11-4 My Connected Life

d te ec n n o C

y M

November 2018

ife L

Leading the way to well-being

Sponsored by

Quitting Never Felt So Good: After 12 Years - She Quits

Don't Shame Jane: Encourage the Healthy Journey

City of Shawnee: Positive and Pioneering

2 • Sunday, November 4, 2018

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Shawnee News-Star

THE OWL SHOPPE TREAT YOURSELF DON‘T CHEAT YOURSELF FRESH, HEALTHY, DELICIOUS, HOMEMADE FOOD

DINE IN, CARRY OUT, CATERING, PRIVATE PARTIES MANDI BILLIE/CHEF

NA‘IM GORDON/SOUS CHEF

6 EAST MAIN ST. • ((405) 273-2060 TUESDAY-SATURDAY 11:00 am to 2:30 pm LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

news-star.com

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Sunday, November 4, 2018 • 3

Quitting Has Never Felt So Good

After 12 years of living life as a smoker, Shawnee resident Megan Leitch has officially quit and now lives a much healthier and happier life.

Leitch started smoking at the age of 15 and, as is the story for so many people, the habit continued into adulthood. With the push from some additional factors, multiple attempts to quit finally came together and Megan has been living tobacco free since April 2018.

“My father got really sick in 2013 from a lung infection, resulting in him being in ICU on a ventilator for 10 days,” she said. During that time, she quit smoking for a few months, but working at a smoker friendly employer at that time, and being around smoke regularly made her unsuccessful in actually kicking the habit.

She often battled bronchitis, and her younger sister voiced disapproval of her smoking. “As anyone who has had bronchitis knows, it’s difficult to breathe. Can you image trying to smoke a cigarette while having bronchitis?

It was horrible,” she said, adding she knew she was finally ready to kick the habit.

“"When I made up my mind to quit, I was actually able to quit cold tur-

key...with the help of chewing gum, peppermint and cinnamon candies any time I felt the urge to have a cigarette,” she said.

Working at Shawnee's Finley and Cook, a Blue Zones Approved Worksite, has actually helped Megan in her effort.

The use of tobacco products is prohibited at all times on Finley and Cook property and in the company's owned or leased vehicles, making it extremely inconvenient to maintain the habit.

“Quitting was sometimes challenging, especially in breaking routine habits, such as smoking after meals,” Megan recalls, “But now that I’ve been through it and Get outside and active in PottawatoI’ve actually been successful at mie County at any of these healthy, quitting, I feel better about myself community-focused events. All events and my health.” listed are free and open to the public.

“I have noticed a big difference in how I feel since I’ve quit smoking. I don’t Starting from 113 N Bell Ave: cough as much as I use too, my clothes and myself smell Shawnee Santa Ride so much better,” she said.

Dress festive and take “You never really know how a ride before the much smoking can fog you downtown tree lighting senses, but I can be parked at Friday Nov. 16 @6:45pm a stop light with my windows down and the car next to me Fat Bottom Girls Bike Ride could be smoking a cigaretShow up weekly on Sunday te and I can actually smell it @8am to bike from my car.” (females only)

If anyone is thinking about quitting. Leitch strongly suggests it.

Spokelahoma: Wild and

“It might be hard at Dirty Wednesday Nights first, but you can do it...I Show up weekly on Wednesday tried a few times before and @6:45pm to bike wasn’t ready to give up the habit. If you’re honestly reaPott County dy to quit, it will be easy,” she said, adding the support of Downtown Run friends, family and a tobacco Show up Weekly on Tuesday free worksite helped as well. @6pm to run

“It feels amazing to be a non-smoker — I haven’t The Downshifters got bronchitis since I’ve quit, Bike Ride which is a plus, and I also Show up weekly on Wednesday save money.” @ 7:30pm to bike

Healthy Events

Community Calendar

4 • Sunday, November 4, 2018

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Shawnee News-Star

news-star.com

ASK DR. ELLSWORTH Dear Ellsworth, This time of year I get really stressed with all of my kids’ activities, extra social events and obligations on top of my job and normal daily routine. I usually stress-eat for comfort. What are some suggestions for managing my stress without using food?

