Being a Rotarian Has Health Benefits

Posted by James A Dunny

An article in the July 2009 Rotarian magazine reports that for Rotarians, Service Above Self is more than just a succinct guide for life. Research by Stephan Post, coauthor of Why Good Things Happen to Good People, suggests that Rotary's motto may represent even more: a prescription for good health. Service to others is "as important as exercise and quitting smoking."

Stephan Post is director of Stony Brook University's Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care and Bioethics, in New York City. Post is also president of a nonprofit with a memorable name: the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love.

Post has observed mounting evidence that volunteering can benefit both mental and physical health. The article goes on to say that volunteering as part of an organization where volunteering is appreciated is more beneficial than just volunteering.

Volunteering also seems to aid those persons who are dealing with chronic pain. Volunteering also aids in improving general well being.

For the entire story, see the July 2009 issue of Rotarian magazine or on the web at:

Give More, Live Longer