Susan Lark, MD Says "Volunteer" Your Way to Good Health this Holi...( Susan Lark M...),Health

Susan Lark, MD, noted medical researcher, clinical nutritionist and women's health practitioner has examined the health benefits of love and appreciation and encourages everyone to do something this holiday season--volunteer, contribute to a charity, or simply spend special time with loved ones--to realize these benefits.

Potomac, MD (PRWEB) October 31, 2008 -- Susan Lark, MD, noted medical researcher, clinical nutritionist and women's health practitioner has examined the health benefits of love and appreciation and encourages everyone to do something this holiday season--volunteer, contribute to a charity, or simply spend special time with loved ones--to realize these benefits.

"As a physician, I have seen feelings of gratitude and appreciation improve the health and well-being of many patients over the years, says Dr. Lark. "And, there is real research in this area that shows a strong, medically sound connection between positive emotions, such as appreciation, and good health."

Dr. Lark points to the research done at the Institute of HeartMath (IHM) in California. In humans, the researchers found that feelings of care and appreciation can boost levels of an immune antibody called IgA, which is an important part of your body's defense against bacteria and viruses. And while anger is known to suppress your immune system, they discovered that even remembering a previous angry experience had a negative, long-term impact on immune function.

Several other studies in have shown the health benefits of appreciation:

• Research published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that gratitude and appreciation
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