Generous health benefit

We found a new reason to be generous in a health article in U.S. News and World Report! But it is the last comment in the article that really caught our attention, and it implies you'll use fewer drugs when you give of your time and resources. Hear us out!

Stephen G. Post is quoted in the article, "On a scale of 1 to 10 – and 10's a really powerful drug like insulin in the treatment of diabetes – this stuff [charitable giving] is probably up there around a 7 or 8. And the amazing thing is, you don't need to go to a drugstore for it." Now that is a benefit we had not considered before - reduced drug expenses! It makes sense, though. If a person's generosity benefits their health, they would spend less on medicine and other medical costs.

If giving is an elixir that calms the heart, brings fulfillment and purpose to one's life, and reduces such ailments as stress, depression, and anxiety, it's premium stuff! But if giving were a drug, there would need to be a legal statement on its effects. It would sound something like this:

"Common side effects from giving may include reduced hypertension, increased optimism, higher self-awareness, better relationships, greater purpose, and the undeniable fact that you have contributed positively to people's lives and the world in which you live."

Generosity, as a drug, would also need to have a prescriptive use statement. Maybe something like this:

"For maximum benefit from giving, ensure that it is heartfelt. Note that your intentions in giving do affect the benefit received. For best results, give freely, willingly, joyfully, and whenever possible. In all instances, understand the impact of your giving."

As Mr. Post further states in the article, "If it's a meaningful donation, it can have a significant impact." The way you give will make a tremendous difference in the potency of its benefit to you. Awareness of how your contribution has made an impact enhances that benefit. This is why, at Mite, we make our donors fully aware of how their donations are used and celebrate the difference made.