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Volunteering: small acts, big change
(ARA) - For many communities across the country, the
smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest dif-
ference. Whether its working at a local soup kitchen,
visiting a nursing home, mentoring youth, or helping to
paint a local house in disrepair, there are many ways to
get involved.
Not only does volunteering help others, but it can
actually help you too. In fact, the health benefts of vol-
unteering can include reduced stress and an increased
feeling of self-worth. Additionally, research has shown
that for people with chronic conditions, being physi-
cally active can help to control joint swelling and pain.
When Debbie McGrady, a 56-year-old mother of two,
was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), she
decided she was not going to allow the condition to
take over her life. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease
that affects the lining of the joints, causing pain, swell-
ing and stiffness. While McGrady has had to deal with
occasional pain and stiffness, she was determined to
regain control of her physical and emotional health and
to keep active. She decided to get involved with Hand
in Hand for RA, a national campaign that found that 40
percent of RA patients would like to give back to their
communities by volunteering.
For McGrady, volunteering has proven to be very
rewarding and fun. She drives seniors to their doctors
appointments, to the drugstore and helps them with
other errands. Volunteering is such a gratifying feeling
and allows me to focus on helping others as opposed to
my disease, says McGrady. The smallest things can
make a world of difference for somebody and certainly
make me feel good too.
Founded in 2009, Hand in Hand for RA is a national
awareness campaign that encourages people with RA
to learn about the benefts of volunteering and share
their own inspirational stories. It allows people living
with the disease to discuss their experiences with oth-
ers going through the same obstacles.
Weve seen that many people with RA share a
common desire to volunteer, says Seth Ginsberg,
co-founder and president of grassroots arthritis group
CreakyJoints, an online community for people with
arthritis and a partner of the campaign. I am inspired
when I hear that others are giving back, despite their
diseases.
This year, give back to your community and lend a
helping hand. For more information on how to get
involved visit www.handinhandforRA.com.