spring 2008
Volume 1, issue 7

VOLUNTEER and be healthy

by Sandy Herron

As many of you know, one of my favorite quotes is the one from Gandhi which reads, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” It turns out that volunteering for something close to your heart may indeed change you as well! A new report states that older Americans who volunteer receive significant health benefits from their charitable efforts, including added years to their lives. People have often attested to feeling good after volunteering, but recent scientific research has shown that there are real, tangible health advantages gained through giving to others. When individuals volunteer, they are more likely to live longer, as well as happier, lives according to
the report.

Besides raising life-expectancy rates, it says, volunteering can help lower rates of depression. Additionally, people who volunteer recover from illness faster than those who do not. The Corporation for National and Community Service does not specify what types of volunteer activities specifically lead to health benefits. But Stephen G. Post, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, who has studied the link between altruism and good health, says that opportunities to be a mentor to young people have been shown to help
older Americans.

Here in Pinellas County, one can assist with educational activities at County Extension or relieve stress and gain some exercise and expand one’s horticultural knowledge by volunteering at many of our parks and preserves or at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Volunteering at the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport would hone one’s social skills and allow a bit of daydreaming about that special trip to take one day. And, no one could dispute the unconditional love that would be gained by volunteering with the dogs and cats at Animal Services. These findings are relevant today as baby boomers begin to reach retirement age. That generation is expected to contribute a lot of time and money to charitable causes after they retire, and the report suggests that opportunities can be crafted to maximize the possible health benefits.

The 17-page report, The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research, is available free online at www.nationalservice.org/pdf/07_0506_hbr.pdf.

Tampa Bay Volunteer Statistics

 

A HEALTHY PERK FOR YOU!

The Wellness center is an exercise-on-your-own facility and is a free benefit to all long-term county volunteers. The center is located in the basement of the old Courthouse at 324 S. Fort Harrison Ave. in downtown Clearwater.

The center has a full circuit of Nautilus exercise equipment, stationary bicycles, rowing machines, elliptical fitness cross trainers, dumbbells, treadmills and stair climbers. Rooms are furnished for aerobics and other types of exercise classes. The center contains a reception area, showers and locker amenities.

Volunteers exercise at their own risk and access to the center is by an access I.D. card which is issued after an orientation has been completed.

Benefits of Membership
Group exercise classes • Free weights • Nautilus equipment • Cardiovascular equipment • Daily-use lockers • Showers • Wellness resource library • Individualized exercise programs • Fitness assessments

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. The center is closed on weekends and all county holidays.

How to Become a Member of the Wellness Center
An orientation of approximately 30 minutes is required. At the orientation, a brief tour of the facility is given and paperwork is completed to gain an access I.D. card. Call the Wellness Coordinator at 464-3768 to reserve a spot at an orientation. Tampa Bay Volunteer Statistics

ATTENTION BRIGHT HOUSE CABLE CUSTOMERS!

Effective December 11th, Bright House is moving Pinellas County government television to channel 622. If you have basic cable service you’ll need a converter box from Bright House to see your government in action. If your Bright House cable comes from the wall straight into your TV or VCR, you probably have basic cable and will need a box. Bright House will charge you $1 a month; installation is free. Each TV will need its own box. For more information call Bright House
at (727) 329-5020.

Don’t miss the best in government television—coming soon to channel 622.

HUMOR IN THE VOLUNTEER CORPS

Not so long ago while volunteering in the wedding/events program at Extension/Florida Botanical Gardens, I was trying to make a great impression on a totally sophisticated and charming engaged couple. They were enthralled with the grandeur of the Wedding Garden and the beauty of the Magnolia Reception Room.

As we concluded our garden walkabout, the bride posed this question, “What is the most common reason couples choose not to have their wedding here?” At that precise moment, almost on cue, a sleek black racer scurried across the great lawn in front of us. Without missing a beat, the groom responded, “Hon, I think I’ve got your answer.” Submitted by Dan Shannon

Send your funny, true-to-life stories about volunteering to: Volunteer Services, c/o Dan Shannon 333 Chestnut St., Clearwater, FL 33756

COORDINATOR’S COMMENTS

from Sandy Herron

It has been said that men suffer from a “mid life crisis” and women pursue a “mid life purpose.” I think when it comes to our wonderful volunteers we are fortunate that all seem to be pursuing the vision of making their communities a better place to live.

I have recently been chosen to lead a team of volunteers to Kenya, Africa, in March/April 2008. I am very excited to be able to “extend our reach” far beyond the borders of Pinellas County or even North America.

Our team of eight will be working with mainly women outside of Nairobi teaching basic health care and mentoring in business skills. Since disease is so prevalent in that corner of the world, many women are the sole support of their families.

It is my hope to learn more about altruism, diversity, organizational properties and teaching skills that we can apply to our Pinellas County Volunteer Corps to make it even better than it is today. I will proudly wear my blue Pinellas Employee Volunteers T-shirt in Africa—globally
“extending our reach.”