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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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January 8, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
A New Kind of
New Year's Resolution
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
A beach was covered with
thousands of starfish that had washed ashore in a storm. A small boy was
throwing them back into the ocean, one by one. A passerby happened along
and said, “Boy! What do you think you are doing? There are thousands of
starfish here. What difference can you make?” As the boy threw another
one in, he replied, “To that one, all the difference in the world.”
This parable should remind us that taking action, no matter how small,
can make a big difference to one or many. People are very generous with
their money, contributing to causes throughout the year. But as a
society, we are much less generous with our time. It is certainly easier
to write a check than to give up four or five hours of our precious
time.
However, while most charities and organizations will always accept
money, there are activities and events that need human involvement and
“people power.” QVHD could not hold their flu clinics without the help
of the volunteers. Volunteer firefighters could not fight fires without
people to do the job. Money can not hold the child who needs comfort,
cook and serve a meal to the homeless, or visit the shut-ins. You need
people to do those things.
Those that volunteer their time have probably learned long ago that
giving of yourself to those who need help is actually the best dose of
rejuvenation that you could ever get. Volunteering can add purpose and
meaning to your life. Helping someone to change their life can actually
change your life!
Why not make a different kind of resolution this new year? Instead of a
resolution about losing weight or exercising more, make a commitment to
volunteering your time to help someone else. Decide what small step you
can take this year to make the world a better place. It doesn't have to
be a grand plan or an expensive project. Just give what you can of your
time to make someone else feel better; to make someone else's life a
little easier. If you can't think of anything, call info line, 211 to
ask about organizations that need volunteers. No action is too small.
For more information, District residents
(Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you
can request information online
or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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