Sincerely, Stressed in Shawnee

Dear Stressed in Shawnee, As you enter the most demanding season of the year, stretched thin with work obligations and then added seasonal rush to spend more time with family and extra money on gifts, it’s important to create a strategy for coping with stress before decision fatigue makes it the default to turn to unhealthy eating habits as comfort.

According to the Gallup-Sharecare WellBeing Index, 49.6% of all residents living in Shawnee experience significant daily stress. How we handle our stress makes a difference. Here are ten healthy ways to manage stress without using food.

1. Spend time in nature. Sun exposure and natural light have been found to increase your mood. Take a break during the day and be sure to step outside or go near a window to get your dose of mood-enhancing light. Pay attention to the colors in nature when you’re outdoors. What sounds do you hear? Looking around your environment with a fresh pair of eyes can be a very relaxing experience.

2. Move your body. The current recommendations for physical activity call for sixty minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. Sound daunting? Make it fun! Go for a walk as a family, turn on the radio and dance, or practice yoga balance poses. Movement activities positively affect health by reducing blood pressure, enhancing mood, and strengthening bones.

3. Laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. Take a moment to remember a situation that you found humorous. As you vividly recall the details, you’ll probably find that a smile spontaneously develops. Tell jokes, make funny faces or start laughing and see who laughs with you. It can be contagious!

4. Express yourself creatively. Expressive art therapy enables you to share inner thoughts or feelings when they are difficult to articulate verbally. Engaging in art activities such as finger painting, drawing, coloring, etc. may relieve feelings of anxiety.

5. Listen to music. There are many benefits to listening to music, from relaxation to enhancing sleep.

6. Take a warm bath. There are many historical references to the healing properties of water. Ancient spas originated near mineral springs and seas and were used by natural healers to support health. Establishing a bedtime routine that includes a warm bath in a quiet room can help to promote sleep and feelings of calm after a long day. Run a warm bath, light a few candles, and close the door to spend some quality time with you.

7. Enjoy aromatherapy. Lavender, lemon balm and sandalwood are the two most common oils used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Add a few drops to bath water or on a pillowcase. Rub the oils between the palms of your hands and cup your hands to inhale a few deep breaths of the scent. Use with caution if you have asthma or a skin condition associated with allergies. Consult a physician before use.

8. Gratitude journal. When we’re faced with life’s challenges, we often see only the stressful situation and lose sight of all that we have to be thankful for in our lives.

The next time life seems to hand you lemons, try making lemonade by writing down ten things you appreciate in your life. It won’t eliminate the stress but you may find that it helps to improve your mood and shift your perspective, allowing you to see new possibilities to resolve stressful situations.

9. Gentle massage. Human touch is very powerful and can be quite nurturing. Use a lotion or light massage oil to rub the feet and/or hands. There are numerous “points” on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet that may influence various systems within the body. A gentle massage can be both relaxing and stimulating. Use this technique to help quell stress when it appears.

10. Breathe Mindfully. The mind has a tendency to wander. Our thoughts pull us into the past, replaying moments that we can’t recover, or push us into the future as we worry about what has yet to come. The body is always in the present moment. Noticing your breathing on purpose without feeling the need to change it brings us back to the present moment. It serves as an anchor. Take a “time-out” to notice your breathing when you feel stressed or worried and pay attention to how your body feels.

Be kind. Take time for yourself.

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Sunday, November 4, 2018 • 5

Faith, Connecting

In October 2017, former Surgeon General Dr. Viif feels like we are more connected than ever with all of vek Murthy released a statement recognizing lonelithe technology assisting with these efforts. Unfortunaness as a public health epidemic and urged organitely, our many hours of cruising Facebook, Instagram, zations to make social connectedness a Snapchat, etc. is not actually priority. He defined loneliness as a lack fostering meaningful relationloneliness is a public of meaning, self-worth, and social conships. In fact, we miss several health threat and the nection. He also stated that loneliness opportunities each day to inis a public health threat and the equivaterface with actual, living, breequivalent of smoking lent of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. athing humans right in front of

How does this work? Loneliness us because we are so distrac15 cigarettes a day triggers a chronic stress state causing ted by someone “commenhypervigilance, making it even more difting”, “liking”, or “responding” ficult to engage socially and isolating us even further. to an artificial or staged picture or post we sent out A vicious cycle that ultimately decreases our physical into the world. For example, do you feel like you could health. pick up the phone and call any of your social media

You may be wondering HOW this is possible since connections when you need a shoulder to cry on? Are any of them guaranteed to answer, or show up at your door with open arms of support if needed?

