
Medical Institutions. ... 'Physical, cognitive, and social activity
increased in volunteers, suggesting potential for Experience Corps
and similar programs to improve health for an aging population,
while simultaneously improving educational outcomes for children,'
she said. 'It potentially could have great social impact if taken
to a large scale.' " Questions of the Week:
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
|||
