------------------------- Via Workers World News Service Reprinted from the Jan. 16, 2003 issue of Workers World newspaper -------------------------
EDITORIAL: TO YOUR HEALTH! British doctors have stumbled on a secret that we think you Workers World readers already know. Participating in organized protests is good for your physical and mental health. Psychologists at the University of Sussex found that people who get involved in campaigns, strikes and political demonstrations experience an improvement in psychological well-being that can help them overcome stress, pain, anxiety and depression, reported Reuters Health on Dec. 23, 2002. These doctors don't sound much like Bill Frist, the heart surgeon who is now Republican Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate and a point man for the pharmaceutical industry. No, these British docs are actually down with demonstrations! "The take-home message from this research therefore might be that people should get more involved in campaigns, struggles and social movements, not only in the wider interest of social change but also for their own personal good," said researcher Dr. John Drury. Volunteers were asked to describe what it was about taking part in collective action that made them feel so good. They loved feeling a collective identity with fellow protesters and said they got a sense of unity and mutual support from taking part that stayed with them for a long time. In this country, those who stay home glued to the television set by the end of the day have seen a gazillion murders, betrayals and sick brutalities. It's enough to drive anyone over the edge. They need the movement as much as the movement needs them. "Empowering events were almost without exception described as joyous occasions," said Drury. "Participants experienced a deep sense of happiness and even euphoria in being involved in protest events. Simply recounting the events in the interview brought a smile to the face of the interviewees." So let's get all our friends, neighbors and co-workers to Washington or San Francisco on Jan. 18. They'll thank us for it. n - END - (Copyright Workers World Service: Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but changing it is not allowed. For more information contact Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011; via e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe wwnews- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Support the voice of resistance http://www.workers.org/orders/donate.php) ------------------ This message is sent to you by Workers World News Service. To subscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send administrative queries to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
