Happiness - the best defence against breast cancer

A survey out today suggests that having a positive outlook on life can reduce a woman's risk of contracting breast cancer by 25%. Meanwhile, those who are stressed increase their risk by a staggering 62%.

I strongly suspect a similar survey for other diseases would reap similar statistics. Optimism and happiness I'm quite sure have an impact on health that we cannot even begin to recognise at the moment.

And, what those who would condemn religion as 'unhealthy' should remember, is that every survey ever done on the subject suggests those who have faith are far happier than those who don't.

Religious and Animal Welfare Leaders to Announce Food, Faith Pledge

Something we could be thinking about here too, I think, although not just for October!

"The Humane Society of the United States is announcing its 2008 "All Creatures Great and Small" campaign, which involves a pledge to either switch to cage-free eggs or egg substitutes for the month of October. Nearly 280 million laying hens in the United States are confined in barren, wire cages so small the birds can't even spread their wings, and consumers can reduce animal suffering by making a few simple changes in their purchasing.

The HSUS is joining with religious leaders to ask people of faith to pledge for one month to either switch to cage-free eggs or egg substitutes as a way to end the cruelest confinement systems employed by the egg industry.

In many faiths, there are notable dates in October. For example, Oct. 2 is the end of Ramadan, Oct. 4 is the feast day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, and Oct. 8-9 is Yom Kippur. Already, thousands have taken the online pledge at humanesociety.org/allcreatures. "

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization - backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.