by Kristen Bovee, Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic –
My profession, to provide medical care, is one of service. I give a lot to my patients as they come to me for advice, information and guidance on their health. As consumers, we are expected to acquire and receive. Our jobs provide our lives with the ability to purchase the latest gadget and we expect to get pleasure from this. But it seems that on the scale of giving and receiving, those that are on the giving side of the equation may be receiving an even greater gift: the gift of health.
The balance between our physical body, our mental health and our connection to our “community” (family, friends, local area, religious affiliations or other) measures health. It seems that through the action of giving back and volunteering we can support the balance of all these aspects of wellness. Research done by the Corporation for National Community and Service in 2007 (https://www.nationalservice.gov/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf ), found that those who volunteered had lower mortality, greater functional ability and lower rates for depression later in life than those who did not volunteer. In comparing different age groups, older adults seemed to benefit the most from volunteering. Given that our demographic is changing as baby boomers begin to retire, they would be the part of our population that would benefit the most by giving back to the community.
The following is a small sample of the many organizations one could consider supporting in order to make a difference in others’ lives:
1) For many of us, it seems there is just not enough time in the week to give back through volunteering, so finding another way to give back is necessary. As a consumer, we can make choices to purchase products from companies that not only are providing a quality item, but that choose to function in an ethical manner, are conscious about the environmental impact of production and are committed to give back to the communities they serve.
Whole Earth and Sea, a B.C.-based supplement company, is committed to using organic non-GMO ingredients and protecting the environment. They are also committed to working with our local schools on nutrition. Companies like tentree, Toms and Fetch are other examples through which you can support others in need with your retail dollar.
2) Our children are arguably the most vulnerable yet the most important part of our community. Children with disabilities have the greatest challenges when it comes to growth and development. The Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (www.childrenshealth.org) has many opportunities to support children. They are the organizers and operators of Jeneece Place, a temporary home near the Victoria General Hospital where families can stay and be close to their children while they receive medical care.
3) Mental health is often overlooked when considering overall wellness. Anxiety BC (www.anxieybc.com/volunteer) is constantly looking for people of all ages (16 and up) to support helping youth and adults suffering with this all-too-common ailment (the most common mental illness in Canada). This organization is committed to the education and awareness of anxiety providing assistance through workshops, support groups and online programs.
Even though our days seem more restricted for time than ever, we need to start to think about finding ways of giving back to our community. Considering health, the benefits of volunteering our time and expertise with local or national organizations not only support those receiving your loving care, but you too can live a longer more fulfilled life.