If the answer is “no”, maybe it’s time to put down the phone and explore the opportunity to join one of Shawnee’s Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs)/Churches.

If you are looking for the experts in fostering meaningful interpersonal relationships, look no further than any of our local FBOs and their

leadership. It is impossible to walk in the doors of any of these local organizations without receiving a warm greeting, a friendly smile, and an invitation to join in some social event or gathering.

The best part is, they meet regularly, and their service/meeting times are most often readily available on their website or Facebook page. Ready for you with open arms many organizations would love have you join them for worship and/or fellowship.

Two local Faith-Based Organizations that have proven through the Blue Zones Project Approval process that they not only want to welcome our community with open arms, but also want to create an environment where healthy eating is easy and encouraged are Emmanuel Episcopal Church and Sharon Baptist Church. If you are looking for an opportunity to connect with others in faith and in a pursuit of greater well-being, try any of these locations or times.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

501 N. Broadway Ave. Shawnee OK 74801 Worship Opportunities: Sunday 8:00AM- Quiet Spoken Service Sunday 10:30AM- Hymns, Special Music & Children’s Chapel Find them on Facebook and to see their many special events and fellowship opportunities!

Sharon Baptist Church

19002 S. Gordon Cooper Dr. Shawnee OK 74801 Worship Opportunities Sunday 10:30AM & 6:00PM

6 • Sunday, November 4, 2018

Holiday Recipe

Easy Slow Cooker

Apple Butter This easy slow cooker recipe will make the perfect apple butter to spread on your morning sourdough toast. Depending on the sweetness of the apples, you can adjust the amount of sugar you add to this recipe.

INGREDIENTS 5 pounds apples (Macintosh or golden delicious work well), peeled, cored, and sliced ½ cup apple cider 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup honey 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

DIRECTIONS Put all ingredients into a slow cooker.

Cook on high for 2 hours.

Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 6-8 hours, or until apples mash easily with a potato masher or spoon.

Let cool and then store in airtight container(s) in the refrigerator.

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Shawnee News-Star

news-star.com

Don't Shame Jane Meet Jane Doe, Jane Doe is an individual who struggles with her weight, has some resulting health issues, and has been taking action to improve her well-being over the last 2 months. She is experiencing success in making healthier food choices and moving more, which is leading to more energy, productivity, and feeling better about herself each day. Jane is feeling great, enjoying life, and is DETERMINED not to lose momentum over the holidays…then October happens.

Halloween candy and treats have begun appearing in the breakroom in her office, colleagues are offering goodies brought from home stating “I had to get it out of my house so I don’t eat it all”. After saying “No thank you” to treats for two weeks, Jane has now heard many comments from colleagues such as, “one treat isn’t going to hurt you”, “calories don’t count over the holidays!”, or jokingly calling her the “health freak”, or “food snob”. Jane is now left with the choice to either socially disconnect from her colleagues to keep her well-being on track, or to derail her success to avoid being put in awkward situations and conversations about her food choices.

Fast forward to Thanksgiving. Jane may or may not have survived the Halloween landmine, but she is now in a defensive, discipline fatigue state and facing 6 more weeks of the holiday over indulgent food environment and culture. The week before Thanksgiving, Jane’s employer hosts a potluck inviting employees to bring in their favorite festive dish. Jane decides to bring in her favorite plant-slant Cumin Lime Sweet Potato recipe, hoping that there will be other plant slant dishes available. Unfortunately, other than the dish she brought, there are no offerings that are not fried, or covered in cream, sugar, or a combination of all 3. Jane now must decide whether she abandons her goals to fit in, or if she keeps her eyes on the prize and disconnects from her colleagues. She compromises and puts 2 additional items, she does not plan on eating, on her plate to give the appearance that she is enjoying the meal instead of only eating what she brought. She must fill her plate with lies to fit in and avoid uncomfortable conversations or judgement from colleagues.

We are now in the month of December, a month filled with cookie exchanges, parties, and sweets covering every surface in happy hour, or community centers. Jane does well at resisting for the first week, but discipline fatigue sets in and she begins to join the over-indulgence culture because it’s HARD to continue this journey alone and disconnected. A week later, the employee Christmas party happens.

