Lend a Hand, Love Your Heart
Joan DiPiero
By Joan DiPiero
Community Engagement Coordinator
February may be a month for romance, but it’s also a great time to consider your heart's health. Besides better nutrition, moderate exercise and a good night’s sleep, you can keep your heart healthy through voluntary service.
We volunteer to help others and receive nothing in return except a full heart, which turns out to be a tangible benefit. Volunteering has been clinically shown to boost endorphins, decrease stress and improve cognition, all while positively impacting the health and welfare of people in your community. Studies show that volunteerism reduces stress, keeps you active and lowers your blood pressure. Together, these volunteering health benefits decrease inflammation and directly correlate to a stronger, healthier heart and a decreased risk of heart disease.
But wait, there’s more!
The better you feel about yourself, the more positive your view on life, so go ahead and boost your self-confidence as you share your skills and time with others. Age and ability do not limit volunteer options or benefits. Children and young adults who help their neighbors and peers demonstrate improvement in their grades, a lower risk of substance abuse and a higher level of self-esteem. Senior citizens and retirees report relief from chronic pain symptoms and stronger support systems through new interpersonal relationships.
Maintaining a routine and staying physically active lowers mortality rates, counteracts anger and anxiety, and promotes positivity. Whether stocking food pantry shelves, walking dogs at an animal rescue or preparing meals at a homeless shelter, activity is key to physical well-being.
People with limited mobility can also provide valuable service to others placing phone calls, serving as tutors or helping manage data and volunteer schedules.
According to a Mayo Clinic study, volunteering can help build stronger social networks in a way that differs from simply hanging out with friends. Coming together for one purpose or goal is socially motivating, making the act of volunteering more soul-nourishing. Finding a cause that is near to your heart can amplify physical and emotional health benefits.
In honor of following your heart’s desire, give your community – and yourself – the
gift of a full and healthy heart! Visit COD Cares or Giving DuPage for volunteer opportunities.
Get involved
Reach out to COD’s Community Engagement at contactus@cod.edu.