Monday, December 08, 2008
Holiday spirit in region gets an extreme makeover
The Christmas season is noticeably different this year. Unemployment is reaching new highs and there is apprehension about making large purchases.
Despite this outlook, for some this may be the most rewarding Christmas ever.
Eastern Connecticut is the beneficiary of a visit from the popular television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” This program combines the commercial popularity of a successful television show, talented professional designers and an army of local volunteers to build a new home for a family in need.
It is within this army of local citizens, some with building skills and others with only a strong back, that we find a key element to satisfaction and better health.
Elliott Flom is a local builder born and raised in Colchester. After hearing about this project, he immediately offered his expertise in construction. He is responsible for organizing demolition of the old home and providing the foundation and utilities for the new construction. He will have 14 hours to complete what typically takes five weeks.
“Stress, fatigue and falling temperatures are the biggest obstacles,” Flom said.
He has encouraged his team to dress in layers and remain hydrated. The community outreach has inspired Flom and his team to overcome any onsite adversity.
Matthew Johnson, a local chef, has catered some of eastern Connecticut’s finest affairs. This week, in addition to his busy work schedule, he will be providing meals for hundreds of volunteers at the work site.
“I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to support my community in a project of this magnitude that has captured the attention of our nation,” Johnson said.
Volunteer efforts can be as complex as this one or as simple as taking time to help a neighbor. Both bring with them a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that have been shown to improve many medical conditions.
The human body works best when in a state of constancy from the standpoint of eating, sleeping and temperament. Looming uncertainties in society add to the stress of daily living. Multiple scientific studies have shown that those who participate in voluntary giving of time and talent have a better general sense of well-being.
Maybe current economic adversity will lead us to understand the true meaning of Christmas with the added benefit of a longer life.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital with a private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Alessi and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving.org, comment on their blog or buy his book at backushospital.org.
Despite this outlook, for some this may be the most rewarding Christmas ever.
Eastern Connecticut is the beneficiary of a visit from the popular television show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” This program combines the commercial popularity of a successful television show, talented professional designers and an army of local volunteers to build a new home for a family in need.
It is within this army of local citizens, some with building skills and others with only a strong back, that we find a key element to satisfaction and better health.
Elliott Flom is a local builder born and raised in Colchester. After hearing about this project, he immediately offered his expertise in construction. He is responsible for organizing demolition of the old home and providing the foundation and utilities for the new construction. He will have 14 hours to complete what typically takes five weeks.
“Stress, fatigue and falling temperatures are the biggest obstacles,” Flom said.
He has encouraged his team to dress in layers and remain hydrated. The community outreach has inspired Flom and his team to overcome any onsite adversity.
Matthew Johnson, a local chef, has catered some of eastern Connecticut’s finest affairs. This week, in addition to his busy work schedule, he will be providing meals for hundreds of volunteers at the work site.
“I wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to support my community in a project of this magnitude that has captured the attention of our nation,” Johnson said.
Volunteer efforts can be as complex as this one or as simple as taking time to help a neighbor. Both bring with them a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that have been shown to improve many medical conditions.
The human body works best when in a state of constancy from the standpoint of eating, sleeping and temperament. Looming uncertainties in society add to the stress of daily living. Multiple scientific studies have shown that those who participate in voluntary giving of time and talent have a better general sense of well-being.
Maybe current economic adversity will lead us to understand the true meaning of Christmas with the added benefit of a longer life.
Anthony G. Alessi, MD, is Chief of Neurology at The William W. Backus Hospital with a private practice at NeuroDiagnostics, LLC in Norwich. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Alessi and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving.org, comment on their blog or buy his book at backushospital.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 4:23 PM 