Her employer caters a plated dinner accompanied by an extravagant dessert table. There are no healthy choices and Jane is now faced with the choice of not eating, bringing her own “special meal” or eating what is in front of her to fit in.

Do you see where this is going? You probably thought this was about worksites and healthy food, but if you were paying attention, you will see that the real issue is that Jane is having to choose between social connectedness and her desire to live longer, better. Why is this the case?

Is it Jane or is it us?

• Jane passing on unhealthy while we indulge makes us UNCOMFORTABLE. • We question our choices, and that makes us UNCOMFORTABLE. • We are offended because we feel our food isn’t good enough for Jane.

• Jane’s choices make us evaluate OUR behaviors and take a look in the mirror…UNCOMFORTABLE • Jane demonstrates that it can be done and we just don’t have enough discipline… Again, UNCOMFORTABLE. If you’ve prioritized well-being for long you are more versed in navigating these social norms, have heard all the mockery, and have built a social network that supports a healthy lifestyle and lifts up our well-being. Backwards comments are insignificant and mean nothing to these veterans. But poking and jabbing comments inflict deep wounds to those new on this journey, potentially causing negative impact on their well-being, and disconnection from community. Pottawatomie County needs MORE people jumping on the well-being bandwagon, and more importantly, we need our employers, peers, and friends to EMBRACE the well-being lifestyle we choose whole heartedly. You can support someone committing to his/her well-being: • Lifting up their efforts • Bringing healthy options to potlucks in support • Joining them for walks, healthy meals, or a glass of red wine for happy hourww • CONNECT with them and join their journey.

Not only will this significantly increase the chance for success in living well, but in turn, will enhance YOUR well-being and help you both live longer, better.

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

MY CONNECTED LIFE

THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF FOOD DONATIONS

It’s 7:12AM on the Thursday before Thanksgiving break. Your sweet, red-headed, 4th grade child brings you a crumpled-up, two-week old school note announcing the annual school canned food drive. You know that it happens every year, but right now you’re the Mayor of Crazytown and today’s the last day to donate for the chance at your child’s class winning an extra recess. So, you go to cupboard to dig out those canned beans that’ve been in there since you moved in, a backup plan box of mac and cheese, extra package of corn tortillas, and that pack of tuna you purchased but never got around to feeling like actually eating.

According to Feeding America, 16.2% of Pottawa These are all great options to give tomie County* residents live with food insecurity. to our local food bank, but there are That means 11,660 neighbors, including 4,460 chilsome other things to consider when dren, don’t know where their next meal is coming you’re giving this season. This list from from. Thankfully, Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Nonprofit Quarterly gives suggestions and Community Market of Pottawatomie County from the perspective of someone who have been on-hand to distribute 2.1 million pounds was formerly homeless and used food of food** over the last 12 months. With a high-need banks in the past.

Do not give anything you would not want to eat. Odds are that no one else wants to eat it, either. Grocery stores donate enough dented cans and torn cardboard boxes to cover the “food in scary-looking packages” base. If you wouldn’t pick it up off the supermarket shelf, don’t put it in the bin.

time-of-year approaching, understanding the types of items that are required to serve so many can help you, your business, or civic organization be prepared to pay-it-forward over the holiday season. map.feedingamerica.org/county/2016/overall/oklahoma/ county/pottawatomie ** from Community Market of Pottawatomie County data, Daniel Matthews, Executive Director, 405-788-4957

Consider giving food that can be eaten without cooking. When I was homeless, I didn’t carry my microwave around. Even living indoors, people have a hard time cooking if their landlord won’t fix the broken stove or the power company just shut off the electricity again. That’s why some agencies specifically offer no-cook food bags. Think granola bars, crackers (including cheese and cracker packages), spam, tuna, peanut butter, dry milk—anything you’d take on a long hike.

Think about people with special dietary needs. It can be difficult for people with food allergies or celiac disease to find donated food they can eat. If you donate gluten-free food, wrap some masking tape around the package and use a marker to write “GLUTEN-FREE” in large print. Do the same for allergen-free items. Clear labeling will help food bank workers get the right food to the right clients. Make sure the food really is what your label says; if you have any doubt, skip it.

