We know that giving does a world of good for others, but did you know that donating your time, talent or treasure can be good for you too? And not just by providing that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others. Scientific studies have shown that giving back yields some unexpected returns on our physical health, too!
To celebrate American Heart Month in February, we’re exploring ways philanthropy can show your heart some love.
The Science of Giving: How Generosity Supports Heart Health
In one study, researchers used MRI scans to measure what happens in the brain when people make charitable donations. They found giving revs up the brain’s reward center, which releases dopamine and other mood-boosting endorphins. These feel-good chemicals all contribute to lower stress, which helps improve overall cardiovascular health.
Another study by social psychologist Liz Dunn found the more money people gave away, the happier they felt, which translated to lower cortisol levels, less stress and thus, a healthier heart.
And it’s not all about the money—studies have shown volunteering reduces depression and anxiety and that volunteers themselves live happier, longer lives.
“Lower anxiety and higher levels of personal fulfillment would naturally tend to be linked to cortisol levels and stress,” says Dr. Clare A. Kelly, assistant professor of medicine at University Hospital’s (UH) Diabetes and Metabolic Care Center. Dr. Kelly is practicing at the diabetes center’s newest location at the MidTown Collaboration Center (MCC) next door to the Cleveland Foundation’s headquarters.
UH is among the first tenants moving into the new building, which is designed to bring multiple sectors together into the same space to create opportunities for new, and sometimes unexpected, team-ups.
Learn more about the MidTown Collaboration Center.
A Holistic Approach: Managing Stress for a Healthier Heart
Heart health is critical for the patients the clinic serves, says Dr. Betul Hatipolgu, director of diabetes and metabolic care at UH and the lead clinician at the MCC location.
“Heart health becomes very important when you take care of a person with diabetes,” Dr. Hatipoglu says. “They don’t die from high sugar, but from heart complications.”
According to the CDC, people with diabetes have twice the risk for heart disease, in part because high blood sugar can damage the blood vessels and nerves that control your heart.
Drs. Kelly and Hatipoglu and their colleagues will be conducting retreats for diabetes patients at the MCC, designed to help patients take a whole-body approach to managing their health from nutrition and exercise to stress management and meditation—stress reducers that can create the same heart-healthy benefits of giving back.
“It’s not hocus-pocus, it’s physiologically very effective,” says Dr. Hatipoglu.
Interested in starting a conversation about giving back? Contact our philanthropy team today to learn more about partnering with the Cleveland Foundation.
