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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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April 29, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Your Community Needs Your Help!
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
National Volunteer Week is
April 27-May 3. Who said: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up
someone else.” “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever
wasted.” “We make a living by what we do, but we make a life by what we
give.” “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens
can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” “No
man can ever become rich without himself enriching others.” “ Volunteers
are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this
nation's compassion, unselfish caring, patience and just plain love for
one another.” (In order of presentation: Booker T. Washington, Aesop,
Winston Churchill, Margaret Mead , Andrew Carnegie, Erma Bombeck )
The statements above should not come as a surprise to anyone who has
ever volunteered, as you know the benefits that are gained through
helping others. We don't usually think of volunteering as a way to help
ourselves (isn't it the recipient of your time that is supposed to
benefit?) but it has been demonstrated through social science research
that volunteering has personal health benefits for the volunteer.
Volunteering can increase your overall sense of well-being. It can
increase your level of happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and
sense of control over your life. It has also been shown to decrease
depression and improve sleep. Sometimes, life changes, such as a death,
a divorce or the empty-nest syndrome can leave us feeling empty, lonely
or depressed. Volunteering gets you away from those feelings for a while
and helps you to view your life in a broader context. It can help you to
become more social and less isolated.
There have also been some studies done on volunteering and its effect on
chronic pain. Research has shown that volunteering can lessen or
alleviate chronic pain. How this works is not known, but some study
participants relate that volunteering gives them a sense of connection
to others and a purpose for themselves. Perhaps this connection and
purpose leaves less time to focus on self.
Volunteering can also help you gain entry to a new profession or field.
You might learn new skills or learn about a different profession. Some
career counselors recommend volunteering as a first step into workforce
re-entry. Many employers will hire a person with volunteer experience
over someone who has no volunteer experience.
No matter what your reason for volunteering, you will undoubtedly reap
great rewards from the experience. If you are interested in
volunteering, but don't know where to start, try contacting: churches,
your town 's human services department, senior centers, local civic
organizations, libraries, schools, hospitals or nursing homes. You could
also contact InfoLine, 211 or call the Volunteer Center of Greater New
Haven, 562-1854. People volunteering together become “people power” and
are sometimes the sole reason something gets accomplished!
Across America , communities are preparing their response for an
unexpected emergency event. Every community must be prepared to deal
with whatever circumstances the event may bring. Quinnipiack Valley
Health District (QVHD) is preparing to dispense medications, information
and assistance to the town s of Bethany, Hamden, North Haven, Orange and
Woodbridge should an event occur which requires the response of
Connecticut's public health system. While no one can know what emergency
event may occur, it is known that a response will need to be rapid and
will require volunteers who can respond quickly to the call for help. A
volunteer work force that is in place and that can be called into action
is critical for QVHD to be able to respond in a quick and efficient
manner. You can be part of the team that protects you, your family and
your community! While we don't know what event will call the volunteer
team into action, we know there will be many roles on this response team
to be filled with people who are committed to helping others. You don't
need to have a particular skill; just a willingness to help out. If you
would like to be involved and play a critical role in your community's
response to an emergency, please visit
www.qvhd.org and complete a volunteer application or call QVHD,
248-4528, for a volunteer application. During this national
celebration of volunteers, Quinnipiack Valley Health District salutes
our dedicated volunteers who help every year with our flu immunization
program. Couldn't do it without you!
| 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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