Make it easy to get at. Aseptic packaging and pouches are better than pull-top cans are better than traditional cans. It is even more frustrating than usual to be hungry if you’ve got a perfectly good can of food and no way at all to get the thing open. This is especially true for no-cook items; people who need these bags may not have can openers. Avoid glass jars, as they may break during processing.

Choose things that don’t require elaborate preparation. A boxed cake that says “just add water” is much better than one that wants milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and whatever else it can think of. Instant coffee is great; ground coffee doesn’t work for some people. Bisquick rocks.

Ask what’s needed. The volunteers at the food bank know what’s on the shelves and how far it will go.

They may also want donations of non-food items, like soap, toilet paper, tampons/pads, diapers, and pet food because these can’t be purchased with food stamps. I never would have guessed that the food bank near my house needs plastic bags—clients are supposed to bring their own, but bags wear out and some people just don’t have one. Your local food bank probably needs things you’d never think to give them. Ask. For more simple and reasonable guidelines on what to give to your local food bank, go to nonprofitquarterly.org/2013/12/13/food-bank-etiquette-or-how-not-to-be-a-bleep-at-the-food-bank/

Sunday, November 4, 2018 • 7

8 • Sunday, November 4, 2018

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Shawnee News-Star

news-star.com

City of Shawnee: Pioneering in Built Environment In 2004, Complete Streets was just an idea in the United States. Working to build transportation networks that would better serve everyone—regardless of age, ability, gender, race, or ethnicity—sure felt like pushing a boulder up a hill. But in the intervening years, Complete Streets has transformed from a nascent idea into a national movement.

In 2005, 35 communities adopted Complete Streets policies. Today, 1,348 Complete Streets policies have been passed in communities across the United States, in rural areas, small towns, mid-sized suburbs, and big cities. The City of Shawnee will join the ranks of these progressive cities, when they pass their very own Complete Streets Policy on the November 5th at City Commission meeting. The City of Shawnee will be seen as revolutionary for a city its size when they pass and implement the Complete Streets Policy.

Complete Streets are now known for bringing more transportation choices to vulnerable users, spurring economic development, reducing traffic fatalities and injuries, providing more recreation options for people, and improving public health outcomes. One of the benefits of active transportation and more people walking is community connectivity. Together the City of Shawnee, the Action Force group of volunteers, tribal leaders and Avedis Foundation invest in the infrastructure of sidewalks, the education and marketing of built environment best practices, and hopefully soon bike lanes too. They are working together towards making our community a city of Complete Streets and connected community.

Between 2006 and 2016, the proportion of people biking to work nationwide increased by approximately 25 percent, and cities are increasingly focused on promoting walkability and access to transit as a means to attract talent and investment. The demand for transportation choices—like public transit, ride share, and bike shares—continues to grow. However, more pedestrians and cyclists, especially people of color, older adults, and low-income people, are being killed at alarming rates.

In 2017, 5,984 were people killed while walking. The National Complete Street Coalition’s 2016 Dangerous by Design report showed that people of color and older adults are over 50 percent more likely to be struck and killed while walking in the United States. Complete Streets and public transportation must accommodate everyone in our city. We must not think of sidewalks, bike lanes, and street side coffee shops as only available in high society, or richer cities, but in our very own City - Shawnee. It is clear to leadership that we can’t just talk about equity and implementation–we need to walk it, bike it, if even just metaphorically. It is time to pass policy to afford everyone the opportunity to connect their homes, their work, and their play. The vision is a life radius where everyone safely commutes between these places with friends, and with equality.

• In 2005, 35 communities adopted Complete Streets policies.

• In 2017, 5,984 were people killed while walking.

• November 5 City of Shawnee Approves Complete Streets Policy

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Sunday, November 4, 2018 • 9

A PILL FOR THE ILL By: Dr. Mitchell Wolf, Family Practice & Carmen Wolf, Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach

When I started practicing medicine, I was convinced I could help my patient’s chronic diseases with all the wonderful drugs available. In medical school I was taught that If I prescribed the right “pill for the ill,” their health issues would disappear, or at least improve. So, I read research studies (funded by pharmaceutical companies), diligently

simple as changing your diet, exercising, managing your stress and fostering social connections has a much bigger impact on your health than any pill will. listened to pharmaceutical company representati There is a time and place for prescription meves, learned about the latest drugs and treatments dications. They can save lives in certain instances. and went to work.

But for long-term management of chronic disea After a while I started noticing that my pase, they just don’t work. It has only been in the tients weren’t getting better. In fact, they were last century that pills have replaced more natural getting worse. I had to prescribe more “pills” to forms of medicine. People have used food, herbs, manage their health issues, and then more pills to and other things found in nature to heal for cenmanage the side effects from the other pills. What turies. Things our bodies know how to ingest and was going on? Wrong dose? Non-compliant? Mayuse. We have to remember medications are actube that’s why they aren’t getting better. I would ally artificial molecules created in a lab that work have patients come into the office with a on the molecular level. But, our bodies don’t know shopping bag full of prescriphow to process these molecules, tion bottles – everything they and as a result inflammation is I am thrilled when were taking. Often, I would created in our bodies. And, inflamI have a patient find the patient was taking dumation leads to chronic diseases who wants to learn plicates and even triplicates of like heart disease and diabetes. about other options the same medication, prescri Thanks to what I have learned to treat their health bed by other doctors. Obviousabout more natural approaches to issues besides pills. ly, the pills weren’t the answer. managing chronic diseases, I now Then it dawned on me that spend more time talking to patimaybe the “pill” approach was the problem. ents about diet, exercise and supplements than I As a newly trained doctor, lifestyle factors do about what drug to prescribe. Amazingly, the weren’t really considered in managing chropatients who have taken this approach have been nic disease. Thankfully, in the past several able to reduce or stop their medicines, they feel years there has been much research done much better and I don’t have to manage all the on other successful treatments for chronic side effects from their medications. It’s a win-win disease. And guess what? They don’t inclufor everyone. de “pills!” We, as a medical community, have

I am thrilled when I have a patient who wants realized that lifestyle changes, even simple to learn about other options to treat their health ones, can make huge positive changes on the issues besides pills. I know that there is a strong management of chronic disease. These lifechance they will be able to reverse and maybe even style factors have shown that something as eliminate their chronic disease in a healthy way.

PAUL’S PLACE STEAKHOUSE STEAK • SEAFOOD • GRILL

· Restaurant ·

11 Lunch Specials under $699 Tues-Fri • 11 am-2 pm

Full Bar Take Out Available

Call us for your catering needs!

120 W. MacArthur • Shawnee • 405-275-5650 www.paulsplacesteakhouse.com

10 • Sunday, November 4, 2018

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Shawnee News-Star

news-star.com

The Case for Giving Back Tuesday, November 13th is World Kindness Day. While every day provides an opportunity to show kindness in the world, what better opportunity to get out into your community and show kindness through volunteering.

Why volunteer?

1. Volunteering decreases the risk of depression. Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression, especially for individuals 65 and older.

Volunteering increases social interaction and helps build a support system based on common interests — both of which have been shown to decrease depression.

creases in life satisfaction and greater positive changes in their perceived health as a result of volunteering.

4. Volunteering may reduce stress levels. Volunteering may enhance a person’s social networks to buffer stress and reduce risk of disease. By savoring time spent in service to others, you will feel a sense of meaning and appreciation, both given and received, which can have a stress-reducing effect.

2. Volunteering gives a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills. The work that volunteers provide is essential to everyday processes, which gives volunteers a sense of purpose.

5. Volunteering may help you live longer. An analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging found that individuals who volunteer have lower mortality rates than those who do not, even when controlling for age, gender and physical health. In addition, several studies have shown that volunteers with chronic or serious illness experience declines in pain intensity and depression when serving as peer volunteers for others also suffering from chronic pain.

3. Volunteering helps people stay physically and mentally active. Volunteer activities get you moving and thinking at the same time. One study found that volunteering among adults age 60 and over provided benefits to physical and mental health. Another study found that, in general, volunteers report better physical health than do non-volunteers. Older volunteers experience greater in-

6. Volunteering helps you meet others and develop new relationships. One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to participate in a shared activity together. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share common interests with you. Dedicating your time as a volunteer also helps you expand your network and practice social skills with others.

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

MY CONNECTED LIFE

Sunday, November 4, 2018 • 11

It’s not just a sign.

Watch for people walking. #SafeStreetsShawnee